Gitaxaala Nation finds agreement with provincial government

The lengthy process of consultation has yielded some success at Kitkatla, as the Gitxaala Nation and the provincial government signed a land use planning agreement and also found some common ground on collaborative protected area management agreement in a ceremony held in Kitkatla on Monday afternoon.

Described as a step forward for the Gitxaala nation, a historical day that gives the people a say in how their territory is to be used. For the provincial government it’s another success story in the aboriginal affairs section of the government’s legislative agenda. It marks a change in perceptions on both sides and an achievement that didn’t seem as likely when the Campbell Liberals first took office five years ago.

It’s been a slow process, but perhaps there is a hint of promise in the always complicated issue of First Nations affairs, suspicions have run deep at times in both camps on land. Economic and social issues, with the result of sometimes it seemed that three steps backwards happened for every step forward.

In the Gitxaala nation it seems that Monday brought very much a step forward, something that might be used as a template for other disputes across the province.

The Daily news had the details on the long anticipated agreements.

GITXAALA SIGNS OFF ON HISTORIC DEALS
Agreement with province gives band more control over territory
By Patrick Witwicki
The Daily News
Tuesday, October 3, 2006

A monumental agreement was signed between the Gitxaala nation and the provincial government Monday afternoon in Kitkatla.

The land use planning and collaborative protected area management agreements were signed by Clarence Innes, Matthew Hill, and Clifford White of the Gitxaala nation and provincial ministers Pat Bell and Barry Penner.

It was an agreement that both sides are pleased with, and believe will continue to protect the North Coast area for generations to come.

“We finally have a say on how our territory is used,” said Innes.

Matthew Hill, representing the hereditary leaders and elders for the Gitxaala nation, said that the agreement guarantees a future for generations to come.

“We have been coastal inhabitants of this territory for thousands and thousands of years,” he said. “It’s been a very difficult journey for us, considering what is going on here and around the world.

“This reassures us that we are on the right track. Now that we are reassured, we are stepping forward.

“I’m very proud of all the children who took part in this today. It is their future we are dealing with.”

Clifford White, elected chief and council for the Gitxaala nation, said that years of hard work have gone into the agreement.

“It’s an important historical day for all us,” he said. “Our territories are controlled by our hereditary process, and (it is important) that we work in conjunction with our hereditary people to ensure that the well being, the economic opportunities and social issues are being carried forward in respect to our traditional ways.

“We are hoping if gets fulfilled. There are treaties in place that never get honoured, but we are hoping that this is just one small stepping stone in being able to work with the provincial government and get things done.”

Through the collaborative agreement, Kitkatla and the province will work together on conservation planning, and recommendations for economic activity that will incorporate First Nations’ culture, ecological, and economic interests as part of the Central and North Coast Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs).

“This is a very important agreement,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands. The importance of this land-use agreement… when I look at all these children, that’s what this agreement is about. It’s about ensuring these children have a future.”

Barry Penner, Minister of the Environment, said the agreement ties into continuing to protect the resources and eco-systems of the North Coast.

“You are the best environmentalists in the world, because you had to be in order to have a sustainable land-base,” he said. “And we acknowledge that… these agreements are a reflection of that understanding. On this day, we mark the beginning of a new chapter. Most importantly, and the reason we are here today, is to celebrate the signing of this momentous agreement, and through that, we honour the heritage, the culture, and history of the Gitxaala people.

“The collaborative part of the agreement is about sharing. It’s about sharing responsibility, and protecting our ecological integrity. It’s about being able to speak of a mutual goal to preserve the pristine beauty of this area.”

Prior to the signing, the provincial government put into place the new park ranger program, involving Dave Mason and Richard Robinson of the Gitxaala nation.

Then, after the documents were signed, Bell presented Kitkatla with a cheque for $50,000 to assist with the economic development of the agreement, and Penner handed over a framed document in celebration.

Everyone involved also talked about the importance of hereditary chief Russell Gamble, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness. For more background on the historic day check tomorrow’s edition of the Daily News.