Gitxaała Nation remains firmly in support of Oil Tanker Ban on North Coast
LAX KLAN, DOLPHIN ISLAND, B.C. – May 21, 2026 – Gitxaała Nation remains firm in its opposition to any bitumen tanker traffic in Gitxaała territory. Since the announcement from the Alberta government in 2025 of a potential bitumen oil pipeline and export facility on the North Coast, Gitxaała’s leadership, both Hereditary and Elected, has continued to be clear that any risk of bitumen spilling into the sensitive ecosystems of the Nation’s territory poses an unacceptable risk to our community, our lands, our waters, and our cultural way of life.
To date, any agreements between provincial and federal governments have been made without any engagement or consultation with Gitxaała. Any potential project that imposes a risk to our territory cannot proceed without the Nation’s free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). In the glaring absence of any specific project proposal, FPIC is simply not possible. Gitxaała has always been clear that all proponents, western governments and other Nations must respect Gitxaała Adaawx (histories), Ayaawx (laws), and Gugwilx’ya’ansk (practices and inherited responsibilities). Respecting these laws means working directly with our Nation to achieve sustainable economic development and shared conservation objectives. Gitxaała has established itself as a strong economic driver on the North Coast and will continue to support economic development that respects the Nation’s Rights and Title and aligns with our core values.
Gitxaała calls upon the federal government to uphold the North Coast Oil Tanker Moratorium Act that prohibits large oil tankers from transiting north coast waterways. Gitxaała maintains its support for the North Coast Protection Declaration that was signed by Premier David Eby and First Nation leaders in November 2025 which commits the provincial government and First Nations on the coast to building a sustainable conservation economy that supports thousands of livelihoods in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and stewardship.
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