Gitxsan again reject Enbridge deal, demand resignation of GTO employees
First Nations Energy Environment
Leaders of the Gitxsan Nation have again rejected the deal the Gitxsan Treaty Organization made with Enbridge, endorsing the Northern Gateway Pipeline.
A press release published on Facebook by the environmental group Pipe Up Against Enbridge says in part.
On Sunday, December 4th, 2011, 3 of the Gitxsan Clans held separate meetings in 3 locations to voice their concerns and consider their future action in regards to the announcement of the signing of an agreement between the Gitxsan and Enbridge.
Gitxsan people were unaware of the undertakings with Enbridge. The Gitxsan people through Simogyet Delgamuukw say, "NO to the Enbridge Pipeline Project". Numerous concerns from the meetings were brought forward to an emergency Gitxsan Treaty Society Board meeting held on Sunday afternoon, December 4th, to have the Gitxsan voices transferred into action.
On Sunday evening, an All Clans meeting was held to discuss the unified direction of the Gitxsan. Simogyet Delgamuukw was selected to be the spokesperson for the Gitxsan. The Simgigyet (Gitxsan Chiefs) stated: "We have traditional protocols in place that dictate the actions of the Gitxsan people when making important decisions that will impact the whole Gitxsan Nation and/or neighbouring Nations. These protocols were not followed by the Gitxsan Treaty Society negotiators."
Immediate action has been taken to deal with the people responsible for negotiating and signing the agreement with Enbridge. The press release of December 2nd, 2011 was not sanctioned by the Gitxsan. All government agencies and other related business contacts are put on notice with this press release that our 2 negotiators and our Executive Director no longer represent the Gitxsan at any level.
The Globe and Mail in Gitxsan hereditary chiefs demand negotiators in Enbridge deal resign reports:
After emergency meetings over the weekend, a group of hereditary chiefs marched on the offices of the Gitxsan Treaty Society on Monday to demand the immediate resignation of three of the society's employees. Those employees include Elmer Derrick, a Gitxsan Treaty Society negotiator and a hereditary chief who on Friday announced a deal with Enbridge to support the Northern Gateway project.
