By 250 News
Friday, August 08, 2014 03:38 PM
Prince George, B.C. � There is a new development in the dispute between the Gitxsan Nation and the crown over Gitxsan lands being given to two other Indian bands.
A news release from the Gitxsan this afternoon states �Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs of Gitsegukla and Gitwangak agreed to suspend evictions on August 8, 2014 until August 25, 2014 pending critical discussions between Crown, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum that may amend their Agreements in Principle.
The Gitxsan have been seeking, since June 2012 to �amend the Agreement in Principle offer�including removal of those lands�� to be taken from Gitxsan land tenure system and wrongly offered in treaties to the two Tsimshian bands. �During this period the Gitxsan did everything we could to move this off the wrong track, to the right track that includes economic sharing of our lands with consent� says Sagum Higookxw �We still remain reasonable for tangible progress�.
Earlier this week the Gitxsan served notice that they would be shutting down all railway traffic through their territory. CN Rail applied for and received a B.C. Supreme Court injunction barring anyone from trespassing on CN rail lines between Smithers and Terrace. The Gitxsan did not contravene the court order, saying they are �law Abiding citizens.�
Today�s release states �This activity to repel trespassers from Gitxsan title lands is pursuant to exclusivity required by the Supreme Court of Canda. �The Gitxsan view these talks as merely symbolic gestures if CN does not withdraw their injunction� says Gwaans, Beverley Clifton Percival, Negotiator, �we have been and will continue to abide by the law�.
�It is a very positive move by the Crown to undertake to work diligently with Kitselas and Kitsumkalum to ensure that all parties in the situation are dealt with honourably� stated Tenimgyat, Art Mathews �The government being honourable is not a one-size fits all�.
The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs will maintain all camps on highways, railways and rivers.
