Chapter 3 - Lands

NISGA’A LANDS

General

1. On the effective date, Nisga’a Lands consist of all lands, including islands, within the boundaries set out in Appendix A except submerged lands, the Gingietl Creek Ecological Reserve, the Nisga’a Highway corridor, and the lands within the boundaries set out in Appendix B:
   
   
   1. Appendix B-1 - land in the vicinity of Red Bluff that has been set apart as Indian Reserve No. 88;
      
      
   2. Appendix B-2 - land in respect of which British Columbia has granted an estate in fee simple;
      
      
   3. Appendix B-3 - land in respect of which British Columbia has granted an agriculture lease or woodlot licence; and
      
      
   4. Appendix B-4 - roads associated with the land referred to in Appendix B-2.
      
      
2. On the effective date, Nisga’a Lands comprise 1,992 square kilometres, more or less, of land in the lower Nass Valley, consisting of:
   
   
   1. 1,930 square kilometres, more or less; and
      
      
   2. 62 square kilometres, more or less, of lands identified as former Nisga’a Indian reserves in Appendix A-4, and which cease to be Indian reserves on the effective date.

Ownership of Nisga’a Lands

3. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation owns Nisga’a Lands in fee simple, being the largest estate known in law. This estate is not subject to any condition, proviso, restriction, exception, or reservation set out in the Land Act, or any comparable limitation under any federal or provincial law. No estate or interest in Nisga’a Lands can be expropriated except as permitted by, and in accordance with, this Agreement.
   
   
4. In accordance with this Agreement, the Nisga’a Constitution, and Nisga’a law, the Nisga’a Nation may:
   
   
   1. dispose of the whole of its estate in fee simple in any parcel of Nisga’a Lands to any person; and
      
      
   2. from the whole of its estate in fee simple, or its interest, in any parcel of Nisga’a Lands, create, or dispose of any lesser estate or interest to any person, including rights of way and covenants similar to those in sections 218 and 219 of the Land Title Act
      
      
   without the consent of Canada or British Columbia.
   
   
5. A parcel of Nisga’a Lands does not cease to be Nisga’a Lands as a result of any change in ownership of an estate or interest in that parcel.
   
   
6. All methods of acquiring a right in or over land by prescription or by adverse possession, including the common law doctrine of prescription and the doctrine of the lost modern grant, are abolished in respect of Nisga’a Lands.
   
   
7. If, at any time, any parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or any estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, finally escheats to the Crown, the Crown will transfer, at no charge, that parcel, estate or interest to the Nisga’a Nation.
   
   
8. Neither:
   
   
   1. any estate or interest of the Nisga’a Nation or a Nisga’a Village in any parcel of Nisga’a Lands to which the provincial Torrens system does not apply; nor
      
      
   2. any interest, right, privilege or title of the Nisga’a Nation or a Nisga’a Village reserved or excepted by the Nisga’a Nation or Nisga’a Village from any creation or disposition of an estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands
      
      
   is subject to attachment, charge other than charges that are liens in favour of Canada or British Columbia, seizure, distress, execution, or sale, except under an instrument, including a mortgage or other security instrument, in favour of a person and granted by the Nisga’a Nation or the Nisga’a Village, or if allowed under a law made by Nisga’a Lisims Government under paragraph 44 of the Nisga’a Government Chapter.

Additions to Nisga’a Lands

9. If, at any time, the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen owns the estate in fee simple to any parcel of land within the boundaries set out in Appendix B-1, B-2, or B-3, the Nisga’a Nation may, with the consent of the owner, add that parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands. That parcel of land, together with any roads identified in Appendix B-4 associated with it, will become Nisga’a Lands upon receipt by Canada and British Columbia of written notice from the Nisga’a Nation identifying that parcel of land and attaching the written consent of the owner of that parcel of land.
   
   
10. If, at any time:
    
    
    1. British Columbia owns the estate in fee simple to any land within the boundaries set out in Appendix B-2; or
       
       
    2. any land within the boundaries set out in Appendix B-3 ceases to be subject to an agriculture lease or a woodlot licence existing on the effective date
       
       
    British Columbia will offer to sell the estate in fee simple to that land to the Nisga’a Nation for a price not to exceed fair market value.
    
    
11. If, at any time, the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation or a Nisga’a citizen owns the estate in fee simple to a parcel of land that is contiguous with Nisga’a Lands, other than land referred to in Appendix B-1, B-2, or B-3, the Nisga’a Nation may, with the consent of the owner and the agreement of Canada and British Columbia, add the land to Nisga’a Lands. If the owner consents and Canada, British Columbia, and the Nisga’a Nation agree that the land may be added to Nisga’a Lands, the land will become Nisga’a Lands upon receipt by Canada and British Columbia of written notice in accordance with that agreement.
    
