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On November 4 and 5, 2025, Nisg̱a’a Executives and Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisg̱a’a (WSN) Members attended the 10th B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering held on the territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx ̓wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
The Gathering is a partnership between the First Nations Leadership Council (comprised of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs) and the Government of British Columbia. As one of the largest meetings of First Nations and provincial leaders in the country, the Gathering is designed to recognize, respect, and honour relationships, and foster joint dialogue and collaboration through plenary dialogues, discussion, and one-on-one meetings.
During the Opening Remarks, Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas (Laxele’wuts’aat), First Nations Summit Political Executive, encouraged a focus on our strengths – and strengths of leadership – suggesting there is no need to wait for permission to rebuild, sharing his belief that “we are strong and ready.”
Regional Chief Terry Teegee, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, who has attended the last eight Gatherings noted that First Nations’ relationship with B.C.’s provincial government has changed over time – as have political atmospheres – which in turn directly impacts First Nations’ relationship with the government. “If reconciliation was easy, it would have happened a long time ago,” he said.
In his opening statement, Honourable David Eby, K.C., Premier, Province of British Columbia, recognized that it is a challenging time across the province and country for everyone – Indigenous or not. “The only path forward for provincial and federal government is in partnership with Indigenous people,” he said. “Full stop.” Premier Eby took this opportunity to remind all delegates that we cannot remain in our own bubbles. We need to engage with each other – minimizing distrust and enabling us to move closer together.
Approaching the Gathering as an opportunity to move collective agendas forward, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, ʔaʔsiwɬ, President, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, spoke about the vitality of collective dialogue in order to build a successful future for our great grandchildren, grandchildren, and children. He reminded delegates that this is an opportunity to come together and remind ourselves: “at the end of the day, we’re friends and neighbours; as long as we’re all here [at the Gathering], we’re family.”
The B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering is an unprecedented event – the only one of its kind in Canada – with approximately 1,300 delegates in attendance this year. The Gathering provides dedicated space and time for provincial leaders to engage directly with First Nations leadership about their individual community issues. To facilitate this, 1,284 meetings were held over the two-day period.
Nisg̱a’a Executives and WSN Members attended 30 meetings with provincial government representatives covering a range of topics including: Nass Area Nisg̱a’a Lands and Tree Farm Licence 1; housing and supports for urban, rural, and northern programs; Nisg̱a’a cyber safety and telecommunications expansion; Treaty relationships; waste, water, and protected areas assessment for Nass Area; Nisg̱a’a Child and Family Services; food security and ministerial engagement with NLG; Nisg̱a’a engagement and justice matters on public safety and RCMP practice in Nass Area; Nisg̱a’a schools and education reports; and much more.
The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations meetings Nisg̱a’a attended covered such topics as: Premier’s Forum follow up; whole of government solutions to community safety; Alliance funding; partnerships on infrastructure projects; Bill 15 regulations; partnership opportunities on economic growth projects; the toxic drug crisis; First Nations Health Authority as a barrier to Modern Treaty Nation governance; and more.
Through themes of rights, respect, and reconciliation, the Gathering advances respectful relations that support reconciliation and uphold self-determination. “This Gathering marks an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to the dialogue and hard work required to advance reconciliation,” said President Eva Clayton. “This meeting of Leaders provides a space for First Nations across the province to directly engage with government on its commitments to supporting First Nations self-government and economic opportunities.”
Reflecting on key takeaways from the Gathering, CEO Andrew Robinson shared: “It’s exciting to see that current global environmental challenges and opportunities aren’t just affecting Nisg̱a’a, but our country, and how we need to stand together.”
For Janice Angus, Acting Executive Director, Nisg̱a’a, it was key to “remind provincial treaty partners that our communication is with them, not through the various societies we’re a part of,” she explained. “Our communication is direct with the province.”
When asked what she would like to share with Nisg̱a’a citizens from the Gathering, Janice reflected: “This time has given us the opportunity to build network and capacity to better serve our Nisg̱a’a citizens.”
As progressive as the Gathering is, there continues to be opportunities for growth, development, and improvement. “When the federal budget was announced, I was challenged by the lack of knowledge in the room among Indigenous leadership and provincial leadership about how to strategically align as a country and a unified process,” said Andrew.
Discussing core insights from the breadth of meetings they attended, Andrew and Janice agreed that on the topic of Elders, a lack of alignment persists. “There’s very little to support Indigenous Elders,” Andrew said. “Maintaining quality of life and being able to retire in a respectful manner is a basic need we’re constantly bringing forward.”
While First Nations leaders and provincial leaders met, a Youth Caucus met concurrently – composed of youth from First Nations communities attending the Gathering. During the Closing Remarks, Youth Caucus representatives presented their discussions and learnings via a joint message, sharing: Young people are ready to take action however there continues to be a need for mentorship and opportunity. Support and collaboration is imperative. There needs to be balance, however, this balance is currently obsolete. Culture does not need to be left behind to succeed. The future of Indigenous economic development is not just about filling jobs, but filling potential.
Echoing the Youth’s message, in his closing remarks, Honourable Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, underscored the need to involve both Youth and Elders – reaffirming this unique Gathering as an opportunity for change and hope.
In closing, Hugh Braker, First Nations Summit Political Executive, identified the Gathering as a prime opportunity for First Nations leaders and provincial government leaders to come together and discuss issues of mutual concern – looking for constructive, realistic answers. “When we sit down together, we’re honest to each other,” said Hugh. “Without that honesty and frankness, we’re never going to understand the person sitting opposite at the table; that understanding is crucial.” He continued to highlight such pressing issues as social assistance, health, climate change, racism, drugs, and resources. “We must begin planning for the future,” he concluded.
K̓áwáziɫ Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, expressed her gratitude for the Gathering – viewing the unity of leadership as a catalytic pathway to advance priorities, explaining “these meetings set the table for more wholesome discussions.”
Day two of the Gathering coincided with Take Our Kids to Work Day 2025 – a national program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, led by the Students Commission of Canada and made possible thanks to support from the Royal Bank of Canada.
Nisg̱a’a citizen, Lana Plante, Senior Associate – Program Specialist, New Relationship Trust, attending the Gathering as an exhibition booth host, seized this opportunity to bring her daughter, Kiana McKay, to the event, to share with her the ongoing work and collaboration between First Nations leaders and provincial government. “I really enjoyed learning about the different First Nations and all of the different organizations and what they do,” said Kiana. Lana agreed: “I loved the conference. It’s very important for First Nations to have all these meetings with the ministers – to ask the important questions for their communities and be heard. I hope they [the provincial government] take these important messages and implement them.”