To: Gitanmaax Community Members
Re: Update on Gitanmaax Band Council’s jurisdiction related to Gitxsan hereditary and house matters
We understand there has been some confusion in the community regarding a recent issue involving a Wilp totem pole raising and the rental of the Gitanmaax Hall.
We want to clarify that our only role in this situation was to authorize a contract for rental of the Gitanmaax Hall. Our involvement does not extend beyond our role as the operator of the Hall, and we take no position on the activities of the Wilps, or any other hereditary or house business.
As the elected Band Council of Gitanmaax, we have a mandate to manage Band reserve lands and Band operations only. We have no jurisdiction – and will not involve ourselves as a Council – over hereditary or house business. Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs have their own processes and protocols, with their own spokespersons who represent the Clans of the Gitxsan Nation.
If you have any questions or would like any further information on the respective roles of elected councils and hereditary chiefs and houses, please reach out to the Gitanmaax Band Office at info@gitanmaax.com.
Sincerely,
Gitanmaax Chief and Council
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