Simogyet Gwagl’lo (aka Rod Sampare), hereditary leader of Wilps Gwagl’lo, a Gitxsan House Group of Gitsegukla, asserts his family’s daxgyet (authority). As of 4:00 AM, Friday, February 21, 2003 Simogyet Gwagl’lo on behalf of his family shut down the access road to Skeena Cellulose Inc.’s West Kitsuns, cutting permit 175.
Simogyet Gwagl’lo is frustrated with
1. the lack of proper consultation with his house group especially in light of the December 10, 2002 Yal et al v. Minister of Forests Supreme Court of BC decision where Justice Tysoe found that there was no consultation with the Gitxsan in the transfer of control of the affected tree licenses.
2. the export of raw logs out of the Hazelton area especially when the local economy is severly depressed and Gitxsan have up to 90% unemployment rate in their communities.
After a 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2003 meeting, called by Simogyet Gwagl’lo between himself, Paul Veltmeyer, Skeena Cellulose Inc. Operations Manager, and SCI contractors to discuss the issues, Simogyet Gwagl’lo gave formal notice to SCI that the road will be shut down as per his earlier notice of Tuesday last. Veltmeyer advised Simogyet Gwagl’lo that he will subsequently instruct his contractors to stay home Friday, February 21, 2003, Monday, February 24, 2003, and Tuesday, February 25, 2003. It was further agreed that negotations between the parties will begin 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 25, 2003.
At the same meeting, Rick Braam of the Ministry of Forests advised Simogyet Gwagl’lo that the process to begin discussions regarding consultations with the Gitxsan, as instructed by Justice Tysoe of the Supreme Court of BC in the Yal et al v. MOF, will start very soon.
NEXT RELEASE
There will not be any further comments nor releases until after the 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 25, 2003 negotiations.
For further information regarding the Gitxsan and treaty-related matters, see http://www.gitxsan.com or
contact Catherine Blackstock, Executive Director, 1650 Omenica Street, PO Box 229, Hazelton, BC, V0J 1Y0, telephone 1-250-842-6780 local 332, email cblackstock@gitxsan.com.
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More information:
After Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Negotiations
Simogyet Gwagl'lo
Download file: West Kitsuns CP 175 - Gitseguecla Administrative Watershed