    
12. If the Nisga’a Nation adds a parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands under paragraph 9 or 11, that land will be subject to:
    
    
    1. any existing charge, encumbrance, licence, or permit;
       
       
    2. any subsisting condition, proviso, restriction, exception, or reservation, contained in:
       
       
       1. the original grant or disposition from the Crown,
          
          
       2. any other grant or disposition from the Crown, or
          
          
       3. the

          Land Act

          
          
          
       other than those in favour of the Crown at the time of the addition of the parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands; and
       
       
    3. any limitation under federal or provincial law comparable to those set out in subparagraph 12(b), other than those in favour of the Crown at the time of the addition of the parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands.
       
       
13. When a parcel of land becomes Nisga’a Lands under paragraph 9 or 11, any subsisting condition, proviso, restriction, exception, or reservation referred to in subparagraph 12(b) or (c) that is in favour of the Crown at the time of the addition of the parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands, will terminate.
    
    
14. If the Nisga’a Nation adds a parcel of land to Nisga’a Lands under paragraph 9 or 11, Appendix A-1, A-2, and A-3, and Appendix B-1, B-2, B-3, or B-4, as the case may be, will be amended to reflect the change to the boundaries of Nisga’a Lands.

Boundary Resolution

15. If a Party provides the other Parties with a proposal to clarify the location of any part of a boundary of Nisga’a Lands, the Parties will follow the procedure set out in Schedule A.

Designations of Nisga’a Lands

16. Nisga’a Lands comprise Nisga’a Public Lands, Nisga’a Private Lands, and Nisga’a Village Lands.
    
    
17. Nisga’a Public Lands are Nisga’a Lands other than those designated by Nisga’a Lisims Government as Nisga’a Village Lands or Nisga’a Private Lands.
    
    
18. Nisga’a Private Lands include:
    
    
    1. lands in which Nisga’a Lisims Government creates an exclusive interest; and
       
       
    2. lands that are otherwise required for uses that are incompatible with public access, including commercial, cultural, or resource development uses.

MINERAL RESOURCES

19. For greater certainty, in accordance with paragraph 3, on the effective date the Nisga’a Nation owns all mineral resources on or under Nisga’a Lands.
    
    
20. Nisga’a Lisims Government has the exclusive authority to determine, collect, and administer any fees, rents, royalties, or other charges in respect of mineral resources on or under Nisga’a Lands.
    
    
21. Nisga’a Lisims Government and British Columbia may enter into agreements in respect of the application on Nisga’a Lands of provincial administrative systems relating to:
    
    
    1. claim staking;
       
       
    2. recording and inspecting of subsurface exploration and development;
       
       
    3. the collection of fees, rents, royalties, and other charges by British Columbia on behalf of Nisga’a Lisims Government; and
       
       
    4. other similar matters.

SUBMERGED LANDS WITHIN NISGA’A LANDS

22. British Columbia owns the submerged lands within Nisga’a Lands.
    
    
23. British Columbia will provide written notice to the Nisga’a Nation of any proposed disposition of an estate or interest in, or use or occupation of, submerged lands within Nisga’a Lands.
    
    
24. British Columbia will not, in respect of submerged lands within Nisga’a Lands:
    
    
    1. grant an estate in fee simple;
       
       
    2. grant a lease that, with any rights of renewal, may exceed 25 years;
       
       
    3. transfer administration and control for a period that may exceed 25 years; or
       
       
    4. otherwise dispose of an estate or interest in, or authorize the use or occupation of, submerged lands within Nisga’a Lands if that disposition, use, or occupation would adversely affect Nisga’a Lands or Nisga’a interests set out in this Agreement
       
       
    without the consent of the Nisga’a Nation, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
    
    
25. If the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen applies to British Columbia to acquire an estate or interest in, or for authorization to use or occupy, submerged lands within Nisga’a Lands, British Columbia will not unreasonably refuse to grant the estate or interest or to issue the authorization if:
    
    
    1. the Nisga’a Nation has consented to the acquisition, use, or occupation; and
       
       
    2. the proposed acquisition or authorization conforms to provincial law respecting the disposition, use, or occupation of submerged lands within British Columbia.
       
       
26. A dispute as to whether:
    
    
    1. the Nisga’a Nation is unreasonably withholding consent under paragraph 24; or
       
       
    2. British Columbia is unreasonably refusing to grant an estate or interest, or to issue an authorization, under paragraph 25
       
       
    will be finally determined by arbitration under the Dispute Resolution Chapter.
    
