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GITXSAN TERRITORIES – Gitxsan hereditary chiefs announced today they are running a public education advertisement on their alternative governance model during CBC television’s Bejing Olympic coverage.
“It is simple public education,” said Gitxsan Chiefs’ Office executive director Luutkudziiwus (Gordon Sebastian). “We want to inform the public about what is really happening at the treaty table.”
The Gitxsan have consistently proposed a governance model that aligns with their traditional system since entering treaty talks more than 14 years ago. They have pointed out that the model provides more certainty for all those living on, and looking to invest in, the 33,000 square kilometres of Gitxsan territory in northwest BC. So far provincial and federal officials said they have no mandate to negotiate on any alternative approaches, no matter how beneficial to all parties they may be.
“We want a change in mandate,” said Luutkudziiwus. “The Gitxsan hereditary system which is at the basis of our alternative governance model is more consistent with the constitution of Canada than the treaty model we see at the table.”
The television spots follow on advertisements in national, provincial and regional newspapers in July that provided a summary of the alternative governance model.
“There’s been lots of positive response from the public, business leaders and other nations from all over Canada to the information in the newspaper ads,” said Gitxsan negotiator Gwaans (Beverley Clifton-Percival). “We’ve been spinning our wheels at the treaty table. Our model is about reconciliation beyond the current process and mandate. There is nothing in our model that isn’t doable under the constitution of Canada. These ads are as open as you get – we are putting this in the minds of all British Columbians and Canadians.”
The TV ads will run beginning Aug. 8 on CBC TV provincial broadcasting of the Olympics.

For more info:
Luutkudziiwus (Gordon Sebastian), Executive Director
Gwaans (Bev Clifton-Percival), Treaty Negotiator
Yoobx (Elmer Derrick), Chief Negotiator
(250) 842-6780 fax (250) 842-6709