|
23 July 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2012
Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs re-enter offices for first time – Door remains open to all Chiefs
Hazelton BC – A majority of Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs returned to meet at the Chiefs offices in Hazelton today, for the first time in over 7 months. The Simgiigyet (chiefs) donned their ceremonial regalia and, as Gitluudahl played his family's Limx Oiy (house's sacred song), walked as one back into the offices.
The chiefs' show of unity comes after a three day meeting last week in which a majority of Simgiigyet of the Gitxsan Nation opted to demonstrate their support for the Gitxsan Treaty Society's role in aiding the chiefs in their dealings with the crown. That included appointing a member of their house group as a member of the Society. In doing so the chiefs have created an enhanced role for themselves resulting in a more transparent society
Of those that choose not to appoint a member, the chiefs remain open to other house groups appointing a member at a later date. “We may disagree on some issues but the Gitxsan Nation will always be one,” says Gwaans (Bev Clifton Percival), “The challenge is on those that want to be out of the process. Gitxsan law says we must quiet our disputes and deal with them internally. We are inter-dependant and rely on one another in our social structure. Our attention should be on dealing with the Crown and ensuring they act honourably towards the Gitxsan Nation.”
The collective Simgiigyet are moving forward to advance the interests of the Gitxsan people to create positive change in our communities.
-30-
For further comment please contact:
Gwaans (Bev Clifton Percival)
Office of the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs
250-847-0603
|
