Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation:

From Ancient Roots to Modern Nation

Our history in the northwestern watersheds of British Columbia spans thousands of years. We have lived on and cared for this land since time immemorial, and continue to do so today.

Led by Hereditary Chief Darlene Simpson (Skii km Lax Ha), we are descendants of the Laxwiiyip Tsetsaut, an Athapaskan-speaking people living throughout parts of the Nass River, Skeena River, Bear River, and Stikine River watersheds.

Our history is one of resilience and adaptation. We have maintained our presence in our traditional territories, preserving our unique culture and exercising our inherent rights to our ancestral lands. Our Nation is guided by traditional laws and practices that have evolved to meet the needs of our people in the modern world.

We are committed to sustainable stewardship, economic development, and the ongoing practice of our cultural and political traditions. As custodians of our ancestral territories, we work to protect the land, waters, and resources for future generations while pursuing opportunities that benefit our people.

Honouring Our Past, Shaping Our Future

News & Updates

Nation News

MEDIA RELEASEDecember 15, 2025

Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation Appears Before Supreme Court of Canada in Historic Overlapping Land Claims Case

On December 8 and 9, 2025, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada to appeal a B.C. Court of Appeal decision that removed its Aboriginal rights and title claims from Malii, a case in which the Gitanyow Nation claims rights and title over an area in northwestern B.C. that overlaps with Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory.

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MEDIA RELEASEMay 28, 2025

Supreme Court of Canada to Hear Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation’s Appeal Relating to Overlapping Land Claims with Gitanyow

On April 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation’s appeal of the British Columbia Court of Appeal’s decision to remove Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha’s own Aboriginal rights and title claims from Malii. Case will set national precedent.

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MEDIA RELEASENovember 25, 2024

Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation Files for Judicial Review of B.C.’s Substantial Start Determination for Seabridge Gold’s KSM Mine

On November 22, 2024, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation applied to the BC Supreme Court for judicial review of the Province’s July 25th decision to issue a Substantial Start Determination for Seabridge Gold’s KSM Mine Project in Northwestern B.C.

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MEDIA RELEASEApril 16, 2024

Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation Files BC Land Claim to Protect Environment & Ensure Responsible Development on its Unceded Territory

On April 16, 2024, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation filed a civil claim in the BC Supreme Court asserting Aboriginal rights and title to their traditional, unceded territory, which includes parts of the Nass River, Skeena River, Bear River and Stikine River watersheds in northwestern British Columbia.

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