Herb George (Satsan), President, National Centre for First Nations Governance

Herb George (Satsan) is a Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief of the Frog Clan. He has been a long-time Speaker for the Wet’suwet’en Nation and previously served as Speaker for both the Gitxsan and the Wet’suwet’en Nations. He was also Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria, and taught for several years in the University’s Administration of Aboriginal Governments Program.

Satsan has considerable experience with Aboriginal rights and title as well as Aboriginal self-government and education. He was a key figure and strategist in the Delgamuukw-Gisday Wa case, which was the subject of a successful judgment before the Supreme Court of Canada in December 1997.

Satsan has offered advice and assistance to First Nations across British Columbia and Canada on the affirmation and recognition of Aboriginal rights, title and Treaty rights. He most recently served two three-year terms as the elected BC Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. As a member of the AFN National Executive, he had the responsibility for Delgamuukw and headed up the Delgamuukw/Gisday’wa National Process, an extensive community-based process of research, public education and organizing. He also held the Executive Portfolio for Fiscal Relations.

Currently, Satsan is President of the National Centre for First Nations Governance Centre (NCFNG), a First Nations-controlled initiative designed to help First Nations achieve their inherent right to self-government (http://www.fngovernance.org/). The NCFNG develops programs and services that are culturally enriched and empowered by First Nations traditions, customs, laws and inherent governing powers. The Centre supports First Nations as they seek to implement their inherent rights of self-government and assists First Nations in the further development of their day-to-day government operations. The FNGC supports First Nations in their efforts to implement and put into practice their jurisdictional authorities and to achieve the well-designed characteristics of good government. The Centre operates under the control and direction of First Nations and is designed to be completely independent from the Government of Canada and Aboriginal political organizations. First Nations may draw upon FNGC services as they see fit and will not be required to do so by legislation or any other means

Satsan is trained in law and education. He attended Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. He is married and has three children.

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