Lax Kw’alaams Department of Reconciliation
Since 2020, Lax Kw’alaams has been in early discussions with the federal and provincial governments to discuss ways for Lax Kw’alaams to move away from the Indian Act through a process called Reconciliation. To advance these discussions, and create a path toward self-determination, Lax Kw’alaams created the Reconciliation Department to move forward with community-driven governance-building activities.
Our Community Communication
To better understand the communications preferences of our members and how they want to be engaged on nation-building efforts, an initial members’ communication survey was launched and ran from February 2 to April 27, 2022. A second survey on constitutional development was launched in late April 2022 until April 2023.
So far, we have learned that Lax Kw’alaams membership would like more information about:
- the role, impact and purpose of a constitution;
- how best to incorporate adaawx and ayaawx and other legal traditions;
- additional opportunities for members to provide feedback (i.e., workshops, surveys and other engagement methods).
Developing a Constitution for Lax Kw’alaams
With nation-building and self-determination front of mind, Lax Kw’alaams initiated a members-focused communications and engagement nation-building initiatives, with a focus on constitutional development for Lax Kw’alaams.
Starting in June 2022, Lax Kw’alaams launched community engagement on reconciliation related initiatives, using a community-led open and transparent approach and process. Understanding the voice of the people must form the foundation of nation-building, Lax Kw’alaams prioritized launched the Amlahaw “Peoples’ Voices” Initiative, and initiative to work gather the strong voices of our community and membership.
Through the Amlahaw “Peoples’ Voices” Initiative, we have gathered the voices, perspectives and values of our members, who have shared a collective vision for their nation, which must be captured by the constitution and governance as an alternative to the Indian Act.
We have held many workshops, community meetings, interviews, and virtual sessions to share educational information about constitutional development and governance with the people of Lax Kw’alaams.
Lax Kw’alaams First Nation
Notice of Referendum on April 9, 2025
On March 10, 2025, notice was given that the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation had called a referendum, by at least 60% of voters who vote in the referendum, to approve and implement the proposed Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, in accordance with Lax Kw’alaams’ inherent right to self-determination and self-government. Please see below for a copy of the Constitution.
To register to vote online, please visit https://www.onefeather.ca/nations/laxkwalaams. Registration for online voting will be open until April 3, 2025, and online voting begins April 4, 2025 and closes April 9, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Regular Voting Places/Locations, Date, and Times:
In Lax Kw’alaams:
Date: April 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Reginald Sampson Recreation Centre Gymnasium, 1600 Church Street, Lax Kw’alaams, BC V0V 1H0
In Prince Rupert:
Date: April 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Location: Auditorium, Jim Ciccone Civic Center, 1000 McBride Street, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 3H2
Community Engagement Sessions will be held leading up to the constitution referendum on April 9th. Members will have the opportunity to receive information and express their views on the Constitution and upcoming Referendum. To learn more about Community Engagement Sessions, and find a date and time that works for you, please visit: https://laxkwalaams.ca/community-engagement-sessions-lax-kwalaams-constitution-referendum-updated-schedule/
Get Involved!
If you are a member of Lax Kw’alaams and want to get involved in nation-building, please send us an email at [email protected] – we look forward to hearing your strong voices! Check out our current events and notices at the bottom of this page under “Latest News.”
Resources
Latest News
- Joint Statement of the nine Allied Ty’msyen Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams and Elected Mayor and Council of the Lax Kw’alaams Band
- Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation Referendum Results
- Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution Audio Version
- A Fresh Start for Lax Kw’alaams – The Da’ax Kw’alaam Man-Ayaawx Constitution
- Re: Crown Withdrawal of Kitselas Treaty Pending Consultation
- Lax Kw’alaams Constitutional Referendum Information Presentation
- Press Release: Lax Kw’alaams Hereditary and Elected Leaders sign Governance Accord and Announce a Historic Referendum to Approve Written Constitution
- Press Release: Online Voting Opens Today for Lax Kw’alaams Constitutional Referendum, April 4, 2025
- Version for Ratification – DA’AX KW’ALAAMS MAN-AYAAWX CONSTITUTION OF THE LAX KW’ALAAMS FIRST NATION
- Notice: Da’ax Kw’alaams Man-Ayaawx Constitution of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation *Revised for Ratification March 10, 2025*
- Community Engagement Sessions – Lax Kw’alaams Constitution Referendum – *UPDATED SCHEDULE*
- Online Voting is Now Open – Constitution Referendum
- Notice of Referendum on April 9, 2025
- Notice to Members Re Gitxaala Claim
- Upcoming Reconciliation Engagement Workshops in Victoria