a report from the Gimlitxwt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2012

Gitsegukla B.C. - The GTS Board met on Monday January 30, 2012 to finalize the chiefs' application to court. Tuesday January 31, 2012 The Gimlitxwt reviewed the document with legal counsel adding their comments and support in the community of Gitsegukla. The application is the only route to reconcile the Gitxsan Hereditary system with the Canadian System. The Indian Act proved inadequate in 1977 which resulted in the Delgamuukxw court case in 1979. This was brought as a collective action case and the Delgamuukxw of that day was appointed by the Simgiigyet to represent them in that specific action.

“We must protect the Matrilineal system we were born into, that is how we operate. We are prepared to meet with these blockaders but they will not meet,” said Simoogit Gwagallo (Rod Sampare), “They say they stand for Gitxsan unity that is not the message they are sending by refusing to sit down with us.”

“Knowledge is passed down through the lineage and your responsibilities are made known to you, you must remember who you are and where you come from. We are taught to respect those older than ourselves and higher in rank we do not humiliate people publicly. These are our teachings,” said Axgigii (Sadie Mowatt).

The Gimlitxwt reaffirmed its wish to see the Chiefs' office reopened. The Chiefs remain open to dialogue with the protestors and invite Norman Stephens, Earl Muldon, and Larry Patsey to come and sit with them to discuss ways to come to an understanding and ease the discontent among the Gitxsan people.