21 March 2010
Posted in Self Determination - Alternative Governance Principles

The Gitxsan are prepared to pay income and sales taxes just as other Canadians. The fact is, Gitxsan already pay the same taxes that "non-Indian" citizens pay.

We pay taxes to three levels of Government. We pay taxes through Gitxsan feasts into our community. We pay all federal taxes. We pay most provincial taxes as most of the commercial arrangements we have are in towns like Hazelton, Smithers and Terrace. 

We pay taxes every time we purchase goods and services at grocery stores, gas pumps and restaurants outside the reservation. The province of British Columbia uses these tax revenues to fund government programs, health care, education, housing, welfare and other social programs. And although we pay the same taxes as "non-Indians," we receive 35% less of these services. The tax exemption on reserves actually places registered Indians at a disadvantage as it provides a justification for reduced "on-reserve" wages, and many businesses merely inflate their prices to compensate for the exemption. Furthermore, it is this tax exemption status that legally entitles the province to reduce such things as health and education services to Indians by 35%.

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