21 March 2010
Posted in Self Determination - Alternative Governance Principles

The Gitxsan are not interested in negotiating for "treaty settlement lands."

Rather, we wish to maintain a relationship with the entire 33,000 sq. km of traditional territory. The economic value of our collective inherited interest (which is neither "fee simple" nor sovereign, but is real, court-ordered and subject to definition) is to be realized through the process of "accommodation" articulated by the Supreme Court of Canada (Delgamuukw).

In practical terms this will be executed through a combination of agreements, including but not limited to, Gitxsan investment, arrangements with external investors, and revenue sharing agreements with governments, particularly with the provincial government in the case of natural resources.

We take encouragement from the fact that we already have several working models in place, which are the result of "accommodation": The STFA (forests), the Carbon Credits plan and the GWA (watersheds). These initiatives encompass the whole of our traditional territory, currently employ Gitxsan people, and continue to operate in a responsible fashion, generating revenue for the Gitxsan.

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