Failure to support nets high level apology

 
Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Leadership Council apologized to the Nisga’a Nation on behalf of First Nations political leaders who did not support the Nisga’a Nation in its 1973 Calder Case.

The apology was given at the BC Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs’ Assembly held in Laxgalts'ap this week. John also acknowledged the Nisga'a Nation for their leadership in advancing Aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia and Canada in the Calder Case.

A statement on the Nisga’a Lisims Government website said the apology was “long-anticipated and welcomed” according to President H. Mitchell Stevens. Members of Wilp Si'ayuukhl Nisga'a (houses) and simgigat (chiefs) and sigidimhaanak' (matriarchs) present stood before John, B.C. Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson and other members of the First Nations Leadership Council to acknowledge the apology.

In an emotional address, Stevens said all of the Nisga'a leaders who advanced the Calder Case have long gone on to the spirit world, and the descendants of those ancestors have accepted the apology on their behalf.