Gitxaala Defends Sovereignty of Laxyuup
Nov 29th, 2010 by cmenzies
Update: December 2, 2010. Blockade to come down following Minister of Forests promise to meet with Gitxaala leadership.
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Going on two weeks now Gitxaala Hereditary leaders have engaged in a public act of asserting their sovereignty over the Laxyuup Gitxaala (traditional territory).
Two primary reasons have been given: (1) the logging company, Triumph Timber, has continuously refused to consult in a fair and adequate manner with respect to the logging of Gitxaala lands, and; (2) the Provincial Ministry of Forests and Range have consistently dragged their feet on meaningful negotiations regarding Gtixaala’s forest license.
Aboriginal fishing in front of non-aboriginal logging.
Gitxaala hereditary leaders have a long and consistent history of patient negotiations with newcomers and the explanation of Gitxaala’s authority and jurisdiction. From the time of the first foreign ships in Gitxaala waters (James Collnett in 1787 and J. Caamano in 1792) all the way through to the present the hereditary leadership and their speakers have consistently outlined the expectations for the behaviour of visitors.
Maybe this time the visitors will listen.
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