On August 6th, forty-eight Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs gathered in Hazelton to meet with BC’s Chief Justice in an effort to have their traditional laws recognized in BC Supreme Court. The session marks an historic moment for the Gitxsan people, who are advocating for the respect of their laws, or Ayookw, in legal proceedings.
The Chiefs are challenging the BC Supreme Court’s use of industry-led injunctions, which they claim enable a militarized RCMP response that threatens their people on their own lands. They are asking the Chief Justice for support in launching a provincial judicial inquiry to address the harmful use of these injunctions.
‘There are other ways to have a discussion without having to look down the barrel of a rifle.’ – Simogyat Gwiiyeehl (Brian Williams), Gitxsan Hereditary Chief
The Gitxsan argue that the use of injunctions, particularly in the case of projects like the PRGT, puts their lands and culture at risk. The Chiefs are seeking to halt these industry-driven projects, which they say prioritize corporate and government interests over the safety and well-being of their people.
This meeting underscores the urgency for action to protect Gitxsan lands and traditional governance. The Chiefs are hopeful that this legal challenge will bring much-needed attention to their struggle for justice and recognition of their laws.
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