    
27. For greater certainty, paragraphs 22 to 26 do not affect any property rights of upland owners of Nisga’a Lands adjacent to submerged lands.

INTERESTS ON NISGA’A LANDS

Definition of "Interests"

28. In paragraphs 29 to 41, "interests" includes estates, interests, charges, mineral claims, encumbrances, licences, and permits.

Former Interests Cease to Exist

29. On the effective date:
    
    
    1. the Nisga’a Nation's title to Nisga’a Lands is free and clear of all interests, except:
       
       
       1. those granted or issued under paragraphs 30 to 40,
          
          
       2. those referred to in paragraph 41,
          
          
       3. those continued or issued under the transition provisions of the Forest Resources Chapter, and
          
          
       4. those granted under the Roads and Rights of Way Chapter; and
          
          
    2. subject to paragraph 41, and the transition provisions of the Forest Resources Chapter, every interest that, before the effective date, encumbered or applied to the lands that are Nisga’a Lands, ceases to exist.

Replacement Interests

30. The Nisga’a Nation, in accordance with paragraphs 31 to 40, and the Roads and Rights of Way Chapter, will grant or issue interests to those persons who are named in Appendix C-1 as persons who, immediately before the effective date, had interests in the lands that comprise Nisga’a Lands on the effective date.
    
    
31. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation will execute documents granting or issuing to each person named in Appendix C-1 that person's interest, as set out in that Appendix.
    
    
32. A document executed under paragraph 31 for an interest set out in Part I of Appendix C-1 will be in the applicable form set out in Appendix C-2 and will include any modifications agreed upon in writing before the effective date by the Nisga’a Tribal Council and the person entitled to the interest.
    
    
33. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation will issue to each person named in Appendix C-5 a certificate of possession for the parcel of Nisga’a Lands ascribed to that person and described in Appendix C-5.
    
    
34. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation will issue to each person named in Appendix C-6 a certificate of possession for the parcel of Nisga’a Lands ascribed to that person and described in Appendix C-6.
    
    
35. A person to whom the Nisga’a Nation issues a certificate of possession under paragraph 33 or 34 will have substantially the same right to possess the described parcel of Nisga’a Lands as the person would have had as the holder of a certificate of possession under the Indian Act immediately before the effective date, modified to reflect Nisga’a Government jurisdiction over, and Nisga’a Nation ownership of, Nisga’a Lands.
    
    
36. After the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation or a Nisga’a Village may, in accordance with Nisga’a law, replace the certificates of possession issued under paragraphs 33 or 34 with estates or interests in, or licences to use or possess, the described parcels of Nisga’a Lands. If the certificates of possession are replaced with licences, the licences will include rights to use and possess the land comparable to, or greater than, those set out in those certificates of possession.
    
    
37. A document referred to in paragraph 31, 33 or 34, or in paragraph 7 of the Roads and Rights of Way Chapter, will be deemed to be:
    
    
    1. delivered by the Nisga’a Nation on the effective date; and
       
       
    2. executed and delivered by each person referred to in those paragraphs on the effective date, whether or not the document is actually executed or delivered by that person.
       
       
38. The Nisga’a Nation will, as soon as practicable after the effective date, physically deliver the applicable document:
    
    
    1. to each person named in Appendix C-1, C-5, or C-6; or
       
       
    2. to any other person who, before the effective date:
       
       
       1. was identified in writing to the Nisga’a Tribal Council by Canada or British Columbia as the person who, instead of a person named in Appendix C-1 or C-5, should receive an interest referred to in Appendix C-1 or C-5 by reason of death, any form of transfer, error or operation of law, or
          
          
       2. was identified in writing to Canada and British Columbia by the Nisga’a Tribal Council as the person who, instead of a person named in Appendix C-6, should receive an interest referred to in Appendix C-6 by reason of death, any form of transfer, error or operation of law
          
          
       and the Appendix will be amended to reflect the change.
       
       
39. If Canada or British Columbia notifies the Nisga’a Nation that an interest granted under paragraph 30, 31, 33, or 34:
    
    
    1. is in the name of a person who was not actually entitled to the interest on the effective date; or
       
       
    2. contains a clerical error or a wrong description of a material fact
       
       
    the appropriate Parties will take reasonable measures to rectify the error.
40. Any right of way of the nature described in section 218 of the Land Title Act that is granted by the Nisga’a Nation under this Agreement is legally binding and enforceable notwithstanding that the Nisga’a Lands to which the right of way relates are not subject to the Land Title Act.

Licences and Traplines

41. The traplines, guide outfitter licence and certificate, and angling guide licences set out in Appendix C-7 are retained by the persons who hold those interests on the effective date in accordance with provincial laws of general application and the Wildlife and Migratory Birds Chapter. If an interest referred to in this paragraph is not renewed or replaced, that interest will cease to exist.

