National Recognition Underscores Path to Shared Prosperity for the Gitxsan Nation

HAZELTON, BC (November 14, 2025) – The Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) applauds Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official designation of the Ksi Lisms LNG facility, which will be served by the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline, as a project of national importance. This recognition underscores the strategic value and economic potential these initiatives hold for the Gitxsan Nation, British Columbia and Canada.

"We welcome Prime Minister Carney's clear acknowledgement of the PRGT pipeline and Ksi Lisms LNG project as vital to our nation's future," said Chaz Ware, COO of the Gitxsan Development Corporation. "This designation is a testament to the economic opportunity and energy security these projects represent, but we must recognize the PRGT pipeline crosses the unceded territory of the Gitxsan Nation. This project continues to depend on the support and consent of Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs whose lax yip the project trespasses.”

The PRGT pipeline will deliver natural gas from northeastern British Columbia to the Ksi Lisms LNG facility on the coast, creating thousands of jobs and generating substantial economic activity. GDC recognizes the potential for significant long-term benefits for the Gitxsan Nation, including opportunities for employment, training, business partnerships, and community investment that align with Gitxsan values.

"For generations, the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs have been diligent stewards of our territories, guided by our Ayookw” added Ware. "Any project on our LaxYip requires respect for our laws and must operate at the highest environmental protection standards. These are non-negotiables for our community and are key to ensuring PRGT's lasting success.

The Gitxsan Development Corporation is committed to advancing economic initiatives that uplift the Gitxsan Nation and create shared prosperity, always in alignment with the leadership of the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs.

Gitxsan Development Corporation Strengthens Economic Oversight with New Board Appointments, Reinforcing Majority Gitxsan Representation

HAZELTON, BC (November 5, 2025) - The Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) today announced new key appointments to its Board of Directors, further strengthening its commitment to local economic leadership and community-driven oversight. These changes reinforce the GDC Board's majority Gitxsan representation, ensuring that economic development initiatives are guided by the direct interests and expertise of the Gitxsan Nation.

Effective immediately, two new Gitxsan community members, Cameron Stevens and Robert Blackstock, have been appointed to the GDC Board, bringing valuable local perspective and experience. These appointments follow the departure of Michelle Stilwell. The GDC Board continues to benefit from the expertise of existing members Bill Lomax, Jim Angus, Norman Moore, Dale Saip, and Jessica Mikolayczyk.

"The Gitxsan Development Corporation is a vital engine for our Nation's economic prosperity, and the composition of our Board with Gitxsan voices is paramount to its success," said GDC Board Chair Bill Lomax. "These new appointments underscore our dedication to ensuring that the benefits of economic development are maximized for all Gitxsan people, guided by the wisdom and insights of our own community members."

The GDC Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of the corporation's economic development activities, including how GDC generates and manages revenue, and its role in creating employment opportunities for the Gitxsan people. With these new appointments, the Board now comprises a strong majority of Gitxsan members, reflecting the Nation's increasing control over its economic destiny.

The GDC remains focused on fostering sustainable economic growth that aligns with Gitxsan values and contributes directly to the well-being of the community.

Renewed Gitxsan Laxyip Board Ushers in New Era of Transparent Stewardship and Community-Wide Benefit for the Gitxsan Nation

HAZELTON, BC (October 30, 2025) - The Gitxsan Development Corporation congratulates the new board of the Gitxsan Laxyip Society, a pivotal entity established to ensure the transparent and equitable management of benefits derived from resource and economic opportunities on Gitxsan laxyip. This new Board underscores the Hereditary Chiefs unwavering commitment to community-wide prosperity, accountability, and the preservation of Gitxsan Ayookw.

The Gitxsan Laxyip Society directly addresses the critical need for transparent and equitable management of benefits from resource development on Gitxsan Laxyip. The Society, working alongside the Lipgyet Trust, ensures that prosperity generated from economic opportunities, including significant ventures like the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline, flows directly to programs and benefits that uplift every Gitxsan member. Financial benefits from the PRGT pipeline through into the Laxyip Society for the benefit of all Gitxsan people, a condition the hereditary chiefs agreed to when assessing LNG opportunities.  

"We understand our community's desire for clarity and assurance regarding how benefits from projects on our laxyip are managed," said Bill Lomax, Chair of the Gitxsan Development Corporation Board. “The Gitxsan Laxyip Society is our answer – a transparent, accountable structure with equal representation from the four Gitxsan Clans, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the betterment of our entire Nation."

The Gitxsan Laxyip Society and the Lipgyet Trust serve as the shareholders of the Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) on behalf of the Hereditary Chiefs. The Lipgyet Trust holds 100% of the voting rights for GDC through its appointed trustees, providing a powerful mechanism for community oversight and direction.

The governance of the Lipgyet Trust is deeply rooted in Gitxsan traditional governance. The board is composed entirely of dedicated Gitxsan community members, with one representative elected from each of the four Gitxsan Clans, ensuring a balanced and culturally grounded approach to decision-making. A fifth member is then selected by the board to act as chairman, further solidifying local control and expertise. This structure guarantees that the individuals making decisions about the Nation’s collective wealth are directly accountable to the community they serve.

"This is about more than just managing funds; it's about safeguarding our future," added Lomax. "Through the Laxyip Society and Lipgyet Trust, we are building a legacy of shared prosperity. Every investment, every program, every initiative funded through this structure will be aimed at strengthening our communities, preserving our culture, investing in our youth, and creating sustainable opportunities for all Gitxsan people."

