On a rainy June morning, the community gathered at Minette Bay West park to celebrate a new friendship agreement, called gi guáƛap̓ nis (meaning, helping each other. Pronounced "gyee-gyah-wah-TLAHP-neese").

This document, signed on June 2, 2024, marked both the end of one process and the start of another.

Kitimat and Haisla had been engaged through a two-year process with CEDI, the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative. CEDI facilitated a relationship building process which culminated with the signing of the friendship agreement.

The agreement, however, sets the foundation for how work will continue into the future.

“This friendship agreement means we have the foundation for all the work we will continue to do with Haisla,” says Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth in a news release when it was signed. “We have the plan, the principles, and the people in place to never lose sight of the value of a healthy and strong relationship. This is a good thing for the people of both communities.”

Then-Chief Councillor Crystal Smith also shared that "Our friendship agreement means we will always have a space to share ideas and plans for thoughtful development in the Territory. All our communities benefit from this new way we can work together in an environment of respect and inclusion."

Today, District and Haisla staff and representatives continue to meet to share items of common interest. An Indigenous Relations Manager has also been hired at the District of Kitimat to ensure the work of this agreement continues.

A project to develop a sign along Highway 37S to one day greet drivers heading to Kitimat with a message of welcome will feature acclaimed Haisla-artist Paul Windsor.

The District of Kitimat embarked on a project in 2024 to update highway signage along the route to the community.

A Call for Artists went out and Paul Windsor was the successful entrant. His work depicts a spring salmon.

"This is a design derived from a Spring salmon," Windsor said in his submission of the piece. "A Spring salmon is an obvious choice since it represents a timeline...of Haisla food fishing history to the current and past-decades of world-renowned sport and tourism fishing and industry of Kitimat, British Columbia."

While further work continues on the overall scope involved with updating the signs, the provided designs will one day create a warm welcome through the valley.

The artwork selected remains a work in progress and will be presented in the future!

The Haisla Nation is proud to announce a project that celebrates our culture and strengthens community identity: updating all street and stop signs throughout our community.

All street signs in the community will be updated to display their names in x̄á’isla language using the standardized orthography. Each street sign will feature a canoe design and stop signs will include a x̄á’isla handprint silhouetted in the background. Both the canoe and handprint designs were created by x̄á’isla community members, making the signs a meaningful reflection of our heritage. Street signs with phonetic spellings will remain alongside the orthographic signage to ensure that emergency services and visitors can navigate quickly and safely while respecting the language.

This project brings culture into everyday life. Seeing x̄á’isla language and community-created designs in public spaces strengthens pride and identity for everyone in the community.

At the same time, updated stop signs with phonetic spellings continue to keep streets safer for drivers and pedestrians alike. Beyond practical benefits, these new signs establish long-term, culturally enriched infrastructure that reflects x̄á’isla heritage for generations to come.

More than just updating signage, this initiative makes x̄á’isla culture visible in daily life, strengthens community identity, and leaves a lasting legacy for all Haisla members.

A message from Social Development Coordinator, Michelle Popp:

yawc̓ y’all!

My name is Michelle Popp and I’m the Social Development Coordinator at Kitimat Community Services Society. It’s a two-year grant position with funds provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) and held by the District of Kitimat.

The purpose of my role is to pick up from the previous Social Development Coordinator.

My role in a thesis statement would be: Bringing the voices of the vulnerable populations to the tables of decision makers, promoting equity, and bridging gaps pertaining to social health.

The goal is to report frontline findings to the decision makers that would see improvements in accessibility, through awareness and education. This role focuses on equity in alignment with service providers and clients. I’m a Social Health investigator, assessing, observing and collaborating with the community regarding our Social Health status. I’m an advocate, creating curiosities and conversations. I’m a resource for support. Should you need help and have no idea who to call, call me. I’m a hub of sorts, working collaboratively within the communities, and seeking to match funds with initiatives and programs through grants or sponsorships. The role was created to be a support to the vulnerable populations and the agencies who serve them.

A quick Google search would you have you see more than 32 categories listed as describing a “vulnerable person”. Chances are you know someone who fits the criteria, tell those people about this role!

I have so many research findings! However, my perspectives aren’t the important ones, yours are. I need to hear them. There will be times you’ll see me around doing surveys or questionnaires, in-person or online. Your input will be invaluable. I want to hear your experiences in accessing supports, participation in the community, and general well-being as a human being. My contact information is provided below.

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Michelle

This newsletter is prepared quarterly and is jointly created by Haisla Nation and District of Kitimat.

The next newsletter is expected to release in January 2026.