MEDIA ADVISORY – April 2, 2023
VANCOUVER / xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh & səlilwətaʔɬ territories
Media are invited to a press briefing on Monday, April 3 at 8:30am PST, hosted by the Gitxaała
Nation.
Two-week hearing set to begin in legal challenge to BC’s free entry mineral tenure regime – the first major case to consider BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
What:
In October 2021, Gitxaała launched a ground-breaking legal challenge against BC’s outdated practice of granting mineral claims without Indigenous consultation or consent.
On April 3, the BC Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments from parties and intervenors in this closely-watched case, which challenges BC’s “free entry” mineral claim regime. Gitxaała Nation leaders will hold a press conference just prior to the start of the Court hearings, followed by a procession to the Courthouse.
When: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. PT
Where: Ballroom A, Sutton Place Hotel, 845 Burrard St., Vancouver
Who:
- Robert Nahanee, Squamish Nation (territorial welcome)
- Gitxaała Sm’ooygit Nees Hiwaas (Matthew Hill)
- Gitxaała Sm’ooygit Txagyet (Clarence Innis)
- Linda Innes, Gitxaała Chief Councillor
- Marcia Robinson, Gitxaała Councillor (moderator)
- Jessica Clogg, Legal Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law
- Representatives from Gitxaala’s smgyigyet (chiefs) and sigyidm hana’anax (matriarchs)
Contact information:
James Herbert, Senior Advisor, Gitxaała Territorial Management Agency,
778-881-1534 / senioradvisor.gtma@gitxaalanation.com
