As the interview with James Gosnell and Nelson Leeson clearly shows, our leaders of the past were open to the development of industry in the Nass Area provided Nisga’a Nation was properly consulted, environmental considerations were addressed, and Nisga’a Nation benefited from those developments.

Watch this perfectly preserved archival gem, courtesy of the Royal BC Museum, featuring an interview of two of our great leaders of the past on then BCTV’s morning news program Webster, which aired September 24, 1980.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsB6j9aA7FI

One excerpt of the exchange between James Gosnell and Jack Webster is particularly instructive:

Jack Webster: You’re prepared to allow development but you want your share of the pie?

James Gosnell:  Definitely, yes.  If you look at our Declaration the key word in the Declaration is sharing of the resources not only of the people of British Columbia but all of Canada as we’ve said.  So we don’t think we’re unrealistic in what we are saying.  We’re not kicking anybody out.  We’re not against any development in any way, shape or form. But as of this moment, we have no say in the area, nothing.

In 1970's and 1980's, the Amax mining corporation would not consult with Nisga'a Nation, address our environmental concerns respecting management of tailings, nor allow us to participate in the benefits of the project.  As this interview shows, this is why we were opposed to this project.

Today, the situation is very different.  Utilizing the protections set out in the Environmental Chapter of our Nisga’a Treaty, Nisga'a Nation has ensured that in respect of proposed projects in the Nass Area, we have been consulted and proper environmental protections are in place to protect our lands and waters as required by our Treaty.  Finally, we have ensured that we receive real and lasting benefits from these developments.  This can be seen in the benefits agreement for the Avanti Mines project and the PRGT Benefits Agreement Nisga'a Nation has signed off with these proponents.