Notice to Gitxaala Members
We are concerned that Kitselas First Nation has set a Treaty ratification vote on April 10th without having reached a protocol agreement with us.
As you are aware; The Kitselas treaty offers rights to territory and resources of the Gitxaala. The rights granted are acquired by commercial and economic activity and are not the result of a traditional right. Gitxaala have maintained that rights acquired must be maintained in the context of aywaax, adaawx and gu gwithyansk , but we recognize that a modern treaty does not include concept of inherent and hereditary rights. The fact is; while we wish all Kitselas members success in treaty we also recognize that only a few kitselas members will benefit from resource and land entitlements awarded via treaty and this will impact future allocations to Gitxaala.
The proposed Kitselas Treaty will adversely affect Gitxaała Aboriginal rights and title held by the Smygiget (Hereditary Chiefs) to Nɫuut’iksgm Laxyuubm Gitxaała (traditional territory). Over the past 18 months we have tried to engage in substantive discussions with Kitselas about these issues and to reach a protocol agreement. The first substantive discussion between our Nations only occurred last week on February 6th, 2025.
The Gitxaała Nation and Lu Sa Hax Hoyaxgm Wil’nat’aał (LSHH), the joint committee of Hereditary Chiefs and elected Council have serious concerns on the rushed timeline to ratify especially since the treaty negotiations have been going on for 30 years.
We want to inform our members that we have taken action to express our concern directly with the Crowns and Kitselas First Nation. The following letter has been sent to B.C. and Canada.