Indemnities

42. British Columbia will indemnify and save harmless the Nisga’a Nation from any damages, losses, liabilities, or costs, excluding fees and disbursements of solicitors and other professional advisors, that the Nisga’a Nation may suffer or incur in connection with or as a result of any claims, demands, actions, or proceedings relating to or arising out of:
    
    
    1. the omission from Appendix C-1 of the name of a person who, immediately before the effective date, had an interest in Nisga’a Lands that had been granted by British Columbia; or
       
       
    2. the incorrect naming of a person in Appendix C-1 as a person entitled to an interest, where another person was actually entitled, immediately before the effective date, to the interest in Nisga’a Lands that had been granted by British Columbia.
       
       
43. Canada will indemnify and save harmless the Nisga’a Nation from any damages, losses, liabilities, or costs, excluding fees and disbursements of solicitors and other professional advisors, that the Nisga’a Nation may suffer or incur in connection with or as a result of any claims, demands, actions, or proceedings relating to or arising out of:
    
    
    1. the omission from Appendix C-1 or C-5 of the name of a person who, immediately before the effective date, had an interest in or a certificate of possession in respect of Nisga’a Lands that had been granted by Canada; or
       
       
    2. the incorrect naming of a person in Appendix C-1 or C-5 as a person entitled to an interest or certificate of possession, where another person was actually entitled, immediately before the effective date, to the interest or the certificate of possession in respect of Nisga’a Lands that had been granted by Canada.

SITE REMEDIATION

44. British Columbia will inspect the sites set out in Schedule B and will undertake, or cause to be undertaken, appropriate remediation of any contamination at each site as follows:
    
    
    1. British Columbia, or the person undertaking the remediation, will give notice to the Nisga’a Nation no more than 60 days before commencing the remediation; and
       
       
    2. whether a site is contaminated, and the nature and extent of the appropriate remediation, will be determined under British Columbia law and, for the purposes of those determinations, the use of the site will be deemed to be either:
       
       
       1. the actual use of the site on the date of the notice under subparagraph (a); or
          
          
       2. if the site is not in use on the date of the notice under subparagraph (a), the use identified in Schedule B.

NISGA’A FEE SIMPLE LANDS OUTSIDE Nisga’a LANDS

45. Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands consist of Category A Lands and Category B Lands as described in Appendix D.

Category A Lands

46. Category A Lands are the parcels of land set out in Appendix D -2 and D-3, and consist of:
    
    
    1. the lands identified as former Nisga’a Indian reserves in Appendix D -2 and D-3; and
       
       
    2. certain lands adjacent to some of those former Nisga’a Indian reserves.
       
       
47. On the effective date, the lands outside Nisga’a Lands that are identified as former Nisga’a Indian reserves in Appendix D-2 and D-3 cease to be Indian reserves.
    
    
48. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation owns the estate in fee simple to Category A Lands.
    
    
49. The estate in fee simple to Category A Lands is subject to the rights referred to in subparagraph 50(1)(a)(iii) of the Land Act but is not subject to any other conditions, provisos, restrictions, exceptions, or reservations set out in section 50 of the Land Act, and no estate or interest in Category A Lands can be expropriated from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen except as permitted by, and in accordance with, this Agreement.
    
    
50. On the effective date, subject to paragraph 51, the estate in fee simple to Category A Lands is free and clear of all estates, interests, charges, mineral claims, encumbrances, licences, and permits, except those set out in Appendix D -4.
    
    
51. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation owns all mineral resources on or under Category A Lands, free and clear of all estates, interests, charges, mineral claims, encumbrances, licences, and permits, except for the mineral claims set out in Appendix D -4.
    
    
52. On the effective date, British Columbia owns the submerged lands within the Category A Lands other than the submerged lands within the Category A Lands described in Appendix D -2 as former I.R. Nos. 24, 27, and 27A, and extensions, and those submerged lands are owned by the Nisga’a Nation.
    
    
53. A parcel of Category A Lands ceases to be Category A Lands if no estate or interest in that parcel is owned by the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation or a Nisga’a citizen.
    
