News

Being Gitxsan requires a lot of defending these days. I would like to offer a few thoughts on how we can lighten the burden.

The clauses in the Canadian Constitution that protect our Aboriginal rights are very interesting in that they focus on what makes us unique. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms enables us to protect what makes us a distinct people within Canada. The interpretation of the Courts is even more focused. The Courts support our defense of who we are within Canada. The legal system therefore enables us to build upon our own values, laws, culture, songs, histories, institutions, crests, practices, and all the other stuff that people can refer to as being Gitxsan.

I get very troubled by some of the things that I see coming out of certain sectors of Gitxsan society. In particular I am concerned that a number of governance boards are being run strictly on rules that are diametrically opposed to Gitxsan laws, values and practices.

The societies that have been established under the Gitxsan umbrella were set up to receive government funding and to do business transactions so that public funds would be used to the benefit of Gitxsan people. We went into these societies with the purpose of using a vehicle established under provincial and federal laws to bring public funds into our communities. All other Tribal groups have done the same. What has happened in the recent past is that these societies have overtaken the real authorities in our communities.

Gitxsan laws state that rights and title are vested in Gitxsan House groups. Canadian laws have to recognize that House groups are the unique Gitxsan institutes of government. I find it troubling that our House groups have lost powers and authorities to societies that have been established under the delegated authorities of federal and provincial legislation. The Gitxsan laws governing our House groups have more transparency and accountability that any institutions created under any Canadian laws. The Canadian parliamentary processes cannot match laws governing Gitxsan decision and law making. The selection of Gitxsan governors of Gitxsan institutions cannot be matched by a watered down popularity contest.

The Gitxsan societies that are in place are an interim measure. We have to build on the strength of our House groups, as these eternal Houses are what make us uniquely Gitxsan. The societies are good and useful instruments but the real authorities have to remain vested in Gitxsan houses.

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Bev Clifton-Percival (Gitxsan Negotiator) and I went on a mission to Ottawa in support of the First Peoples Language, Heritage, and Culture Council. The submission that we were promoting was to acquire federal funding that would enable the First Peoples Cultural Foundation to further develop a software program. This Internet based software program would enable aboriginal people to learn their language living anywhere in the world. We met directly with Minister Sheila Copps who supported the efforts of our team. I learned informally that the project received approval two days ago. Bev will be writing to Ministers Copps and Blondin to invite them to the Gitxsan Women’s gathering in February.

FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT

Catherine Blackstock (Gitxsan Treaty Office Executive Director) and I went to the First Nations Summit (FNS) that was hosted by the Squamish Band last week. The significant news that was discussed was the statement from the province about the new position on extinguishment. Based on this new provincial policy a new work plan was advanced by the FNS Task Group. Gitxsan Herb George (because he lives in Hagwilget which is on Gitxsan territory) spoke eloquently on several issues. I have reviewed the work plan and we can support all of the work that the FNS is undertaking.

One sensitive issue that we got a full report on again came from the RCMP that informed us of the status of investigations surrounding the missing women from the downtown east side of Vancouver. The situation of some our people living in urban centres hits home when we hear of the bad conditions that the urban aboriginal people face. We have to work harder so that all Gitxsan can come home. The economy of the Gitxsan territories has to be cranked up so that our young people can make sense of staying home and we can entice other Gitxsan to come home to work and lead productive lives. The Delgamuukw decision of 1997 issued a challenge to the House groups to develop plans that will enable Gitxsan people to sustain themselves. One of the end results should be for all the Gitxsan to come home and provide a living for themselves.

NORTHWEST TRIBAL TREATY NATIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A number of letters ago I informed you that the Northwest Tribal Treaty Nations (NWTT) was negotiating an agreement with the province to undertake a project that would focus on northern economic diversification. The agreement will be signed very shortly. A meeting will take place with the Northern MLA Caucus in Prince George on December 12. A meeting with members of the North Central Municipal Association will take place on January 21 on the University of Northern British Columbia campus. The topic for discussion will be economic diversification. It has been very time consuming but we are succeeding in bringing people together.

Elmer Derrick
Gitxsan Chief Negotiator