The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs (Nation/Huwilp) and the Governments of British Columbia and Canada signed the Gitanyow Governance Accord on August 11, 2021, which provides a path forward in the BC treaty negotiations process towards full self-government led by a restored Gitanyow hereditary governance system.
The tripartite Accord commits Gitanyow, B.C. and Canada to a series of steps needed to transition away from the Indian Act by revitalizing and achieving legal recognition of the Gitanyow hereditary governance system of the Huwilp/Houses within five years. It is a process of rebuilding the Gitanyow Hereditary Governance with modern day governance tools and provides an important example of the benefits of implementing rights and title through negotiation rather than relying on the courts.
By signing the Accord, Gitanyow, B.C. and Canada have agreed on key milestones to be reached within five years, including:
Revitalize the Gitanyow Constitution, governance structures and develop a citizenship code;
Negotiate an Inherent Governance Agreement that sets out steps to Gitanyow self-government; and
Ratify and implement the Gitanyow Inherent Governance Agreement.
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