    
54. If the Nisga’a Nation disposes of the estate in fee simple in the Category A Lands described in Appendix D -2 as former I.R. No. 15 and extension, it will reserve to itself a blanket right of way for the purpose of providing road access across that parcel to adjacent lands. The Nisga’a Nation will, on request of British Columbia, assign the benefit of the right of way over that portion of that parcel upon which the forest service road existing on the effective date is located, in accordance with the following:
    
    
    1. any assignment will be on reasonable terms, including the location of the requested right of way area, its width considering the intended use, its effect on neighbouring lands and payment of fair compensation, but, notwithstanding subparagraph (d) of the definition of "fair compensation", particular cultural values will not be included in the determination of fair compensation; and
       
       
    2. if British Columbia and the Nisga’a Nation are unable to agree on the terms of the assignment, including the reasonableness of the proposed terms or location of the requested right of way area, the terms of the assignment will be finally determined by arbitration under the Dispute Resolution Chapter, but the arbitrator will not have authority to require British Columbia to accept an assignment of the right of way.

Provincial Expropriation of Category A Lands

55. A provincial expropriating authority may expropriate an estate or interest in Category A Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen under provincial legislation only if the expropriation is:
    
    
    1. justifiable and necessary for a provincial public purpose;
       
       
    2. of the smallest estate or interest necessary, and for the shortest time required, for that provincial public purpose;
       
       
    3. by and for the use of a provincial ministry or agent of the provincial Crown; and
       
       
    4. with the consent of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
       
       
56. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates less than the estate in fee simple in Category A Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen, British Columbia will provide the owner of the interest expropriated with fair compensation.
    
    
57. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates the estate in fee simple, including the mineral resources, in Category A Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, or a Nisga’a Corporation, British Columbia will provide the owner of the estate in fee simple with:
    
    
    1. equivalent Crown land if:
       
       
       1. the owner and the Nisga’a Nation request compensation in the form of equivalent Crown land, and
          
          
       2. equivalent Crown land is available; or
          
          
    2. fair compensation if:
       
       
       1. the owner and the Nisga’a Nation do not request equivalent Crown land,
          
          
       2. equivalent Crown land is not available, or
          
          
       3. the owner, the Nisga’a Nation, and British Columbia otherwise agree.
          
          
58. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates the estate in fee simple, including the mineral resources, in Category A Lands from a Nisga’a citizen, British Columbia will provide the owner of the estate in fee simple with fair compensation.
    
    
59. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates the estate in fee simple, excluding any mineral resources, in Category A Lands under paragraph 55, the owner of the estate in fee simple and the Nisga’a Nation may require British Columbia to include the mineral resources in the expropriation. If the owner and the Nisga’a Nation require British Columbia to include the mineral resources in the expropriation, paragraph 57 applies to the expropriation.
    
    
60. Unless British Columbia and the Nisga’a Nation otherwise agree, any lands provided by British Columbia to the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen as compensation for an expropriation of an estate or interest in Category A Lands will become Category A Lands.

Category B Lands

61. Category B Lands are the parcels of land outside Nisga’a Lands set out in Appendix D -6 and D-7.
    
    
62. On the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation owns the estate in fee simple to Category B Lands.
    
    
63. The estate in fee simple to Category B Lands is subject to the conditions, provisos, restrictions, exceptions, and reservations set out in paragraph 50(1)(a) of the Land Act, except that set out in subparagraph 50(1)(a)(i) of the Land Act, but no estate or interest in Category B Lands can be expropriated from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen except as permitted by, and in accordance with, this Agreement.
    
    
64. On the effective date, subject to paragraph 65, the estate in fee simple to Category B Lands is free and clear of all estates, interests, charges, mineral claims, encumbrances, licences, and permits, except those set out in Appendix D -8.
    
    
65. On the effective date, British Columbia owns the submerged lands within the Category B Lands.
    
    
66. On the effective date, British Columbia owns the mineral resources on or under the Category B Lands that are reserved to the Crown under subparagraph 50(1)(a)(ii) of the Land Act.
    
    
67. A parcel of Category B Land ceases to be Category B Lands if no estate or interest in that parcel is owned by the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen.

Provincial Expropriation of Category B Lands

68. A provincial expropriating authority may expropriate the estate in fee simple or any interest in Category B Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen under provincial legislation only if compensation is provided in accordance with paragraphs 69 to 72.
    
    
69. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates less than the estate in fee simple in Category B Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen, British Columbia will provide the owner of the interest expropriated with fair compensation.
    
    
70. If a provincial expropriating authority expropriates the estate in fee simple in Category B Lands from the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, or a Nisga’a Corporation, British Columbia will provide the owner of the estate in fee simple with:
    
    
    1. equivalent Crown land if:
       
       
       1. the owner and the Nisga’a Nation request compensation in the form of equivalent Crown land, and
          
          
       2. equivalent Crown land is available; or
          
          
    2. fair compensation if:
       
       
       1. the owner and the Nisga’a Nation do not request equivalent Crown Land,
          
          
       2. equivalent Crown land is not available, or
          
          
       3. the owner, the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia otherwise agree.
          
