Gitxaała Nation Rejects BC’s Bills 14 and 15, Demands Respect for Rights

Gitxaała Nation has voiced strong opposition to British Columbia’s Bills 14 and 15, condemning them as a failure to respect Indigenous rights and Title. The Nation argues that the legislation, which passed without consultation with Title and Rights holders, directly contradicts the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Gitxaała asserts that the bills allow major projects to be fast-tracked through their territory without meeting the legal requirement for free, prior, and informed consent, perpetuating colonial practices. The Nation points out that BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act mandates consultation, yet the government failed to engage with Gitxaała, undermining their constitutional rights. Gitxaała leaders also criticize the government’s promises of co-developing regulations post-legislation, calling them insufficient. Gitxaała continues to push for the recognition of their jurisdiction and laws and warns the provincial and federal governments that any projects in their territory must first meet their legal and cultural requirements before proceeding. The Nation remains committed to taking legal action to ensure their rights are respected.