Nisg̲a’a Nation
Nass Valley
The Nisg̲a'a territory encompasses 200,000 hectares of the Nass Valley, reaching from the mouth of the K’alii Aksim Lisims (the Nass River) to the Hazelton Mountains.
The Nisg̲a’a Nation’s main communities are located in the Nass Valley, in the villages of Ging̲olx, Gitlaxt’aamiks, Gitwinksihlkw and Laxgalts’ap, on BC’s North Coast
Nisg̲a’a Nation
The Nisga’a people have lived in the Nass Valley since time immemorial, thriving in an area rich with forests, inlets, and sleeping volcanoes.
Today there are four main village sites along the Nass River: Gingolx, Laxgalts’ap, Gitwinksihlkw, and Gitlaxt’aamiks.
Historically the Nass River supported many permanent Nisga’a settlements all along its route, stretching the length of the Northwest Coast and deep in to the interior. The bountiful resources of the Nisga’a territory allowed the Nisga’a people to develop one of the most unique and sophisticated cultures in North America.
Nisga’a legend tells us that as the Wil Ksi-Baxhl Mihl (volcano) erupted in the 1700s:
Gwaaxts’agat (a powerful supernatural being) suddenly emerged to block the lava’s flow. For days, Gwaaxts’agat blew on the lava with its great nose. Finally, the lava cooled and Gwaaxts’agat retreated into the mountain where it remains to this day.
Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a – the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed park, located within the Nisga’a territory, serves as a memorial to the thousands of Nisga’a who lost their lives and also as a reminder “of the importance of kwhlixhoosa’anskw (respect)—for both the natural world and the wisdom of the elders.”
Related to Nisg̲a’a Nation
The Saviour Fish: Protecting Nisga’a Connection to Oolichan
After Ḵ’alii Aksim Lisims (Nass River) oolichan were designated a species-at-risk, the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government undertook a multi-year research project that would protect their connection to the culturally important fish.
Written on the Land: Cultural Tourism in Nisg̲a’a Territory
A cultural tourism and marketing initiative developed by the Nisg̲a’a Lisims Government boosts tourism in the Nass Valley, raises the profile of its entrepreneurs, and reinforces the sovereignty and culture of the Nisg̲a’a Nation.
Nisga’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw Opens Welcome House Café and Gift Shop
The Nisg̱a’a Village of Gitwinksihlkw is investing in and developing their tourism infrastructure to bring people into their community and keep them coming back. In late 2020, they opened the Welcome House Café and Gift Shop, operated by entrepreneur Sally Nyce.
Nisga’a Nation Launches Tourism Marketing Initiative
The Nisga’a Nation has launched a comprehensive new destination marketing program with a new website, auto tour, and international marketing campaigns.
Nisg̲a'a Organizations and Resources
- Nisg̲a'a Lisims Government
- Nisg̲a'a Village of Gingolx
- Nisg̲a'a Village of Gitlaxt'aamiks
- Nisg̲a'a Village of Laxgalts'ap
- Nisga'a Pacific Ventures
- Nass Area Properties
- Lisims Communications
- Lisims Forest Resources
- Nisga'a Fisheries
- Lisims Backcountry Adventures
- Hli Goothl Wilp Adokshl Nisga'a - Nisga'a Museum
- Nisg̲a'a Facebook
- Nisg̲a'a Twitter
- Nisg̲a'a YouTube
Online Resources
- Nisg̲a'a - Northwest Coast Village Project
The Bill Reid Centre at Simon Fraser University
- Nisg̲a'a Museum Programs
Nisg̲a'a Museum - Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisg̲a'a
- Nisg̲a'a Treaty Implementation
Nisg̲a'a Final Agreement - Nisg̲a'a Lisims Government, Canada and the Province of British Columbia