Gitxsan Chiefs' Weekly Update May 18, 2011

Diiyee’msxhl Sigidimhaanak’

With the guidance of the Gitxsan Sigidimhaanak, doing the right thing has been our ongoing concern. Their work will be unveiled June 13th, 2001. The thrust of their work has been, “why do we feast?” Everything we do amounts to “inclusiveness” and being
Gitxsan forever is our ongoing theme. The women have always been important in Gitxsan society and will continue to be post-treaty. A treaty is no guarantee; god only knows how governments are to achieve reconciliation with our pre-existing rights. So far it is painful to watch how slow the political machinery moves. We are very strong with the Delgam’uukxw decision, and there is no reason to diminish being Gitxsan.

So far we have asked who are the house members of all Gitxsan houses? This is
useful to know when we implement the Gitxsan Development Corporation, because being inclusive is what many Gitxsan are
asking for. The Corporation will be directed by respected Gitxsan and will demonstrate to the outside world that we know what
we’re doing. We will encourage all Gitxsan to return home. This will be “part two” of the legacy of winning Delgamuukxw —
Delgam’uukxw in action.

The very survival of any political group depends on doing the right thing. Exploratory discussions are ongoing but nothing is being agreed to. Governments are looking at what is being proposed and they will eventually analyze and see if it’s a win – win and so forth. The law of the land says that we have to live together. Reconciliation is what the talks are all about. What we have going for us is the law of the land, and government can’t continue to dismiss it.

The Sigidimhanaanak’s work is ever so important, as what we do has to be good for “all” Gitxsan; that is what we hear from you. Again, this gathering will be at Hagwilgyet Gathering Place, June 13th at 9:30 a.m.

Art Wilson