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Historic Day for Gitga'at Nation and the Central Coast

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On May 22, 2026, in Klemtu, Gitga'at Nation joined Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai'xais, Heiltsuk, and Gitxaała Nations, alongside the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, in signing a landmark agreement to establish the Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) on the Central Coast.


The name Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon (pronounced Me-ah-yall-twa Ha-lee-joh-gom hOH-own) is drawn from the Indigenous languages of the partner Nations and means "Realm of the Salmon, Home of the Salmon" -- a name that speaks to who we are and why this place matters.


This protected area covers 6,700 square kilometres of Central Coast waters, including the southern reaches of our territory, and represents one of the most meaningful steps toward protecting our marine homelands in generations.


Gitga'at Nation was represented at the signing by:


  • Owen Green (Sm'ooygit Sinaxeet) on behalf of Hereditary leadership

  • Bruce Reece on behalf of Hereditary

  • Marven Robins on behalf of Council

  • Kyle Clifton on behalf of GOLD


For our Nation, these waters are not just a resource. They are inseparable from who we are as a coastal people. As Lou Ga Gwelks (Chief Councillor Linda Innes) shared at the signing: "For Gitxaała, that commitment reflects our responsibility to care for these lands and waters that have sustained our people for thousands of years."


Fishing, including commercial, recreational, and First Nations, continues in Mia-yaltwa Ha'lidzogm hoon. The next steps include building a collaborative management board and an advisory committee that will help shape the future of this area, with Nations and other partners at the table.



 
 
 

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