CN withdraws injunctions against Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs

GITXSAN TERRITORIES, Sept. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian National Railway ("CN") stayed their injunction order against the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs allowing all parties the full confidence in a government process to resolve matters created by both governments. The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs of Gitwangak and Gitsegukla expect withdrawal of government offers of Gitxsan land tenure and rights to two Tsimshian bands on or before September 17, 2014.

The Gitxsan agreed on September 8, 2014 to extend the suspension of evictions to September 17, 2014 pending critical discussions that began on August 26, 2014 between Crown, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum Indian bands that may amend their Agreements in Principle. On July 9, 2014 the Gitxsan had evicted all sports fishermen, forest personnel and CN effective August 4, 2014 pending government obtained consent for these activities.

The Province has shown acceptable leadership and has reported that Minister Rustad is personally involved and timelines are being followed for their process. Since June 2012 the Gitxsan have sought to amend the Agreements in Principle offers.  "We are reasonable people "says Sagum Higookxw, Vernon Smith "the only acceptable solution is the removal of Gitxsan lands mistakenly offered in these AIPs."

"The removal of the injunctions against me is an act of good faith on the part of CN" says Beverley Clifton Percival, negotiator "This gives us confidence and optimism for a positive resolution on these issues".

The Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs will maintain all camps on highways, railways and rivers and thanks the public for increasing their understanding of this issue.  

SOURCE: Office of the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs

Gwaans (Beverley Clifton Percival), Office [phone] Cell: [phone]