          
71. If British Columbia expropriates the estate in fee simple in Category B Lands from a Nisga’a citizen, British Columbia will provide the owner with fair compensation.
    
    
72. Unless British Columbia and the Nisga’a Nation otherwise agree, any lands provided by British Columbia to the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen as compensation for an expropriation of an estate or interest in Category B Lands will become Category B Lands.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN NISGA’A LANDS AND NISGA’A FEE SIMPLE LANDS

General

73. Canada acknowledges that it is of fundamental importance to maintain the size and integrity of Nisga’a Lands and Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, and therefore, as a general principle, estates or interests in Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, will not be expropriated under federal legislation.

Governor in Council Consent

74. Notwithstanding paragraph 73, an estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, may be expropriated under federal legislation if the Governor in Council consents to the expropriation.
    
    
75. The Governor in Council will consent to an expropriation of an estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, only if the expropriation:
    
    
    1. is justifiable and necessary for a federal public purpose; and
       
       
    2. is of the smallest estate or interest necessary, and for the shortest time required, for that federal public purpose.
       
       
76. The Governor in Council will not consent to an expropriation of a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, if other lands suitable for the federal public purpose are reasonably available.
    
    
77. Before the Governor in Council considers an expropriation of an estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, it will ensure that Canada has:
    
    
    1. consulted the Nisga’a Nation;
       
       
    2. ensured that reasonable efforts have been made to acquire the estate or interest through agreement with the owner of the estate or interest; and
       
       
    3. provided the Nisga’a Nation with all information relevant to the expropriation other than federal Cabinet documents.
       
       
78. If the Governor in Council consents to an expropriation, Canada will provide the Nisga’a Nation with the reasons for the expropriation.

Effect of Expropriation

79. If an estate or interest in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands is expropriated under paragraph 74, Nisga’a laws continue to apply to that parcel of land except to the extent that those laws are inconsistent with the ability to use and occupy that land for the purpose for which that estate or interest was expropriated.
    
    
80. If less than the estate in fee simple as described in paragraph 3 in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands is expropriated under paragraph 74, the owner of the estate in fee simple in that parcel of land may continue to use and occupy that land, except to the extent that the use or occupation is inconsistent with the purpose for which that estate or interest was expropriated.
    
    
81. If there is an expropriation under paragraph 74 of the estate in fee simple as described in paragraph 3 in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or of the estate in fee simple in a parcel of Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, Canada will, at the request of Nisga’a Lisims Government, ensure that reasonable efforts are made to acquire alternative land of equivalent significance and value to offer as part or all of the compensation for the expropriation. Any alternative land that is contiguous with Nisga’a Lands may become Nisga’a Lands in accordance with paragraph 9.
    
    
82. Canada will ensure that the owner of the estate or interest that is expropriated under paragraph 74 receives compensation, taking into account:
    
    
    1. the cost of acquiring alternative land of equivalent significance and value;
       
       
    2. the market value of the estate or interest that is expropriated;
       
       
    3. the replacement value of any improvements on the land that is expropriated;
       
       
    4. disturbance caused by the expropriation; and
       
       
    5. if the owner of the estate or interest that is expropriated is the Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen, any adverse effect on any cultural or other special value of the land to the Nisga’a Nation or a Nisga’a Village.
       
       
83. If less than the estate in fee simple as described in paragraph 3 in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or less than the estate in fee simple in a parcel of Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, has been expropriated under paragraph 74 but is no longer required for the purpose for which it was expropriated, Canada will ensure that the interest in those lands is transferred at no charge to the owner of the estate in fee simple. The terms of that transfer will be negotiated by the Nisga’a Nation and Canada at the time of the expropriation.
    
    
84. If the estate in fee simple as described in paragraph 3 in a parcel of Nisga’a Lands, or a parcel of Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands, has been expropriated under paragraph 74 but is no longer required for the purpose for which it was expropriated, Canada will ensure that the estate in fee simple is transferred at no charge to the Nisga’a Nation or the Nisga’a Village, as the case may be. The terms of that transfer will be negotiated by the Nisga’a Nation and Canada at the time of the expropriation.
    
    
85. The consent of the Governor in Council is not required to determine whether the estate or interest is no longer required for the purpose for which it was expropriated.
    
    
86. The Nisga’a Nation or Canada may refer a dispute in respect of the value and nature of the compensation, or the terms of transfer, to be finally determined by arbitration under the Dispute Resolution Chapter.

INITIAL SURVEYS

87. Before the effective date, or as soon as practicable after the effective date, surveys will be conducted of the boundaries of Nisga’a Lands and Nisga’a Fee Simple Lands in accordance with instructions to be issued by the Surveyor General of British Columbia and approved by the Parties (the "Initial Surveys").
    
