Gitxaała Nation Response to the Alberta Provincial Government’s New Pipeline Proposal
LAX KLAN, DOLPHIN ISLAND, B.C. – October 1st 2025 – The Gitxaała Nation and Lu Sa Hax Hoyaxgm Wil’nat’aał (LSHH), the joint committee of Smgyigyetm Gitxaała (Hereditary Chiefs) and elected Council, are aligned in the Nation’s response to the announcement today from Premier Smith and the Alberta Government. The protection and management of Gitxaała’s lands, waters, air and communities is a foundation of our Adaawx (histories), Ayaawx (laws), and Gugwilx’ya’ansk (practices and inherited responsibilities). The risk of any crude oil flowing through Nłuut’iksm Laxyuubm Gitxaała (sacred Gitxaała Territory) is unacceptable to Gitxaała, and the Nation continues to oppose any potential pipeline project.
“From our successful challenge of the Enbridge Northern Gateways Project to our ongoing support for the Federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Gitxaała Nation has stood strong in opposition to crude oil in our territory,” said Clarence Innes, Co-Chair of LSHH. “No amount of influence from any Provincial government can change the fact that Gitxaała has never ceded or surrendered our ownership over Nłuut’iksm Laxyuubm Gitxaała.”
Gitxaała Nation has conducted extensive work on the risks and impacts of oil throughout our Territory. Since the original announcement of the now defunct Enbridge Northern Gateway project almost 20 years ago, the Nation has continued to exercise our unceded Rights and Title and holds all governments to the standard of Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
Attempts by the Alberta Provincial government or any other Crown organization, to ignore Gitxaała’s unceded territory and rights to govern our own lands and waters is a failure to recognize both commitments to reconciliation and requirements under s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canada’s United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (UNDRIP Act), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act (DRIPA) and Gitxaała’s own laws.
“No engagement or consultation can be meaningful without respecting Gitxaała’s Rights, including our self-determination. Attempts to use empty promises from engagement or consultation to clear the way for any pipeline is an old and tired ploy, one that Gitxaała is more than familiar with,” said Linda Innes, Elected Chief Councillor of Gitxaała Nation. “As a Nation, Gitxaała has been steadfast and clear that the risk of a pipeline or tanker on our lands, waters, community, and way of life is too great and that no amount of pressure from any government or private company can undermine Gitxaała’s duty to protect our territory for our future generations.”
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