Since first incorporated in 1953, the District of Kitimat has always sat within the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.

The District's place within Haisla Territory has not always been well acknowledged, in fact the establishment of Kitimat as a community with strong industrial development took place largely without any effective, or meaningful inclusion.

Haisla Nation also was not immune to the hardships faced by Nations across Canada through settlement and policies of assimilation, from community displacement, to the residential schools legacy, and to devastating sickness.

Reconciliation, partly, is facing a tough past in a new era of understanding.

The District of Kitimat recognizes the importance of creating a new, stronger relationship with Haisla.

When you picture reconciliation, what do you feel are top priorities?

Reconciliation is many things. As the District continues on this journey, what actions or priorities can you vision to move us forward? (max 140 characters).

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Moderation Policy

27 November, 2024

Brenda says:

Advise the Mayor and Councilors Feldoffr, Pitzel, Empinado to reflect and respect the DOK land acknowledgment.

27 November, 2024

Brenda says:

Rename the streets. Simple.

11 September, 2024

LadyAnn says:

I can see from both sides and cultures when I dinner is hosted to ask Haisla Clans and society’s in kitimat to help out with the cookingBaki

11 September, 2024

Cheryl grant says:

I can see from both sides and cultures when I dinner is hosted to ask Haisla Clans and society’s in kitimat to help out with the cooking

A history of collaboration and culture

Below we share information about collaborations that have taken place to date between the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation.

As one aspect of the District’s effort to build and sustain a healthy and positive relationship with the Haisla Nation, the District commits to recognizing its place on the Territory of the Haisla Nation.

Wording

“We/I respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Haisla Nation.”

When to say it

The above land acknowledgement will be provided at the introductions of:

  • Any Regular or Special Meeting of Council, including inaugural meetings.
  • Any special meeting or gathering organized by the District, where the general public or external representatives are invited to attend.
  • An opportunity where the Mayor or a representative of the District of Kitimat has been invited to provide remarks or a speech within the District of Kitimat or within Haisla Territory.

A written land acknowledgement will also appear within the District of Kitimat Annual Report and within any Master or Neighbourhood Plan, and in the e-mail signature of District employees.

Why do we use it

A land acknowledgement is one way, of many, that the District can continually to show its respect and recognition to the Haisla Nation and to honour their ongoing connection to this land.

The District understands that the harmful policies of the past against Indigenous Peoples are still part of the living memory of the Haisla Nation and these acknowledgements are a means to show in good faith our desire to walk the path of Truth and Reconciliation.