    
88. British Columbia and Canada will, as agreed between them, pay the full cost of the Initial Surveys.
    
    
89. The Parties may, before or after the effective date, amend Appendices A and D to reflect minor adjustments that may be agreed upon by the Parties as a result of the Initial Surveys.

COMMERCIAL RECREATION TENURE

90. After the effective date, at the request of the Nisga’a Nation, British Columbia will issue a commercial recreation tenure (the "Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure") to the Nisga’a Nation, or to a Nisga’a Corporation designated by the Nisga’a Nation, for the areas set out in Appendix E based on the "Nisga’a Commercial Recreation Tenure Management Plan" developed by the Nisga’a Tribal Council and British Columbia and approved on July 6, 1998.
    
    
91. The term of the Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure will be 27 years.
    
    
92. If no request is made under paragraph 90 within 90 days after the effective date, British Columbia will issue the Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure to the Nisga’a Nation no later than 100 days after the effective date.
    
    
93. The first seven years of the term of the Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure will be a phase-in period, and during that period:
    
    
    1. the Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure will permit, but not require, the Nisga’a Nation or the designated Nisga’a Corporation to carry out activities in accordance with the Nisga’a Commercial Recreation Tenure Management Plan; and
       
       
    2. British Columbia will not issue another commercial recreation tenure within the areas set out in Appendix E that conflicts with the Nisga’a Commercial Recreation Tenure Management Plan.
       
       
94. The Nisga’a Nation may, with the consent of British Columbia, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, assign the Nisga’a commercial recreation tenure to a Nisga’a Corporation, and upon that assignment British Columbia will release the Nisga’a Nation from any obligations under the tenure that are assumed by the assignee.

HERITAGE SITES AND KEY GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES

95. On the effective date, British Columbia will designate as provincial heritage sites the sites of cultural and historic significance outside Nisga’a Lands that are set out in Appendix F-1. The Parties acknowledge that those sites may have cultural or historic significance to persons or groups other than the Nisga’a Nation.
    
    
96. On the effective date, British Columbia will:
    
    
    1. record the Nisga’a names and historic background information for the geographic features that are set out in Appendix F-2 in the British Columbia Geographic Names data base (BCGNIS); and
       
       
    2. name or rename in the Nisga’a language the geographic features that are set out in Appendix F-3.
       
       
97. After the effective date, the Nisga’a Nation may propose that British Columbia name or rename other geographic features with Nisga’a names, and British Columbia will consider those proposals in accordance with applicable provincial laws.

PARKS AND ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

Definitions

98. In paragraphs 99 to 118:
    
    
    1. "Park" means Anhluut'ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga'asanskwhl Nisga’a, the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park; and
       
       
    2. "Ecological Reserve" means the Gingietl Creek Ecological Reserve, # 115.

General

99. Subject to this Agreement, British Columbia's authority and responsibilities in respect of the Park and the Ecological Reserve will continue.
    
    
100. Subject to paragraph 101, Nisga’a citizens have the right to traditional uses of the lands and resources within the Park and the Ecological Reserve, including domestic resource harvesting, in accordance with this Agreement and in a manner consistent with any management plan agreed to by the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia.
     
     
101. Unless the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia otherwise agree, British Columbia will not permit commercial resource extraction or other commercial activity within the Park or the Ecological Reserve.
     
     
102. The Nisga’a Nation has the right to participate in the planning, management, and development of the Park and the Ecological Reserve in accordance with this Agreement.

Anhluut'ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga'asanskwhl Nisga’a, Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park

103. Unless the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia otherwise agree, British Columbia will continue the Park as a Class "A" provincial park or a provincial park with an equivalent classification.
     
     
104. On the effective date, the boundaries of the Park are as set out in Appendix G-1.
     
     
105. Nisga’a history and culture are, and will be promoted as, the primary cultural features of the Park.
     
     
106. In order to facilitate the planning, management, and development of the Park, British Columbia and the Nisga’a Nation will continue the Joint Park Management Committee that was established under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Nisga’a Tribal Council and British Columbia dated April 30, 1992.
     
     
107. The Joint Park Management Committee will review and make recommendations to the Minister and Nisga’a Lisims Government in respect of:
     
     
     1. the development and periodic revision of the master plan, and all other plans, applicable to or proposed for the Park;
        
        
     2. encumbrances, park use permits, and other interests and authorizations, applicable to or proposed for the Park;
        
        
     3. any business plans, operations budgets, and capital budgets proposed for the Park;
        
        
     4. archaeological and other research projects, cultural and interpretive programs, publications, and communications strategies proposed for the Park or the Ecological Reserve;
        
        
     5. planning and management of activities, including development, on Crown land and Nisga’a Lands that could affect the Park;
        
        
     6. issues relating to the management of the Ecological Reserve; and
        
        
     7. issues relating to traditional uses of resources, including cedar trees.
        
