A Nisg̱a’a village government in the Nass Valley in northwestern B.C. is calling for a reform of nation laws, as it says millions of dollars of federal housing funding has not been distributed in a timely manner by its main government.

The Gitlax̱t’aamiks Village Government is looking for approximately $14 million to be paid out, and the independence to determine where exactly that money goes. 

The call for reform stems from March 2022, when the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government (NLG) received about $83 million in housing funding from the Canadian government.

The money was to be dispersed amongst the nation’s four village governments, inluding Gitlax̱t’aamiks — formerly known as New Aiyansh, along with Lax̱g̱alts’ap, Ging̱olx and Gitwinksihlkw. Nisg̱a’a Lisims is the centralized government of the Nisg̱a’a Nation.

Millions yet to be paid out: Gitlax̱t’aamiks

According to correspondence between the village government and Nisg̱a’a Lisims, which CBC has viewed, Gitlax̱t’aamiks was slated to receive about $25 million. Approximately $11 million has been paid out, but now, the village government is seeking the remaining $14 million, plus interest.

“Our goal for the issue is to address fairness, respect and the ability to take care of our people,” said Calvin Morven, the elected chief councillor for Gitlax̱t’aamiks Village Government. 

“It takes working together to ensure every village and every citizen is treated with dignity.”

The Gitlax̱t’aamiks government is also advocating for autonomy over its housing funding, Morven said. 

“When this funding came down, it stopped at NLG. And they made changes without consulting the entitles, the four villages,” Morven explained. 

“That’s where our dispute began, when that happened, with the funding disbursement. That disbursement never happened.” 

Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government declined CBC News’ multiple requests for an interview. 

“We do not comment on matters pertaining to internal Nisg̱a’a government decisions and matters,” communications spokesperson Paul Mercer stated in an email.

Housing opportunities limited on nation’s land

The impact, according to a press release by the Gitlax̱t’aamiks, is housing for elders and young families has been delayed.

The December 2025 Nisg̱a’a Lisims Housing Needs report stated affordability is a critical challenge in the nation. It also found housing opportunities on the nation’s land are scarce, and families, elders and people with disabilities and complex health needs are most affected.

“During engagement sessions, village housing staff reported high waitlist numbers and demand for housing,” the report said. 

“Need likely exceeds the number of applicants, as some citizens may choose not to apply for waitlists, either due to stigmatization of accessing services or feeling disheartened by long queues or wait times.”

‘It’s not about the money,’ councillor says

The Gitlax̱t’aamiks Village Government held a town hall meeting on Feb. 25 to inform residents about the funding issue, and the calls for possible reform.

Some residents expressed frustration, with some voicing their concerns that the village isn’t able to make its own decisions on key issues, like housing.

“Centralization didn’t work back then, I don’t think it’s gonna work today either,” said resident Currie Gosnell.   

“The newly formed finance commission is reminding me of the Indian Affairs time,” said Cecil Mercer, another resident. “But only this time, it’s our own people doing it to our own people.”

Gitlax̱t’aamiks Coun. Noah Guno stressed that “it’s not about the money,” but rather, trying to work out a solution so the problem doesn’t happen again in the future.

“This is about the ability to provide for our citizens. This was always about process. This was always about accountability and fairness. There’s rules that were broken,” said Guno at the meeting.

“I think what we are fighting for is beyond money. I think the number one thing that we are standing up for is the autonomy for every Nisg̱a’a community.”

Gitlax̱t’aamiks hoping for resolution

In a statement, a spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada said the matter is between the Gitlax̱t’aamiks Village Government and Nisg̱a’a Lisims, and did not give specific details on the dispute. 

Both Canada and British Columbia provide ongoing funding to the Nisg̱a’a Nation through a fiscal financing agreement, said spokesperson Jacinthe Goulet.

As part of the agreement, Canada provides the Nisg̱a’a Nation with annual block funding to support community services, like education, social programs, health and infrastructure.

“The Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government, as the central government of the Nisg̱a’a Nation, is responsible for carrying out Treaty obligations, delivering programs and services and administering all funding that flows under the Fiscal Financing Agreement,” Goulet said. 

“Requests for funding by Nisg̱a’a Village Government members should be made to the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government.”

Morven told CBC News the village government is planning to request a financial audit from the federal government. They also are consulting with lawyers on their options.

“We are hoping we don’t have to take legal action and let the court decide,” said Morven. “That was mentioned to NLG. We are hoping we can come together and resolve the issue.”