The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs and the Governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed an agreement that will recognize Gitanyow Hereditary Governance.

Gitanyow Territory is nestled in Northwest BC, just north of Kitwanga, and have been conducting negotiations with both federal and province governments for several years.

Simogyet Malii (Glen Williams), said in a statement, “This is a historic step in recognition of who we are as hereditary governed people. My grandfather told me as a young boy that our laws have been suppressed, but one day they will grow from a small spark and spread light over the land once again.”

Gitanyow Governance Accord will create a path forward, according to a joint press release, that will continue the BC Treaty Process with the hope of implementing complete self-governance led by the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.

Over the next five years BC, Canada and the Gitanyow will Revitalize the Gitanyow Constitution, governance structures and develop a citizenship code, negotiate an Inherent Governance Agreement that sets out steps to Gitanyow self-government and Ratify and implement the Gitanyow Inherent Governance Agreement.

Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, said in the statement that, “Signing this Accord affirms our commitment to renewing nation-to-nation relationships and recognizing Gitanyow’s hereditary structure and their right to self-government. Indigenous led processes are key to accelerating the path to self-determination. We look forward to working in collaboration with our partners on this important step towards meaningful reconciliation.”

More to come…