Hazelton, B.C. – With the federal election looming, a Northwest BC First Nation has taken out ad space in major Canadian newspapers in an appeal to voters and politicians.

 

The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs say they want to be full partners in Canadian society with all the rights and responsibilities that come along with that. In return, the Gitxsan say they want the power to make decisions about their traditional territory which covers 33,000 square kilometres. Despite the landmark 1997 Delgamuukw ruling recognizing aboriginal title, the First Nation says progress toward reconciliation has been far too slow.

 

“In an election campaign where discussion of the issues amounts to little more than crass sloganeering and mudslinging, we feel we have a positive message that will resonate with all Canadians,” said Beverly Clifton Percival, Negotiator with the Gitxsan Chiefs Office.

 

 “What we are proposing is a common sense, well thought out plan to bring our people out from under the iron hand of the Indian Act and do what we've done for thousands of years: look after ourselves and our lands. What we need is for governments to listen and act,” said Percival.

 

The Gitxsan have taken out ads in today’s Vancouver Sun, Victoria Times-Colonist, Ottawa Citizen, the Toronto Edition of the National Post, and Embassy Magazine urging Canadians, federal candidates, and the federal leaders to find out more about its alternative governance model.