SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Late Simoget Nikate’en Frances Sampson
October 22, 2026
Honourable senators, it is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Hereditary Chief Simoget Nikate’en Frances Sampson on October 12, 2026. The Gitxsan Nation has lost a respected leader, whose life was dedicated to her faith, her people, her hereditary responsibilities and the protection of her laxyip, or territory.
As a child, she was hospitalized at Miller Bay Hospital, where Nikate’en experienced an act of kindness from a nurse, which left a lasting impression on her. That experience helped inspire her to pursue a career in nursing services, where she could extend the same compassion and care to others.
Her unwavering faith in God guided her throughout her life and led her to serve her community as a Corps Sergeant-Major with the Salvation Army. Through her faith and service, she demonstrated a steadfast commitment to helping others and supporting those in need.
As a hereditary leader of the Gitxsan Nation, Simoget Nikate’en fulfilled her responsibilities to the best of her ability, having been groomed for this role from birth. Guided by Gitxsan ayookw, or law, and the responsibilities entrusted to her as Hereditary Chief, she helped guide her wilp, or house, in its decisions, actions and cultural practices. Her leadership was rooted in the teachings, laws, traditions and obligations passed down through generations.
Simoget Nikate’en also played an instrumental role as a translator during the historic Delgamuukw court case. Through this important contribution, she helped ensure that Gitxsan voices, Traditional Knowledge and Oral Traditions could be communicated within a legal process that would have lasting significance for Indigenous rights and title in Canada.
Simoget Nikate’en Frances Sampson leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage, responsibility and unwavering commitment to her people and her laxyip. Her contributions will be remembered with respect and gratitude by her wilp, the Gitxsan Nation and all those whose lives she touched. May her legacy continue to guide those lives she has touched.
Kinanâskomitin.
