Gitk'a'ata: Gitga'at First Nation, also known as Hartley Bay First Nation (traditional name Gitk'a'ata), means People of the Cane and is part of the Tsimshian nation. There is no historic treaty. A modern treaty is still in progress, and the Nation asserts unextinguished Aboriginal rights and title.

Population: Our community has approximately 870 registered members, with about 130 living in Hartley Bay. During seasonal harvests, members who live elsewhere come home to join their families.

Location: Hartley Bay (Txałgiu) is about 145 km south of Prince Rupert and 630 km north of Vancouver, and can only be reached by air or water. Our territory covers the mainland and coastal islands of the lower Douglas Channel, Whale Channel, Wright Sound, and Lewis Pass to Caamano Sound. Hartley Bay was founded in 1887, when 27 Gitga'at returned from the Metlakatla mission to a fall camp site. Hereditary chief Heber Clifton was among the founding families. Our old winter village, Lax Galts'ap (Old Town), lies 19 km north on Douglas Channel.

Culture: We speak Smalgyax, and our society is organized into the Ganhada (Raven), Gisbutwada (Killer Whale), and Laxskiik (Eagle) clans. Our surroundings are deeply tied to our customs, daily life, and cultural identity. Fishing supported the community for most of the 20th century. Today our economy is more diverse, with tourism playing a major role alongside a wholly Nation-owned 900-kilowatt hydroelectric plant, the Guardian Watchmen land and sea monitors, and a marine rescue and research facility.

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