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22 November 2005
 Simgiigyet, Sigidim Haanak & Guubawilsxw,
My name is Gwaans, I am from Wilps Hanamuuxw, Gisgaast Pdeek, Gal Tsup Gitsegukla. Thank you to the Simgiigyet of Gitanmaax for allowing us to meet on their lax yip.
Another year has gone by and events have transpired at the table that are of interest to the Huwilp Gali Ax Gitxsan. Again we have remained on the same path as was set in 1995 and are looking forward to adding some new work on true revenue sharing, sustainable resource planning and environmental protection measures that meet our collective interests as Gitxsan Huwilp.
The “Inside the Gitxsan” Document has been used extensively in terms of Gitxsan terminology for use in the chapter language that has been proposed. For example, we have used definitions of Gitxsan, Gitxsan Citizen, fishing site, access to fishing sites, Gwalyeinsxw, lax yip, Wilp, Huwilp, Simoogit, Gimlitxwt and other terms to signify our perspective on the various concepts and clause language in each chapter.
We have approved a tripartite work plan that is revised each session for updating. We are planning a main table for February 2006 in the community of Gitsegukla. At the same time we will have a Chief Negotiator’s meeting to revisit the topics of discussion with the possibility of adding new topics.
We have been focusing on “process” chapters as well as initial discussion on governance, fish, environmental management, and forestry. To date, chapters are in as follows: Indian Act Transition, Ratification of Final Agreement, Water, Environmental Management, Wildlife, Migratory Birds, Fish, Eligibility and Enrollment, Self Government, Dispute Resolution, Local & Regional Government Relations, and Language & Culture
The policy work done this year has been on (ax) water which includes hon (fish), and spagayt gan (forestry). There is lots of work to be done on forestry policy and then implementation of all Gitxsan Policies, with emphasis on compliance.
Gabithl He’e!
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