Close X
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Gitxsan Nation Orders CN Rail, Foresters, Fishermen, Off Northwestern B.C. Lands

The Canadian Press , 08 Aug, 2014 12:19 PM
    TERRACE, B.C. - It's business as usual in a large swath of land in northwestern British Columbia, despite escalating tensions spurred by an eviction order from the Gitxsan First Nation.
     
    The First Nation issued notice last month to sport fishermen, forest companies and Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) that they would have to stop all activities in the 33,000 square kilometres of its territories near Terrace, B.C. by Aug. 4.
     
    The First Nation has been in a protracted treaty dispute with the federal and provincial governments. In 2012, lands that the Gitxsan claims rights and title to became part of a treaty agreement-in-principle with the neighbouring Kitsumkalum and Kitselas.
     
    The Gitxsan deadline was also issued to the governments telling them that they must remove those lands from the treaties agreed to by the band's neighbours.
     
    Gitxsan negotiator Gwaans, also know as Beverley Clifton Percival, said Wednesday that progress was being made with the governments earlier this week, but that later disintegrated.
     
    "It's Canada that's being a stick in the mud with their senior person here in British Columbia not wanting to move. We've presented a way forward that will meet all objectives and we remain committed to open to discussions."
     
    "This stuff could have been averted," she added.
     
    The eviction notice was issued in July, just days after the landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision recognizing aboriginal land title.
     
    Mark Hallman, a spokesman for CN Rail, said nothing had stopped the 11 trains that move through the Gitxan territory daily.
     
    "It's been business as usual for freight operations throughout northern B.C. Operations remain fluid and normal and there have been no interruptions," he said.
     
    The railway connects Prince Rupert's busy port with the rest of Canada through that territory. Hallman said the trains are carrying containers, coal, grain and general freight.
     
    CN isn't involved in the negotiations with the First Nation, he said.
     
    "The British Columbia and Canadian governments are working to address the issues raised by the Gitxsan chiefs and CN hopes that process will resolve the situation. It's our view that only the governments are in a position to address the outstanding issues."
     
    Cpl. Dave Tyreman, the North District media relations officer, said no protests or disputes had been reported in connection to the eviction notice.
     
    When asked if there were plans to escalate the dispute or blockade rail or road routes, Clifton Percival said the band is leaving it's options open.
     
    "We've been open and fair and we've been law abiding too."
     
    A provincial government spokeswoman said the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations was attempting to set up a meeting with the band for Thursday.
     
    Attorney General Suzanne Anton was unavailable for an interview Wednesday, but in a statement said the government believes the best way to resolve issues that concern aboriginal rights and title is through negotiation.
     
    Most Canadian protesters, whether aboriginal or non-aboriginal, are peaceful and law abiding, she said.
     
    "We ask everyone to remain respectful of one another on the ground while we seek a resolution to the issues raised by the Gitxsan," the statement said. “We believe working in partnership is the best way to provide a meaningful role in land and resource management decisions for First Nations, including decisions regarding benefit sharing and economic opportunities.”
     
    Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous story said the court awarded the land to the Gitxsan.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Snow still piled up in these dog days of summer in Winnipeg

    Snow still piled up in these dog days of summer in Winnipeg
     It’s the dog days of summer, but there's still snow to be found in the city nicknamed Winterpeg. Jim Berezowsky, manager of street maintenance for Winnipeg, says there is still snow at the four dump sites used by the city.

    Snow still piled up in these dog days of summer in Winnipeg

    Women bare bellies in bikinis to support Edmonton mom mocked over stretch marks

    Women bare bellies in bikinis to support Edmonton mom mocked over stretch marks
    About two dozen women pulled on bikinis in downtown Edmonton to support a mother who says she was mocked over her stretch marks.

    Women bare bellies in bikinis to support Edmonton mom mocked over stretch marks

    B.C. boosts addictions research and treatment with $3 million in funding

    B.C. boosts addictions research and treatment with $3 million in funding
    The British Columbia government is boosting funding for addictions research and treatment in the province, with money going towards testing of a drug that can block the effects of heroin and alcohol.

    B.C. boosts addictions research and treatment with $3 million in funding

    Five more B.C. school districts sign support workers' contracts

    Five more B.C. school districts sign support workers' contracts
    VICTORIA - Support workers at five B.C. school districts have ratified five-year contract agreements, bringing the number of newly-signed district agreements to 21.

    Five more B.C. school districts sign support workers' contracts

    Versatile Blueberries Take The Cake As Canada Aims To Export 'Nature's Candy'

    Versatile Blueberries Take The Cake As Canada Aims To Export 'Nature's Candy'
    Four big containers brimming with juicy blueberries headed home with a smiling Jenny Yong, who was pulling her bounty in a wagon supplied by this U-pick farm south of Vancouver.

    Versatile Blueberries Take The Cake As Canada Aims To Export 'Nature's Candy'

    A look at troubles that prompted Alison Redford to resign

    A look at troubles that prompted Alison Redford to resign
    Here's a look at some of the troubles that led to former Alberta premier Alison Redford's resignation as a member of the legislature Wednesday:

    A look at troubles that prompted Alison Redford to resign