News

For Immediate Release
Saturday, June 21, 2003, 12:29 PM

Hazelton, BC. Gordon Sebastian, Anuthembuhn of the extended Gitxsan family of Lutkudziiwus, Lax Seel (Frog phratry), wins the job competition and was introduced as the new Executive Director of the Gitxsan Treaty Society at the Monday, June 16, 2003 Gitxsan Treaty Office Team meeting.
On why he competed for the position, Sebastian says “I realize that the core of hereditary chiefs are changing due to aging and this is having an effect on the importance of Gitxsan culture and the need for the lax yip (traditional territory attached to each extended Gitxsan family). The younger or newly appointed chiefs, even though are told, lack a clear understanding of the Gwalx ye’insxw. With my legal knowledge of the Gitxsan and what I have learned by attending many feasts over the years, I am confident that I can be very effective as an executive director.”
On the importance to being Gitxsan, Gordon responds “The Gitxsan are traveling down many paths and, in my opinion, it is important that each path accommodate the Gitxsan inheritance: governance, economic benefit, shelter and connection to the lax yip. Most of the evidence in our court cases rely on the Gitxsan culture, liligit and laws, however this is being forgotten as Simgiigyet seek minute economic benefits. These small and quick economic benefits will not alleviate living in poverty on reserves. The rule should be if the wilp will not benefit then more is needed.”
To the Friends of the Gitxsan: “Our Friends must realize that the ancient Gitxsan connection to the land is being recognized and this sets a precedent for possible government accommodation of their system. However, unfortunately, most of our Friends rely heavily on the way the Indian Act is administered. Accommodation of the ancient Gitxsan system may provide opportunity for them to shed the shackles of poverty on reserves.”
To What do you want to do better for the Gitxsan?, he answers, “I want to preserve the ancient core of the Gitxsan. The liligit, and the protocol between Simgiigyet and Sigidimhanak, are so important. As these are the basis for the treaty process, my efforts will be expanding the organization that already exists amongst the core group of Simogyet. It is time we give … a hand and continue our Gwalx ye’insxw that they treasure.”
To the Simgiigyat and the Sigidimhanak, Sebastian advocates, “We have personal differences and hereditary differences that are important. However, we must try to set them aside when we gather to make important decisions regarding our relationships with governments, Industry and the general public. The core Simgiigyet and Sigidimhanak must be realized by the (novice) Simgiigyet and the only way to do this is not to miss a liligit.”
Gordon advises Gitxsan citizens, “Find out your inheritance and go to (your respective) lax yip and fishing sites. Assist your Simogyet and Sigidimhanak by helping them fulfill their obligations at the liligit. Obligations at the liligit, although falls on the main wilp, requires the participation of every member: e.g., pick berries and given to your Sigidimhanak for the liligit, give a few dollars to your Simgiigyet to lighten the load at the liligit and make your family strong by getting off the reserve and on to your lax yip. You have responsibilities.”

He encourages the Gitxsan youth to “Be young and enjoy life. Use the lax yip for recreation and health. As you grow older you will be blessed with the knowledge of the lax yip and will understand the laws of the Gitxsan. You would be ready to implement the proper protocol as you attain certain levels in the liligit.”
Regarding the Gitxsan Treaty Office team, his assessment: “As with the Gitxsan society today, the team is a reflection. There is a core within the team that understands the strengths of the established core of Simgiigyet and Sigidimhanak and their connections to the liligit and lax yip. It is this core in the team that I will build on. It is a strong core and this results in the team having potential.”
The competition for the Office of the Executive Director began May 2, 2003.

Gordon Sebastian’s Background

Gordon Sebastian, Anuthembuhn (“Drum Belly” in Gitxsanimax) was born in Wrinch Memorial Hospital, Hazelton, BC, in 1950. He is the eldest of nine children of Joseph and Elsie Sebastian. He was raised in Hagwilget, the same village his father was born. His mother is related by blood to both the late Art Ridsdale and Ben Mckenzie. This results in Art Ridsdale appointing Gordon to hold the name Lutkudziiwus of the Gitxsan frog clan.
Gordon attended Prince George College High and graduated from the Hazelton Amalgamated High School (the predecessor to the Hazelton Secondary School) in 1969. Beginning in 1965, when not being educated, he spent all his time working in sawmills between Hazelton and Prince George. He attended Malaspina College in the Forest Tech program nearly becoming a pulp and paper technician. After working as Native Court worker from 1975 to 1978, he applied and was accepted to the Native Law program in the University of Saskatchewan, later obtaining a law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1982.
In addition to being the main speaker for the Gitxsan, he is past director of the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District and Trustee for the school board. He worked many years as volunteer, with others, on the Gitxsan Watershed Authorities, Gitxsan Litigation Team, and Chiefs’ Advisory Team.
He has seven daughters, and one grandchild on the way. His specialty is to use criticism as a building block towards success. The nest is empty and Gordon has more time to devote to the Gitxsan. During his career as a lawyer, he advanced the philosophy, culture, and laws of the Gitxsan in all forms.
His purpose is to rebuild the trustworthiness Gitxsan people expect of their Simgiigyet.

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