Renewed Gitxsan Laxyip Society 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.