Cultural burning is a traditional method of land management that has been used for generations by Indigenous Peoples as a way of maintaining healthy environments, preventing wildfires by safely burning hazardous fuel buildup, and promoting the growth of certain plants and animals that are important for Indigenous culture. This has been made possible in the present day through the partnership of various organizations, such as GLMO and BC Wildfire Service.

Through consultation and collaboration with Wilp Nikateen and Wilp Gwii Yeehl, cultural burns will be carried out on their Lax Yip in a way that respects traditional knowledge and practices, as well as modern approaches to fire management. It is a forward-thinking method of managing wildfires that combines traditional knowledge with modern science.

All cultural burns are carried out in a way that adheres to certain safety guidelines so that the burns remain controlled. This ensures that weather, moisture, winds, and fire risk conditions are all met before any burn is carried out.

We cordially invite all Gitxsan community members to join us for an enlightening open discussion forum aimed at providing clarity on what Gitxsan Laxyip Management does and does not do. This forum will serve as an invaluable opportunity for you to gain insight into our operations while also allowing us to address any questions, issues, or concerns you may have. Our primary focus will be on fostering constructive dialogue and brainstorming viable solutions to any challenges that may arise. Your input is invaluable to us, and we believe that through collaborative efforts, we can enhance transparency and effectiveness in our endeavors. We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation together.

Please take note of our holiday closure:

Monday, December 18, 2024 – Wednesday, January 3, 2024

We would like to remind the Simgigyat and communities that the Gitxsan Laxyip Management Office “(GLMO”) does not make or authorize any decisions nor do we sign any agreements on anyone’s behalf as we are only the technical body that acts on the direction of the Simoogit/Simgigyat. 

The role of the GLMO is to be proactive in the consultation and engagement process, ensure that the consultation aligns with the Gitxsan governance and Wilp structure, and create implementation strategies under the provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA). The GLMO can coordinate communication and negotiation with the BC Government and individual proponents as it relates to any activities that impact Aboriginal Rights and Title on the Gitxsan Lax yip upon request from each Simoogit.  All Simgigyat can utilize the technical services of the GLMO.

Over the past week, there have been questions posed to the GLMO office regarding the CGL/TC Energy negotiations and who at the GLMO is negotiating these deals. This agreement was negotiated over ten (10) years ago with those Simgigyat whose territory will be directly impacted. At the time, the negotiations were being done with the Gitxsan Development Corporation taking the lead on the coordination of meetings between the Simgigyat and Proponents.

GLMO is not privy to any information on this specific project nor the negotiations that have and continue to take place, we would encourage Simgigyat and community members to reach out directly to the Gitxsan Development Corporation for any questions.

Downloadable .PDF: https://www.gitxsanlaxyip.ca/PDFs/Xbiyuuwa-004.CGL-TCEnergy.pdf

Overview

The transition of the Executive Director and the selection of a new Advisory Committee.

Key messages

• Executive Director (ED) has decided to pursue other opportunities and his last day with GLMO will be June 23, 2023
• Board of Directors and staff would like to thank ED for his excellent work over the past two years.  His efforts have been essential in the creation and start-up of the GLMO. 
• The Board has asked the ED to assist in developing a transition process and assistance on stewardship projects as an advisor.
• Board of Directors is starting a search for a new ED immediately with the establishment of a new hiring committee (2 Board of Directors and 2 Simgigyat from the new Advisory Committee as per the Bylaws).
•  The GLMO Board acknowledges the hard work of the Advisory Committee. This committee was established on April 7, 2021 and the 2-year term has expired as per the Bylaws.
• The GLMO Board will be re-engaging a new Advisory Committee from the seven Watersheds: Babine, Kispiox, Upper Skeena, Upper Nass, Mid Skeena, Sustut and Suskwa.
• In the interim, Tracey Woods will be the acting ED.

For any questions or further information, please contact Tracey Woods or Kirby Muldoe at:
877-403-2401