Gitxsan Chiefs' Weekly Update May 24, 2011

Doing the right thing

Doing the right thing is an ongoing concern of all Gitxsan. Many will say, “use Delgam’uukxw!” That is exactly what the Office of Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs is doing. Our negotiations are towards benefiting all Gitxsan throughout our 33,000 square kilometres of our territory. All court wins will be implemented in any potential Treaty settlement. Towards economic development again Delgamuukxw spells out what obligations both levels of government and industry have with the Gitxsan. We know that many Gitxsan are hurting and the Gitxsan Development work is our highest priority. We are contacting our many Gitxsan professionals. The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs will meet again on June 1st to determine the fairest possible representation and the expertise needed for a fully functioning Development Corporation — something all Gitxsan would like to see. Without a fight, we are not going to get anywhere, but the tools are already there. Our fight is is mostly to get governments and industry to adhere to their legal obligations to us under Delgam’uukxw. We must do this in a a positive manner so as not to scare people away. The Sigid’mhaanaks’s work will ensure that no one is left out. We welcome investors, but not at any cost. We assume that Gitxsan will be here forever, so the environment must be held in high regard. As I said before, things will not come easy, and like it or not, it
will be a fight all the way.

Art Wilson