Media opportunity at Law Courts ahead of two-day appeal hearing
VANCOUVER / xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh & səlilw̓ ətaʔɬ territories – On Monday, January 20th an appellant court will be asked to rule for the first time on the legal interpretation of BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), as Gitxaała Nation returns to court in an appeal arising from their legal challenge to BC’s “free entry” mineral tenure regime. The appeal aims to hold BC legally accountable for implementing DRIPA to ensure no mineral rights are granted without consent.
The Gitxaała delegation will gather with supporters on the courthouse steps at 9 am ahead of the court hearing, with a photo opportunity and media availability to follow. Speakers will include Gitxaała Sm’ooygit Nees Hiwaas (Matthew Hill), Chief Councillor Linda Innes, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and representatives of the First Nations Summit. Media are encouraged to attend court to hear arguments from the appellants.
What: Following a BC Supreme Court victory in September 2023, which held that BC’s gold rush era “free entry” mineral tenure regime breached the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult, Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation are returning to court on Jan. 20-21 to appeal part of the decision regarding the legal enforceability and interpretation of DRIPA. In their appeal, Gitxaała argues that all BC laws must be interpreted consistently with the UN Declaration – including upholding the right to free, prior and informed consent – and that BC’s commitment to take all measures necessary to align laws with the UN Declaration is a legal duty, enforceable in court, and not merely a political promise.
Where: The Law Courts (BC Supreme Court courthouse steps)
At the corner of Nelson & Hornby St. View map
When: Monday, January 20, 2025
9:00 am PST (courthouse steps)
Hearing commences at 10:00 am, courtroom 60
To arrange media interviews with Gitxaała leadership:
Courtney Halvorson, Gitxaała Territorial Management Agency
E: planner.gtma@gitxaalanation.com
C: 778-677-7250
