KITKATLA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 7, 2011) - Gitxaala expresses dismay at the approach that Enbridge has taken in its dealings with the Gitxsan in relation to the proposed Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. Enbridge's abrupt announcement of its dealings with the Gitxsan in relation to the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project has created deep divisions in an aboriginal community, and appears to incorrectly suggest that there is aboriginal support for the Project.
On Friday, December 2, Gitxsan Hereditary Chief Elmer Derrick and Enbridge Executive Vice-President Janet Holder publicly signed an equity agreement. The $7-million deal allegedly cemented Gitxsan support for Enbridge's controversial proposed $5.5-billion tar sands pipeline project. However, within hours dissent was visible in the community and by Monday night a new community consensus against the project was emerging.
There is strong opposition within the Gitxsan community to a proposal being advanced in Treaty negotiations by the Gitxsan Treaty Society (“GTS”). It has been reported that a GTS delegation is set to meet Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl next month to lobby for its proposal that would see the elimination of reserve lands as well as the elimination of Indian Bands and government (the Gitxsan Alternative Government Model or “GAGM”).
There is strong opposition within the Gitxsan community to a proposal being advanced in Treaty negotiations by the Gitxsan Treaty Society (“GTS”). It has been reported that a GTS delegation is set to meet Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl next month to lobby for its proposal that would see the elimination of reserve lands as well as the elimination of Indian Bands and government (the Gitxsan Alternative Government Model or “GAGM”).
