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21 August 2014
NEWS RELEASE
August 21, 2014
3 pm PST FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GITXSAN EXPECT GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWAL OF MISTAKEN OFFERS IN AIPs
GITXSAN TERRITORIES – The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs of Gitwangak and Gitsegukla expect withdrawal of government offers of Gitxsan land tenure and rights to two Tsimshian bands on or before September 16, 2014. The Gitxsan have today agreed to extend to September 16, 2014 the suspension of evictions that were done on August 8, 2014 pending critical discussions to be held August 26, 2014 between Crown, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum that may amend their Agreements in Principle.
The Province has reported that Minister Rustad is personally involved and timelines have been set. Canada is conspicuous by their absence. “It remains to be seen that Canada - Anita Boscariol, RDG has committed“ says Gwaans, Beverley Clifton Percival “to this process for a positive resolution”
Since June 2012 the Gitxsan have sought to amend the Agreement in Principle offer. “We are reasonable people “says Sagum Higookxw, Vernon Smith “the only acceptable solution is the removal of Gitxsan lands mistakenly offered in these AIPs.”
The Gitxsan are amazed at the audacity of Canadian National Railway (“CN”) in obtaining an injunction claiming trespass by Gitxsan. On one hand CN pleads with the Gitxsan to be confident with the process and on the other hand CN’s conduct is contrary. “CN is not confident in this process by the Provincial government as they still hold an injunction” says Tenimgyet, Art Mathews “on activities that have not taken place for over 18 days and counting.”
The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs will maintain all camps on highways, railways and rivers and thanks the public for increasing their understanding of this issue.
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Gwaans (Beverley Clifton Percival) Office (250) 842-6780 Cell: (250) 847-0603
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