        
108. The Joint Park Management Committee has no more than six members. The Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia will each appoint no more than three members as their representatives.
     
     
109. The Joint Park Management Committee will meet as often as is necessary to carry out its responsibilities, and will establish its procedures.
     
     
110. Whenever possible, the Joint Park Management Committee will carry out its responsibilities by consensus. If there is no consensus, the Joint Park Management Committee will submit the recommendations of each Party's representatives.
     
     
111. After considering the recommendations of the Joint Park Management Committee made under paragraph 107, the Minister, on a timely basis, will approve or reject in whole or in part the recommendations, other than those in respect of Nisga’a Lands, made by the Joint Park Management Committee or its members, and will provide written reasons for rejecting in whole or in part those recommendations. Any approval or rejection of a recommendation will be consistent with this Agreement.
     
     
112. If special circumstances make it impracticable to receive recommendations from the Joint Park Management Committee, the Minister:
     
     
     1. may make the decision or take the action that the Minister considers necessary, without receiving recommendations from the Joint Park Management Committee;
        
        
     2. will advise Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Joint Park Management Committee as soon as practicable of that decision or action; and
        
        
     3. will provide Nisga’a Lisims Government and the Joint Park Management Committee with written reasons for that decision or action.
        
        
113. British Columbia has the responsibility to fund the Park in accordance with appropriations for parks in British Columbia. British Columbia will provide similar treatment over time to the Park as it generally provides to comparable parks in British Columbia.

Gingietl Creek Ecological Reserve

114. Unless the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia otherwise agree, British Columbia will continue the Ecological Reserve as an ecological reserve or another equivalent designation.
     
     
115. On the effective date, the boundaries of the Ecological Reserve are as set out in Appendix G-2.
     
     
116. At the request of the Nisga’a Nation, the Nisga’a Nation and British Columbia will jointly determine whether, and the terms and conditions under which, a road across the Ecological Reserve can be located, constructed, and controlled, in a manner that will have minimal adverse impact on the unique ecological values for which the Ecological Reserve was established.
     
     
117. If it is determined under paragraph 116 or 118 that a road across the Ecological Reserve can be constructed, the Nisga’a Nation may construct, operate, and maintain the road as if it were a Nisga’a road that is not within Nisga’a Village Lands, and British Columbia will issue to the Nisga’a Nation an exclusive and perpetual right of way for those purposes, in accordance with the terms and conditions determined under paragraph 116 or 118.
     
     
118. The Nisga’a Nation or British Columbia may refer a dispute under paragraph 116 or 117 to be finally determined by arbitration under the Dispute Resolution Chapter.

Other Parks

119. British Columbia will consult with the Nisga’a Nation in respect of planning and management of other provincial parks in the Nass Area.
     
     
120. On the effective date, British Columbia will establish, and thereafter continue, Bear Glacier Park as a Class "A" provincial park, or a provincial park with an equivalent classification, with the boundaries set out in Appendix G-3.
     
     
121. At the request of any of the Parties, the Parties will negotiate and attempt to reach agreement on the establishment of a marine park in the Nass Area, but, for greater certainty, Canada is not obliged to establish a national park, national park reserve, or a national marine park, or to reach agreement on the establishment of a national park, national park reserve, or a national marine park.

WATER VOLUMES

Nisga’a Water Reservation

122. On the effective date, British Columbia will establish a Nisga’a water reservation, in favour of the Nisga’a Nation, of 300,000 cubic decametres of water per year from:
     
     
     1. the Nass River; and
        
        
     2. other streams wholly or partially within Nisga’a Lands
        
        
     for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
     
     
123. The Nisga’a water reservation will have priority over all water licences other than:
     
     
     1. water licences issued before March 22, 1996; and
        
        
     2. water licences issued pursuant to an application made before March 22, 1996.
        
        
124. The Nisga’a Nation, a Nisga’a Village, a Nisga’a Corporation, or a Nisga’a citizen may, with the consent of the Nisga’a Nation, apply to British Columbia for water licences for volumes of flow to be applied against the Nisga’a water reservation.
     
     
125. The total volume of flow under water licences to be applied against the Nisga’a water reservation of each stream may not exceed:
     
     
     1. the percentage of the available flow, specified in Schedule C, of each stream set out in that Schedule; or
        
        
     2. 50% of the available flow of any stream