The traditional economy of the Lax Kw’alaams was based on fishing, hunting and trapping with each of the 9 tribes having their own distinct tribal lands.  Each tribe had exclusive use and control of all natural resources within their boundaries. If another Nation wanted to use resources or conduct trade within the area, they had to receive permission from the tribe and often had to pay what amounted to a tax for those privileges.

Marine resources remain at the heart of the Lax Kw’alaams Nation, with Coast Tsimshian Seafood offering full-time employment to over one hundred Lax Kw’alaams members.

The traditional territory of the Nation encompasses part of the Skeena river, which contains important salmon habitat. Protection of marine resources is very important to the Lax Kw’alaams community; the Lax Kw’alaams Fisheries Stewardship Program carries out marine resource monitoring and scientific research that helps to conserve and protect this unique ecosystem.