The Prince Rupert and Port Edward Nisga'a Citizens established an independent not-for-profit society in the year 2000. Pior to the signing of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, the local saw a need for the establishment of an entity that could contract to deliver Nisga'a Lisims Government programs and services to its local Nisga'a Citizens living outside Treaty Lands. The Nisga'a Constitution entitles all the Nisga'a Citizens access to programs and services from the Nisga'a Lisims Government.

In the former years the organization was known as the Prince Rupert/Port Edward Nisga'a Tribal Council Local. The Tribal Council was formed in 1965 for the purpose of fund raising for the benefit of our local Nisga'a Citizens. Fund-raisers covered costs of participation in activites like Seafest, Aboriginal Day celebrations, the Christmas parade, Sports and Recreation and attendance at yearly conferences of the Nisga'a Nation. In addition the local sponsored Christmas parties and gifts for the youth and parties for the elders. It provided allowances for bereavement, assistance for the poverty stricken and other Nisga'a cultural activities. The organization evolved into the society just prior to the signing of the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

The Gitmaxmak'ay Nisga'a Society contracts with the Nisga'a Lisims Government (NGL) to deliver programs and services to the local Nisga'a Citizens that number approximately 1,300. Additional services are provided to 200 citizens who live on Haida Gwaii and across Canada. It is governed by a Board of Directors and has been established an administration that employs 4 full time and 1 part-time work force.

Fund raisers still play a large role in financing activites as mentioned above but now that the Society is in existence it has expanded its services to include Education (K-12), Language and Cultural programs, Sports and Recreational programs and Special Events that are funded on a yearly basis by the Nisga'a Lisims Government.

Since its inception the Society has been played a lead role as an independant organization within the Nisga'a Nation. Not only is the Society organized for delivery of programs but also to seek and promote social, economic and business oppurtunities for all individuals of Nisga'a Ancestry. Additional funds are sought by way of proposals to other Government and Fund sources using existing money as equity. This initiative generates a money multiplier effect contributing to the town of Prince Rupert. The Society has a Nisga'a Community within the boundaries of Prince Rupert and Port Edward.

Further evolution required the establishment of the Development Corporation known as "Sayt Kilim-Goot." This is a normal and for profit corporation that will promote business/economic development to benefit Nisga'a Citizens who live in Prince Rupert and Port Edward. The Society owns the Corporation; the members are the shareholders represented by five Nisga'a Citizens from the Society holding shares in trust and who in turn select its Board of Directors.