Lighting the Way Forward, Our Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2030
Gitga’at Nation Council is proud to share our new Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way Forward. The plan was approved by Council on September 29, 2026, and will guide the Nation’s decisions, services, partnerships and investments over the next four years.
Built from your voices
This plan reflects what Gitga’at members, leaders, Elders and staff shared during engagement in June and July 2026. Members took part in person and virtually, and 97 members completed the membership survey. Responses came from Hartley Bay and Prince Rupert as well as Terrace, Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Mission and beyond. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their hopes and concerns for our Nation.
Our vision
Gitga’at First Nation is a responsible government guided by teachings from the past. These teachings call on us to strengthen our language, protect the environment and care for our people. Working within our ancestral framework and with our Hereditary system, Adaawx, Ayaawx and Gugwilx’ya’ansk, we take an active role in improving the health and well-being of our members and those yet unborn. We live our culture.
Eight strategic directions
The plan sets out eight priorities that members, leaders and staff identified as most important for the future of the Nation.
Governance, cccountability and connection with stronger financial transparency, clearer communication, Election Code reform and better connection with off-reserve members
Training, capacity building and succession through mentorship, education, trades and technical skills, and clear roles across departments
Housing and community infrastructure by increasing affordable housing, improving community infrastructure and developing a community Land Use Plan
Economic development and self-sufficiency by growing own-source revenue, employment and entrepreneurship, and reinvesting GDC partnership income wisely
Culture, language and identity through Sm’algyax revitalization, Youth and Elder connections, and protecting Gitga’at territory and traditions
Health, wellness and youth with youth wellness supports, expanded Elder care and improved patient travel
Land, environment and stewardship by sustaining forests and resources, moving toward cleaner energy, establishing territorial boundaries and advancing self-government
Emergency preparedness and public safety by addressing policing and safety gaps, strengthening emergency preparedness and coordinating addiction response
What we heard
Members told us that health, finance and housing matter most to them. Many also asked for clearer and more regular communication, more support for members living away from home, more housing options for families, youth and Elders, and more opportunities for young people to learn their language and culture.
When asked what success looks like in 25 years, members described a Nation where fluent Sm’algyax speakers are present across generations, every member has a safe home, our lands and waters are protected, and on- and off-reserve members are treated equally.
Turning the plan into action
Every department, from Health and Education to GOLD, Housing and Treaty Negotiation, now has an operational plan linked to these eight directions. Each department will track its progress and report at least once a year, so members can see how the work is moving forward. This is a living document, and your feedback will continue to shape it.
Read the full Strategic Plan here
Comments