GITANYOW, BC, July 15,
2024 /CNW/ - The Gitanyow Nation, as represented by
the Simgigyet'm Gitanyow (Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs) and the
Government of Canada recently
signed a Funding Agreement, marking a significant step forward in
restoring Gitanyow's inherent right of self-government. For
Gitanyow Nation, this inherent right is found in their Dax'gyet —
the strength and authority of the Hereditary Chiefs' relationship
with their ancestral lands.
The Government of Canada is
providing $18.4 million to advance
the goals and priorities set out in the Gitanyow Governance Accord
(the Accord), signed by Gitanyow, Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia in 2021. The Accord provides
a pathway to transition from the Indian Act to Gitanyow
self-government, based on the restoration and legal recognition of
the Gitanyow's hereditary governance system.
The funding will prepare Gitanyow to fully implement its
government under its Constitution through advancing governance
capacity, community objectives, and economic development
priorities. Activities to be supported include continued
development of a Hereditary Revitalization Plan; harmonizing
Gitanyow's Ayookxw (Supreme Laws) of the Simgigyet'm Gitanyow with
federal, provincial and third-party interests; development of
modern governance tools and legislative frameworks; and the
construction of a new building to accommodate Dax'gyet operations
and a training institute.
This Funding Agreement aligns with the implementation of the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples, emphasizing the importance of self-determination,
defined as the ability to "freely determine their political status
and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural
development."
Quotes
"The work in developing this document [Gitanyow Constitution] is
important; we must choose carefully the words we use to describe
our system so the governments and the world can see who we are and
that we exist; this we will pass on to future generations of
Gitanyow."
Simogyet Sindihl/Robert Good
"This is a very important day for our ancestors and future
generations. Working together in unity is the best path forward for
all of us. This new Agreement not only recognizes Gitanyow's
traditional legal system, but also provides the resources needed to
propel our people into a prosperous future."
Simogyet Malii/Glen
Williams
Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs
"This Agreement marks a significant milestone in our shared
journey from the Indian Act toward a stronger Gitanyow
Nation under their traditional and hereditary form of governance.
This investment is about supporting the Gitanyow in their goals to
enhance governance, foster economic development, and strengthen
community infrastructure. We are walking this reconciliation path
together, respecting the rich heritage and future aspirations of
the Gitanyow people."
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
- The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, through the Gitanyow Huwilp
Society, work to promote the social, cultural and economic
well-being of the Gitanyow people.
- The Gitanyow Huwilp Society was established in 1993 with an aim
to represent the Gitanyow Huwilp (Houses). Mandated by their people
and the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, their mission is to protect the
Lax'yip (territory) for the Wilp (House) membership.
- Gitanyow's main community is located on the Kitwanga River 8
kilometres south of Kitwancool Lake, at the confluence of
Kitwancool Creek. The community is located on Gitanyow Indian
Reserve No. 1. Gitanyow are a matrilineal society of Gitxsan
people.
- The village of about 400 people is a National Historic Site of
Canada.
Associated links
- Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs
- British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC)
- Gitanyow Governance Accord
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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada