A historic gathering at the ‘Yalis (Alert Bay) Bighouse brought together Kwakwaka’wakw Hereditary Chiefs, Indigenous knowledge keepers, scholars, and activists to reaffirm the Ma’amtagila and Tlowitsis Nations’ rights, title, and jurisdiction over their lands and waters. Members of the Mother Tree Project and Program (MTPP), part of UBC’s Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship, attended as guests and witnesses to this significant event—one that marks an important step in ongoing efforts toward Indigenous sovereignty
and land stewardship.
Drs. Suzanne Simard and Teresa Ryan, were among those invited as honoured witnesses. Their participation reflects a continued commitment to respectful partnership and shared work supporting Indigenous-led approaches to ecological and cultural restoration.
“We have to do the work to pave the way forward for our people to reconnect with their land again,” said Hereditary Chief Mak’wala (Rande Cook) in his opening remarks.
Throughout the gathering, speakers emphasized both the urgency and responsibility of protecting traditional territories while restoring community relationships with the land. The event also marked a rare and powerful moment of unity among Kwakwaka’wakw leadership.
“It really was a historic day,” said Dr. Simard. “We were honoured to be here as witnesses.”
The reaffirmation of Ma’amtagila rights reflects the central role Indigenous leadership continues to play in shaping how lands and waters are protected and restored for future generations.