The Gitxaała Nation has issued a firm response to a recent announcement from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, rejecting any proposal that would bring crude oil pipelines or tankers through their territory.
Leadership from both the hereditary chiefs and the elected council say the protection of Gitxaała’s lands, waters, and air is a fundamental responsibility. They stress that Gitxaała has never ceded or surrendered its territory and continues to assert its inherent rights to govern its lands.
The Nation has a long history of opposition to oil development in the region, including its legal challenge to the now-defunct Enbridge Northern Gateway project. Gitxaała continues to support the federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act and upholds the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.
Leaders say efforts by Alberta or any Crown body to bypass Gitxaała governance undermine reconciliation and violate Canadian and international law, including UNDRIP and BC’s DRIPA.
Gitxaała says it will not be swayed by consultation processes that do not respect its authority and vows to protect Nłuut’iksm Laxyuubm Gitxaała for future generations.
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