Latest news with #GitxsanAyook
The Province
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Province
On Canada Day, Gitxsan Nation reflects on responsible land development
A new campaign to highlight principles of traditional Gitxsan Ayook (laws) aims to open opportunities for dialogue as controversial pipeline project gets green light to move ahead without environmental assessments Chief Simoogit Geel at her home in Vancouver. A new campaign to highlight principles of traditional Gitxsan Ayook (laws) aims to open opportunities for dialogue after a controversial pipeline project got a green light to move ahead without additional environmental assessments. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG On July 1, Gitxsan hereditary Chief Simoogit Geel is thinking about the land, and about Ayook , the Gitxsan system of laws governing their people's relationship with each other and with the land. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The chief, also known as Catherine Blackstock, is thinking about the health of her Wilp, or house, and the salmon, the forests, the minerals and wildlife on her nation's ancestral territories. She is also thinking of the recent provincial decision to allow the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline to go ahead without renewing its expired environmental certificate or requiring consultation with First Nations. The proposed pipeline would transport natural gas from northeastern B.C. to a liquefied natural gas facility on the west coast, cutting through 50 kilometres of Gitanyow territory. Although an agreement with the Gitxsan nations has been in place since 2013, the American-backed project has raised controversy and legal challenges over its environmental impact. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Its 11-year-old environmental certificate expired last fall. On June 10, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, led by Grand Chief Philip Stewart, condemned the decision to move the pipeline ahead without engaging in consultation: 'Once again, it feels like we are headed into a long, hot summer.' 'We don't want to see a repeat of what happened with the Wet'suwet'en, with the armed police invading their pointing guns at people,' said Geel. 'No injunctions.' By respecting the traditional process of Ayook , and engaging in dialogue with the Gitxsan, Geel believes that could be avoided. 'We want to work on things as they come up,' said Geel. In 2024, Gitxsan hereditary chiefs called for the resignation of B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Marchand Jr., for allowing industries to use B.C. courts to obtain injunctions that lead to enforcement by the RCMP on Gitxsan territory. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Geel, and 11 other hereditary Gitxsan chiefs launched an awareness campaign this week to highlight traditional Gitxsan Ayook, or laws, and their essential role in guiding responsible land development and economic growth on Gitxsan Laxyip, or traditional land. The Gitxsan Nation covers about 35,000 square kilometres in northwestern B.C. including the Hazelton area in the watersheds of the upper Skeena and Nass River region. Its communities include the Kispiox, Glen Vowell, Kitwanga, Kitwankool and Gitsegukla. 'As a hereditary chief, I have a responsibility to take care of the land. We have our own system. We have our own laws,' said Geel. 'The industries are pretty good and knowledgeable about knowing who they should come to, and who they should talk to, but we need more respect from the government,' said Geel. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The B.C. NDP's new fast-track law, which gives the provincial government broad power to override regulatory hurdles, has raised concerns. 'We still stand by our authority,' said Geel. ' You can't push something through without us.' While the original pipeline agreement is still in place, Geel said it needs to be revisited since so much time has passed. 'We do have to consider there have to be potential impacts and turn over every stone to address any concerns.' Respect for the Gitxsan traditions and culture means conversations with each of the wilps, or house groups, of the nation, each of which holds the responsibility of preserving the sanctity and safety of their traditional territories. 'We are matrilineal, so how you receive your lineage is through your mother,' said Geel. The head chief of each Wilp has the authority over a specific piece of land, but works with other chiefs and community members to come to a decision. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'If you belong to a house or wilp and that house is tied to a piece of land and the land you use to sustain yourself and have a concern about what is happening, they need to come to me and talk to the Wilp and work things through.' Paramount is preserving the sanctity of the process, respecting the voice of each Wilp . The system, with its guiding principle of Ayook , has worked since time immemorial, said Geel, who emphasized that land management decisions are based on traditional knowledge combined with science. 'We were asked to take care of the land, and each of us take it very seriously.' dryan@ Read More
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs Advocate for Respect of Indigenous Laws to Safeguard Cultural Heritage
HAZELTON, BC, July 1, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canada Day prompts reflection on reconciliation, twelve Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs are launching a vital awareness campaign. This initiative highlights Gitxsan Ayoo k (laws) and their essential role in guiding responsible land development and fostering self-determined economic growth on Gitxsan Laxyip (traditional land). The campaign aims to deepen understanding and foster greater awareness among Gitxsan youth and all Canadians, fostering connection to Gitxsan culture and way of life. The Chiefs recognize that upholding ayoo k is crucial for preserving unique Gitxsan culture, traditions and sanctity of their laxyip. Their commitment to the Gitxsan Nation's long-term well-being and prosperity is rooted in millennia of traditional stewardship, which must continue to be respected today. "For generations, our responsibility has been to ensure a thriving future for the huwilp (Gitxsan houses) and the Gitxsan people," says Simoogit Geel, Catherine Blackstock. "This means protecting our land, our culture, and our way of life while also building an economically strong nation. Today, we seek balance: development that strengthens our community so our children and grandchildren can continue to live and prosper on our ancestral lands, and respect for our environment and laws so we can lead our own way forward." The Gitxsan Nation has presided over 35,000 square kilometres of Gitxsan Laxyip in Northwestern British Columbia since time immemorial. This campaign ensures Gitxsan Ayoo k is understood and respected, safeguarding the land and its resources for future generations. "Our ayoo k are living systems governing our relationship with the land and with each other," explains Simoogit Gwiiyeehl, Brian Williams. "This campaign reflects our commitment to protect our laxyip for future generations. Respect for these laws is essential to true reconciliation and the survival of our way of life." Delgamuukw, Geel, Gitluudaahlxw, Gwiiyeehl, Gyetm Galdoo, Kliiyeem Lax Ha, Luutkudziiwus, Mauus, Wii Eelast, Wii Mukwilixw, Wosimlaxha and Yagosip
