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:
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- the role, impact and purpose of a constitution;
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- how best to incorporate adaawx and ayaawx and other legal traditions;
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- 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.
April 9, 2025 Referendum Results
Results can be viewed here https://laxkwalaams.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Referendum-Results-April-9-2025.pdf
Referendum Feedback
The Reconciliation Department is holding a survey to gather feedback from Lax Kw’alaams members about the draft Constitution and the recent Referendum process.
Your input will help guide improvements and the next steps in developing a constitution that better reflects the values, needs, and vision of the community.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LAXCRSURVEY
This survey will close on August 30, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.
Prizes for completing the survey will be: 5 x $100, 1 x $500, and 1 x $1000 Visa gift cards
Please send any feedback on the Constitution and Referendum to [email protected]
Community Engagement: DRIPA & Law Making
The Lax Kw’alaams Reconciliation Department invites members to share their input on DRIPA and Law Making. You can participate by completing any or all of the surveys below.
Closing date – September 30, 2025
All Member Survey
All participants have the chance to win: $500, $300, $100 Visa Gift Card
Complete Survey Here
Member Interviews
Tribe Members/Leaders, Matriarchs, Harvesters, Elders, Knowledge Holders
$200 honorarium
Contact [email protected] to schedule interview
Youth Interviews
Youth Ages 8 – 30
$100 honorarium
Contact [email protected] to schedule interview
Participants must provide proof of Lax Kw’alaams Band membership to take part.
DRIPA and Law-Making Interim Report
Lax Kw’alaams actively engaged the community and its members on topics of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and prepared an interim report findings.
Read the report here:
https://laxkwalaams.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LK-DRIPA-AND-LAW-MAKING-INTERIM-REPORT-2024-2025-FINAL.docx-1.pdf
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
- THE GRINCH MOVIE, CRAFT & PIZZA PARTY.
- Proposed Youth Council Engagement
- Paint Night and Youth Council Info Session
- EXTENDED: Constitutional Referendum Survey
- Community Engagement: DRIPA & Law Making
- In-Person Constitutional Referendum Survey: Lax Kw’alaams & Prince Rupert
- DRIPA and Law-Making Interim Report
- Honorarium Distribution Through Direct Deposit
- Constitutional Referendum Interview
- Reconciliation Department Referendum Survey with Prizes
- Community Engagement: DRIPA & Law Making
- 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