Gitxaała Nation Renews its Calls for a Pause on Kitselas Treaty – Bill 21
LAX KLAN, DOLPHIN ISLAND, B.C. – May 19, 2026 – Gitxaała Nation renews its calls for a pause of Bill 21 on the Kitselas Treaty, until its free, prior and informed consent can be given after protocol and accommodation agreements are reached with British Columbia and Kitselas First Nation. Until that occurs, Gitxaała Nation calls for the immediate suspension of the provincial government’s actions to advance the ratification of the Kitselas Treaty through Bill 21.
Gitxaała leadership, including Hereditary and Elected Leaders, has been clear that British Columbia and Kitselas First Nation must respect Gitxaała Adaawx (histories), Ayaawx (laws), and Gugwilx’ya’ansk (practices and inherited responsibilities). Respecting these laws means working with our Nation to address concerns on how these treaties will give away lands, harvesting rights and governance rights in Laxyuubm Gitxaała, the territory on the north coast of British Columbia that has been home to Gitxaała Nation for over 10,000 years.
Modern treaties invite endless litigation between First Nations with their heavy reliance on nonderogation clauses. Without a protocol agreement in place that leaves legal space for Gitxaała’s Aboriginal title with the exercise of Kitselas’ new treaty rights, the two Nations are doomed to face each other in court like Cowichan Tribes was forced to do respecting Tsawwassen’s treaty.
While Gitxaała respects that its Indigenous neighbours are pursuing these modern treaties, there has been no protocol agreement on how to reconcile the treaty rights in the Kitselas Treaty with Gitxaała Adaawx, Ayaawx and Gugwilx’ya’ansk. Gitxaała has been extremely disappointed in the lack of respect shown by Kitselas towards the recognition of Gitxaała rights and title. Equally disappointing is the lack of effort put forward by Kitselas to reach an agreement with Gitxaała. That work must be finished before Bill 21 is approved by the provincial legislature.
About Gitxaała Nation
The people of the Gitxaała Nation have lived on the North Coast of British Columbia, including the Prince Rupert Harbour Area, since time immemorial and are one of the most ancient societies in the region.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyler Pronyk
Coast Communications and Public Affairs
tyler@coastcomms.ca
Tel: 604-807-0710