First Nation government in British Columbia, Canada
The Gitga'at First Nation is a Canadian First Nation, also known as the Hartley Bay First Nation. The members of the Gitga'at First Nation are often referred to as Gitka'a'ata. The population of Gitk’a’ata peoples living in Hartley Bay is approximately 140 as of November, 2024. There are also about 400-500 Gitk’a’ata peoples living in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, a neighboring territory. The Gitk’a’ata people have lived in Hartley Bay for hundreds of years, or longer. During the COVID-19 pandemic there were requirements for visiting Hartley Bay, such as vaccination status and British Columbian passport.
Economy.
The Gitga'at Nation currently has a tourism-centric economy. Some of the past economies for Hartley Bay were centered around fishing (selling fish, fishing lodges). These methods still generate income in the present. Tourism surrounding fishing lodges emerged in 2009 and became the most prominent source of income. It is still the most prominent. There are also camps that are for recreational and educational activities such as radio and industrial construction.  These camps are usually executed as "boot camps" and are advertised to give job opportunities. There are also constant job postings on the Gitga'at First Nation social media pages.
Geography.
The area of Hartley Bay is large and for the most part undeveloped and forest. It is bordered by Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and several islands off the west coast of British Columbia.
Government.
The current counsel is made up by Arnold Clifton (Chief Councilor), Cam Hill, Marven Robinson, Bruce Reece, and Simone Reece (councilors). There are representatives known as "Guardians" that work towards preserving and protecting their territory from others that may use harmful ways of getting resources on their territory. In addition to Guardians, the community values its environment and land, so typically the Guardians are focused on any potential threats to the territory. The Guardians do many tasks including protecting the ocean from fisheries riding the line of the territory and conducting research to protect coastal habitats and endangered species.
Sports.
The Gitga'at First Nation has participated in the All Native Basketball Tournament.
Relations.
Hartley Bay Indian Band entered a treaty with Canada and British Columbia known as The Gitga'at Treaty. The treaty is still in progress but is gearing towards ownership of certain areas of land and the right to use it as they please (hunt, fish, develop, reserve, etc.)  In 2003, The Hartley Bay Indian Band made a deal with British Columbia to settle a land dispute in for the right to tree cutting licenses and a cash payment.
The Gitga'at First Nation first encountered Europeans in the early 1800s. Katherine Turner has made several dissertations that include the Hartley Bay Band.
Indian reserves.
Indian reserves under the administration of the Hartley Bay First Nation are:
References.
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