GITXSAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The Gitxsan have presided over their 33,00 km sq. laxyip (traditional lands) in Northwestern British Columbia since time immemorial, stewarding the land and its resources through a matrilineal land based tenure system in accordance with Ayookw Gitxsa sed tenure system in accordance with Ayookw Gitxsan (Gitxsan laws). In 1984, to seek recognition of, and to assert its ownership over its traditional territories, the Gitxsan took legal action. Thirteen years later, the Supreme Court of Canada decided the case, which became known as “Delgamuukw”. The ruling set a new precedent for proving aboriginal title, defined “consultation” and “accommodation”. After the ruling, resource extraction and development continued unabated in Gitxsan territories and the Gitxsan people remained largely shut out of these mainstream economic sectors. In response, the Gitxsan created their own business entity, the Gitxsan Development Corporation. Learn more about Gitxsan history and culture at Gitxsan.ca GES is an indigenous owned and operated environmental service company that specializes in natural resource management and environmental stewardship. On October 11 Gitxsan Hereditary chiefs brought downtown Vancouver to a standstill as they led a peaceful protest to the steps of the BC Supreme Court. Their goal was to bring attention to the use of militarized RCMP C-Ring in the community and calls for this unit to be dismantled. The protest received wide spread media attention and reporting in many outlets across the country. “The laws that are imposed on us, you know, it seems to be one-sided,” Gitxsan Hereditary Chief Clifford Sampare said in an interview with Canada’s National Observer. “There’s no consideration for our traditional laws, and our law is to protect the land. When we try to go and protect our territories, they call a militia on us.” On November 21st The Chiefs will once again be looking to bring the attention to the BC Supreme Court protecting their community as they March in Smithers, BC