Treaty & Territory Stewardship

Metlakatla is one of seven Tsimshian First Nations. Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams make up the Coast Tsimshian. The Traditional Structure and practice divides the members of the Coast Tsimshian into 9 tribes. Each tribe consist of four clans. From the beginning of time, the members of the Coast Tsimshian have been inhabitants and stewards of their traditional territory.

The history of the Coast Tsimshian is rich. The most well known facts about the Coast Tsimshian is when they moved to the area surrounding the fort established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1834. Another well know fact is the mission established at Fort Simpson by William Duncan In 1857 and Metlakatla in 1862. The present location of Metlakatla sits atop two ancient villages. Scientists, archaeologists and the like continue to conduct research within the traditional territory of the Coast Tsimshian to gain more knowledge about the life of the people prior to contact. All scientific findings to date support the oral history of the Coast Tsimshian and its sole relationship to the area.