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Gitxsan Treaty Society
Box 229
Hazelton, B.C.
V0J 1Y0
(250) 842-6780
fax: (250) 842-6709
gto@mail.bulkley.net
MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release
Thurs., May 3, 2001
3:00 p.m. PST
Gitxsan talk treaty with Premier
Gitxsan Territories—The first concrete step is about to take place after a more than five-year hiatus in treaty negotiations between the Gitxsan hereditary chiefs, B.C. and Canada on ownership, jurisdiction and self-government.
Premier Ujal Dosanjh will sit down with hereditary chiefs at a public meeting in Gitxsan traditional territory in Northwest B.C. on May 6. The main topic for discussion is the provincial government’s position on implementing the 1997 Supreme Court of Canada’s Delgamuukw decision on aboriginal title…
”Not knowing B.C.’s position on aboriginal title as outlined in the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision adds to uncertainty. That uncertainty isn’t good for anyone living up here—natives and non-natives alike. If their negotiators can come into these talks with a clear mandate, then progress can really be made. That wasn’t the case last time the Gitxsan were involved with the BC treaty process,” says Anuthlem buhn [Gitxsan Treaty Society chair Gordon Sebastian].
The Gitxsan haven’t been involved with treaty negotiations since 1996 when the province decided to suspend their participation with the Gitxsan and Canada in the BC Treaty Commission process in favour of pursuing the Delgamuukw court action. The subsequent SCC decision helped clarify the “test” for legally proving aboriginal title, but also strongly ruled it an obligation of BC and Canada to conduct meaningful consultation and negotiations with First Nations. The BC Treaty Commission announced in February it accepted the reopening of the Gitxsan treaty process after all three parties negotiated a return to the table...
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