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Linda Matthews

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Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs are calling for the immediate resignation of BC Supreme Court Justice

Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs are the stewards of the Gitxsan Laxyip (traditional lands) where we have lived since time immemorial. We seek safety, food security,  true justice and harmony on our lands and for our people.

Industry, rather than negotiating access to our lands with our Chiefs instead turn to the BC Supreme Court to gain illegal access to our lands in order to steal our resources. If Gitxsan try to enforce NO TRESPASS on our lands by big corporations with injunctions we are met with extreme force and injustice.  This comes in the form of the only militarized RCMP unit in Canada being deployed to terrorize our people into submission.

We have tried to negotiate with the government and large industry to no avail.  We have tried to plan for our own safety on our lands with the RCMP to no avail.  This can not stand. Here are a few examples that document our struggle. 

GXN Fast Facts (003)

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MEDIA INVITATION 

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

WHAT: RALLY

WHEN: National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Monday
September 30th 10 AM to 10:45AM

WHO: GITXSAN HUWILP GOVERNMENT HEREDITARY CHIEFS, SPECIAL GUESTS AND ALLIES

WHY: To continue our fight against the corruption of the BC Supreme Court in
issuing injunctions on traditional territories and deploying of militarized
RCMP units to terrorize, arrest or murder Gitxsan and our neighbouring First
Nations members.

1.      Stop industry-led injunctions that allow looting of indigenous lands and resources

2.      To dismantle the only RCMP militarized unit in Canada C-IRG (now rebranded CRU)

3.      To call for the resignation of BC Supreme Court Chief Justice Leonard Marchand
Jr.  – a man of First Nation descent who
violates the BC First Nations Justice Strategy from his office and puts our
Gitxsan people in grave danger when we defend our lands.

WHERE: The Rally meeting point will be at the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The protestors will walk straight down Howe Street (stopping all south bound traffic) to the Supreme Court steps which are right
on Nelson Street.  Please find the Rally Route link here:  
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRVUZGTEG5j6cmbW6

The march takes a total of 8 minutes from the Vancouver Art Gallery – closing Howe Street traffic – to the Supreme Court steps on Nelson Street.  Note there is ample parking near the Vancouver Art Gallery as well as easy use of public transportation.

SPEAKERS: Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs in order of appearance:

  • Master of Ceremonies:  Luutkudziiwus, Gordon Sebastian
  • Gwiiyeehl – Brian Williams
  • Nii Kyaap – Clifford Sampare
  • Ma’us – Laverne Williams
  • Wiiminosik – Larry Skulsh
  • Tsabax – Willie Blackwater

RALLY PHOTO and INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: 
We can arrange for individual interviews following the march. A total of
17 Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs in Regalia along with supporters will be
attending. Crowd shots with bright, provocative signage (art also
available). 

We encourage a safe and peaceful process.

DAY OF LOGISTICS CONTACT:
LINDA
604.505.3171  //  MEDIA CONTACT: RUBY 778.888.0514

FULL PRESS RELEASE:

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