Gitxsan Chiefs' Weekly Update Apr 5, 2011

A Slow Down

We do not anticipate much movement in treaty talks — the Federal and Provincial governments are in an election mode. At a time like this, the focus must be ongoing matters, such as advancing the Gitxsan Corporation. The basic structure of the Gitxsan Corporation has been agreed to. We have announced our need for qualified Gitxsan directors and managers. Any development 33,000 square kilometres of Gitxsan territory will require the oversight of talented Gitxsan that we hope to lure home.

Now that spring is here we can expect Klappan Coal will get back to us regarding access. One of the first activities usually is traditional use studies to safeguard the environment. The other project, off Gitxsan country, is the Kitsault mine on Alice Arm. They also need access through Gitxsan country. At the start, there will be a limited amount of work, but these mines will eventually need hundreds of workers during construction and once in operation.

It is good to see the Northwest Community College training tomorrow’s workforce. I participated in one of their training camps and was impressed. The success of Northwest Community Colleges’s programs is proven with placements of new workers after completion of their training. We continue to look at the big picture, and look forward to a breakthrough that will help a lot of people.

Our hearts go out to the Wilson family for their loss, and also Kali Skallan, hagwily yeen wak.

Art Wilson