|
20 July 2004
Gitxsan negotiators at the treaty table are focusing on activation of the Gitxsan watersheds. Part of this involves the accommodation of Gitxsan interests in land and resources at the watershed level by BC and Canada. These interests cover both current and future resources. Anticipating potential resource development on Gitxsan lands is an important consideration. To prepare for accommodation in one such area, the Gitxsan Treaty Society sponsored the preparation of a draft document called the Gitxsan Oil and Gas Ayookw.
The purpose of the draft document is to: provide Huwilp in the watersheds with a framework to assert rights and title to oil and gas resources; ensure the environmental and sociocultural impacts of energy exploration, development and transport are addressed and integrated into all policies and programs; ensure current and future generations of Gitxsan have secure access to benefits arising from sustainable resource extraction activities on the lax yip.
There are many shared principles in the first working draft of the Gitxsan Oil and Gas Ayookw. Those to be considered include:
The Gitxsan maintain and assert a sovereign right and title to the surface and subsurface resources of the lax yip;
The lax yip and its surface and subsurface resources have never been given, or shared for the purpose of a Treaty, to or with any other party, therein;
The lax yip is the Gitxsan’s absolute property;
The Gimlitxwit, Huwilp and agencies representing them will not undertake or promote any activities that may adversely impact the long-term integrity of the lax yip and its users;
Individuals, companies or governments and their agencies who propose to conduct oil and gas activities on the lax yip, or desire to meet with the Gitxsan to discuss oil and gas issues, are responsible for fees for service…;
The Gitxsan will seek to establish a working relationship with all stakeholders;
In reference to the Gitxsan Oil and Gas Ayookw, any sections that refer to approval of a project with consent from the Gitxsan Resource Management Authority, means that the GRMA fully informed and achieved consensus or approval from the Wilp (Huwilp) whose lax yip is to be developed;
The Gitxsan will not allow the removal or utilization of oil and gas resources from the lax yip without an established favourable revenue-sharing or other related benefit agreement(s);
The Gitxsan Resource Management Authority and other Gitxsan agencies, committees, trusts and bodies and all their employees will incorporate Gitxsan cultural and environmental values into the approval of oil and gas projects;
Upon the completion of an oil and gas project, the lax yip must be reclaimed as closely as possible to its original state;
The Gitxsan will aim to develop and implement a legislative and/or regulatory framework, with consent protocols regarding present and future infringements.
|