The Gitxsan Laxyip Society is committed to ongoing transparency and open communication with the community. Further details on the Society’s initiatives and how community members can engage will be shared in the coming weeks.

Learn Gitxsan: Greetings

Ama hiihluxw - Good morning

Ama silkw sax - Good mid-day

Ama ga len hl silkw sax - Good afternoon

Ama yux wsa - Good evening

Ama aaxxw - Good night

Ama sa - Good day

Post Your Indigenous Business on our Directory for Free

If you have an Indigenous business, Gitxsan Development Corporation has launched an Indigenous Business Directory where you can post your company for free. This is open to all types of businesses including artists and home businesses. If you have a website, we will also link to it to drive some extra business your way.

To submit your company, click here.

Post your business on the GDC Indigenous Business Directory.

Amphibian Monitoring at Ross Lake with TerraNiche Environmental Solutions

At Ross Lake Provincial Park, you might have seen a team of workers doing analysis on the wildlife there. Have you ever wondered what they’re doing and why it’s important? Ecologist Lis Rach of TerraNiche Environmental Solutions led a team of environmental technicians from Gitxsan Environmental Services (GES) to monitor the amphibians at Ross Lake for the past two years. She agreed to let us interview her to tell us all about the project.

Tell us about your background in environmental services and about your company.

I have been practicing wildlife habitat ecologist (B.Sc., EP) in the Skeena Region since 2003 and specialize in wildlife and habitat ecology and management. I started Terraniche Environmental Solutions after the company I worked for closed the Smithers office in 2009. I enjoy being involved in projects that help protect our environment and promote wildlife and habitat conservation. As part of my job, I analyze ecological data, write reports on my findings, and create recommendations for monitoring, mitigation, and management. Mapping wildlife habitats is one of my passions. It effectively visualizes the current state and opens the door to conservation. Most of my work has been in the context of environmental assessments, monitoring, and research for a range of private, forestry, mining, and government clients. I am a responsible resource professional, accountable for both the process and products I complete. 

Can you describe what your project at Ross Lake is about?

The Ross Lake project focuses on monitoring and the evaluation of amphibians residing in Ross Lake Provincial Park. Recently, an earthen dam was removed causing the lake levels to drop. BC Parks has engaged me to conduct a baseline assessment of the current lake conditions concerning amphibian populations. Through this assessment process, I am also establishing a monitoring program for amphibians to facilitate continuous future citizen monitoring.

Why do you think this project is important?

This project is very important! BC Parks are where people and the natural environment meet. It is important for people to be able to go to parks and enjoy what they have to offer. With a change such as the dam removal, it is also important to understand and mitigate any negative impacts caused by the change. Amphibians represent a group of animals that provide us with information on how a habitat is doing. They react immediately to change and in addition to the benefits of knowing when change happens, wildlife species diversity is key.

What got you interested in this project?

I have a particular interest in wetlands, and a keen interest in wildlife species that are dependent on these habitats, and how natural or anthropogenic processes affect them. Ross Lake is a very special and unique place in our region. I thought this project would be fun. I work with a competent team of technicians from GES.

What made you decide to work with Gitxsan Environmental Services?

BC Parks introduced me to GES. I have worked with some GES individuals in the past for other work and have a great respect for their work ethics and passion for the environment. I knew that their involvement in this project would enhance my understanding of ecological values and the work would facilitate biological knowledge for the team that they can use in other work projects.

Tell us about the event you were planning with the public.

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled. This is due to the timing of the event and the mass migration of the western toad from the lake to the forest. Many toadlets are killed as they try to cross the road that separates the lake from the forest where they are headed. Having the event will bring additional visitors to the park, increasing toadlet mortality. We are now planning for next year and by having the event prior to the onset of the mass migration, we can provide park wildlife interpretation and education while not interfering with the migration.

A Chance to Win Some Prizes Through Contact North BC

Our Contact North BC team is excited to bring in person and online educational programs and training courses to our Hazelton office at 1425 Aldous St, South Hazelton. On until September 30th, 2024, you have a chance to win some swag by doing our survey, registering for a post-secondary course or program or calling us per the instructions below.

If you have any questions, please call Julia in our Contact North BC office at 778-358-6267 or email juWalker@contactnorthbc.ca.

PRGT Pipeline Open House for Gitxsan Wilp Members

Attention all Gitxsan Wilp Members,

On July 23rd, GDC is welcoming you to a Wilp Member Community Open House and information session about the PRGT Pipeline Project at the Kispiox Community Hall (1296 Lax Seel St, Kispiox). Come learn about the project, the history, speak with experts knowledgeable about this project and learn how you can get involved. Soup, sandwiches, and refreshments will be provided. RSVP here.

Indigenous Peoples Day

Pam, our amazing Gitxsan Ambassador, gave out freezies and other goodies at Gitsegukla’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration

Hamii’ya (thanks) to Pam and all her helpers!

Call for Interest in Driving Programs

We are currently in the midst of developing a program to address the request for multiple drivers classes. It is tentatively set for the last half of August.

Once we have confirmed the numbers, dates and times. Participants will be notified when we have confirmed their spots; then a date and time will be set for each driver. For those at the learner's level, there will be a number of theory classes set up at our training facility, which will then be followed up with a learners test, on location.

GDC is working on bringing 7L, 7N, and Class 5 driving lessons to town! Currently, we're assessing community interest in this initiative. Go to our Facebook page to comment if you’re interested or put in your application here.