Dan Michell signing framework agreement between Witsuwit'en and B.C.

Scope and Content: Photo of representatives of the Province of B.C. and the Witsuwit'en signing framework agreements setting in motion stage 4 of the B.C. Treaty Commission process. Signing the document is Dinï Ze' Wigimshol, Dan Michell, President of the Office of the Wet'suwet'en, of Tsa Kïn Yikh (Beaver House), T…

History / Biographical: In 1994, the Gitxsan-Wet'suwet'en Tribal Council, which had represented the two Nations during Delgamuukw vs. British Columbia, split into two separate bodies, one for each Nation. Therefore, separate framework agreements were signed between the Province and each First Nation in the following years. These set guidelines for discussion on issues such as self-government, land, resources, and monetary settlements. See Interior News, July 19th 1995 for more information.

Custodial History: Photo was taken by Interior News staff for publication in the paper. It was retained by the Interior News until being transferred to the Bulkley Valley Museum, likely in 2007, as part of a large donation of photographs, negatives, and textual records. Item was stored in Room 6 until being found in collections and accessioned in Fall 2020.

Scope and Content: Photo of representatives of the Province of B.C. and the Witsuwit'en signing framework agreements setting in motion stage 4 of the B.C. Treaty Commission process. Signing the document is Dinï Ze' Wigimshol, Dan Michell, President of the Office of the Wet'suwet'en, of Tsa Kïn Yikh (Beaver House), Tsayu (Beaver Clan). Next to him is provincial negotiator Carol Anne Shearer. Standing in the background, from left to right, are: Dinï Ze' Satsan, Herb George, Speaker for the Office of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs, of Yikh Ts'iwit'an (Thin House), C'ilhts'ëkhyu (Big Frog Clan). Gguhlat Yikh wi Tsak'e Ze', Lucy Namox, of Yikh Ts'iwit'an (Thin House), C'ilhts'ëkhyu (Big Frog Clan). Dinï Ze' Cidimsggin'is, Charlie Austin, of C'inegh Lhay Yikh (House of Many Eyes), Likhsilyu (Small Frog Clan). Yikh wi Dinï Ze' Ut'akhkw'its, Pat Namox, of Kwin begh Yikh (House Beside the Fire), Likhsilyu (Small Frog Clan). Yikh wi Dinï Ze' Gisdewe, Alfred Joseph, of Këyikh Winïts (House in the Middle of Many), Gidimt'en (Bear Clan). Leonard George, Witsuwit'en hereditary chief. (Identification and spelling courtesy of Violet Gellenbeck and Charlotte Euverman).

Arrangement: Item was found in an envelope with other photographs from the same date. All photographs in this series have been removed from original order and arranged in the order in which they were scanned.