Gitxsan Chiefs' Weekly Update May 3, 2011

T’simshian meets the Gitxsan

Historically fish were more abundant and there was minimal activity of people playing with fish on the Skeena river system. Today the stocks are less and Sport fishing is at an all time high. In the more recent years the T’simshian were more protective and have discouraged the Gitxsan from taking food fish from the coastal waters. Those married into the T’simshian were the lucky few to harvest fish to can for the winter. Though there was some apprehension on both sides to meet face to face, it soon proved to be a very positive meeting. They spoke of the changing circumstances that led to their more recent policies that concerned us. One of the fundamental reasoning was allocation; their allocation was affected by our take on the coast. The Gitxsan felt that, future harvests for food on the coast will come out of the Gitxsan allocation and the mechanics will be spelled out on a new MOU. Another one of their emphasis was that their policies depend very much on the stocks, what it can handle. They say for now, fish and ground fish can be discussed at a later date. They also cite the legal standing of natives and want to work together to influence DFO policy as to how we should be treated. One of the bigger questions is, those who play with fish essentially have a bigger allocation where the Province issues unlimited licensing to sport fishers. According to the law of the land, we come first they say. Through the spirit of the Northwest Tribal Treaty, we get organized and tackle all our political and economic hurdles together. A big gathering of nations was suggested by about Four Hereditary Chiefs to say we will work together in looking after our interests. Certain matters are not right and they aim to make them right together as we have rights that need to be observed by the regulatory system.

Art Wilson