Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs Press Release April 5 2012

1. Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs Press
Release April 5 2012
The Gitxsan Unity Movement stands firm on
backing the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs, who have
requested the Gitxsan Unity Movement to secure
and keep a 24 hour 7 day a week watch over their
building.
In light of new developments, the Gitxsan
Hereditary Chiefs do not acknowledge the Gitxsan
Treaty Society as a representation of the Gitxsan
people.

2. In a Declaration signed by 91 Gitxsan Chiefs
that states:
The Gitxsan Treaty Society (GTS) does not
represent the Gitxsan people and is to be shut
down for the following reasons:
Lack of consultation with the Gitxsan clans and
communities: GTS staff members, specifically
the Executive Director, Head Negotiator and
Negotiator did not utilize the principle of free,
prior, and informed consent in entering into the
December 2, 2011 agreement with Enbridge
Inc; specifically, GTS entered into the
agreement without the knowledge or
authorization of the Simgigyet.

3. GTS senior staff did not follow the Gitxsan
ayookw (Gitxsan law practiced in the Wilp
Li’ligit) in the agreement that he negotiated with
Enbridge Inc. Therefore, the Gitxsan Clans
have lost confidence in the ability of the Gitxsan
Treaty Office and the Gitxsan Treaty Society to
represent the best interests of the Gitxsan.
Further, the agreement could do irreparable
harm to: The ayookw; to Gitxsan solidarity with
neighbouring First Nations who are fighting to
stop the pipeline; human health; and, to the
ecosystems and wildlife in the watersheds
which the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline
project is proposed to cross.

4. I also confirm I agree with the following
action:
1. Members of the Gitxsan Treaty Society Board
of Directors representing my pdeek ( clan) have
been recalled and have no authority to speak
on behalf of my pdeek;
2. The Executive Director and Negotiators of GTS
have been terminated; Other office Staff are to
be given notices of indeterminate lay-offs.

5. 3. Enbridge Corporation is to be notified that the
Gitxsan Simgigyet are not party to the
December 2, 2011 agreement and the
agreement is therefore null and void;
4. British Columbia Treaty Commission, the
Federal and Provincial Governments, and other
third parties, be notified that GTS does not
represent Gitxsan chiefs and has ceased
operations;

6. 5. An apology is to be extended to First Nations
who will be impacted by the Endbridge
Northern Gateway Pipeline project;
6. The Task Force be authorized to carry out any
necessary actions, including but not limited to,
engaging professional assistance, required to
terminate the operations of GTS. The Task
Force is to regularly report their progress to the
Simgigyet, who will give further direction as
required at duly called clan meetings.

7. The Gitxsan Unity Movement began as Gitxsan
Against Enbridge in early December 2011. The
goal of the movement is to bring harmony
between the Gitxsan government and the
values, law and will of the Gitxsan.
The Gitxsan Chiefs shut down the Gitxsan Treaty
Society on December 5, 2011 because they
were acting contrary to Gitxsan law and values
through their unilateral agreement with
Enbridge.

8. The Gitxsan Unity movement is 100% volunteer
driven, with Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs and
members working in the best interest of our
land, culture and people.
We are very disappointed in Judge McEwan
decision to call the very people, who had put
the foundations of GTS in place, illegal. When
in fact in earlier court room comments Judge
McEwan clearly pointed out that the GTS was
operating illegally with few society members.

9. We the Gitxsan people are standing up for the
truth! We strive for accountability, transparency
and to return the authority and jurisdiction to its
rightful place, the Gitxsan Simgigyet and the
Gitxsan Nation.
CONTACT
Gitxsan Unity Movement
PO Box 332
Hazelton, BC
V0J 1Y0
For more information, please contact:email:
info@gitxsanagainstenbridge.com