GITXSAN TREATY - CONTINUITY AND VISION

Outline

1. Gitxsan World view
2. Gitxsan Treaty Elements
3. Federal – Provincial Treaty Elments
4. Objectives/Principles
5. The Challenge
6. Ourselves
7. Role of Lixs Giigyetim Gyet
8. One Scenario
9. Benefits
10. Summary

Gitxsan World View

Gitksan Treaty Elements

• Seeking
  - Alternative to land selection model
  - Respect Gitxsan Ayookw & Daxgyet
  - Manage all Gitxsan territories & resources
  - Benefits to future generations
  - Self-reliant, self-sustaining
  - Control over our futures
  - Compensation for past injuries
  - No extinquishment
  - A living treaty

Federal – Provincial Treaty Elements

• Seeking
  - Certainty
  - Finality
  - Affordability
  - Community Stability
  - Application of Constitution
  - Application of Charter of Rights
  - Land Selection
  - Extinguishment

Gitksan Objectives/Principles

• Development must have social & economic benefits for all residents
• What the Gitxsan win for themselves, they will win for all residents
• New rights & responsibilities may be won for LGG
• Reciprocal accommodation if activities of one affect the other

The Challenge

• To define the interface between ourselves
  
  
  

Ourselves

• Gitxsan
  - 42 Gitxsan Houses in six communities
• Lixs Giigyetim Gyet
  - Now excludes Smithers – Houston – Burns Lake
  - Includes Municipalities of Hazelton & New Hazelton
  - Unorganized Districts:
  - Two Mile, S. Hazelton, Carnaby, Cedarvale, Kitwanga Valley, Kispiox Valley Suskwa
• Interests
  - Need to be better defined

Role of Lixs Giigyetim Gyet

• Defined relationship
• Significant role for municipalities & unorganized districts
• Defined role for third parties
• Meaningful involvement in Treaty negotiations & outcomes
  

One Scenario

• Government of the Gitksan Territory that deals with broad laws and policies that affect all residents
• Delegates selected or appointed
• 42 Gitxsan Houses to be represented
• 9 Municipalities & communty associations to be represented
• Define authority, responsibility & accountability
  

Benefits

• Local management & control
• Greater authority & responsibility
• Sustainable development
• Alliances with local leaders in meeting mutual objectives
• Meaningful government
• Enhanced community infrastructures & services
• Choices for Gitksan & other residents
• Stimulate Gitksan & NW B.C. economy
• Equity

Summary

• That which sustained us in the past will sustain us in the future
• Our vision is achievable
• Our vision is necessary
• Conservation
• Sharing
• A living treaty
• No Extinguishment
• Constitutional protection

• Gitxsan Statement
• Self-Government and Economic Initiatives
• Why a treaty?
• Gitxsan Treaty Transition Strategy

• back to Treaty Talks 1994-1996
• back to Treaty Talks

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