Chapter 2

Wilp Luutkudziiwus

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Submitted by Pansy Wright-Simms, Spokesperson

Luutkudziiwus is a House Group (Wilp) of the Gitxsan Nation who continue to use and occupy their traditional territories (Lax Yip) as they have since time immemorial. 

Guided by Gwalx Yee’insxw, the most sacred of Gitxsan obligations and responsibilities. "Gwalx Yee’insxw” is grounded in principles that encompass our ancestral inheritance handed down through generations. This inheritance – the land, rivers, mountains; all life on the land, in the air, and in the waters; our history and culture; our spiritual areas and sites; the tangible and the intangible – is passed from one generation to the next, never extinguishing or diminishing in value.

Luutkudziiwus’ special relationship to and stewardship of land, water, and respective resources on our territories provide grounds for and affirms our inherent Indigenous rights guaranteed by Section 35 of the Constitution. As such, Luutkudziiwus has responsibilities to ensure our lands, waters, and resources will always support the needs of our House members.

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Luutkudziiwus territories are located adjacent to the Skeena River, which hosts the second largest sockeye salmon run in Canada and supports the other Pacific salmon, including chinook, coho, pink, chum, and steelhead. Salmon form the backbone of our traditional foods and are currently used by Luutkudziiwus Wilp members as our main food source, as well as for social, economic, and ceremonial use.

Luutkudziiwus plans include community-based cultural revitalization programs for First Nation family and friends, as well as providing opportunities for non FNs to take part in our culture and traditions in order that we may all build a better world. We value your continued support in our efforts to decolonize, sustain social justice, protect our environment, and slow down climate change by helping to stop fracking and pipelines.

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Luutkudziiwus is a Gitxsan Wilp (House group) and one of the plaintiffs in the Delgamuukw rights and title litigation. Luutkudziiwus holds and exercises Aboriginal title and rights on our traditional Madii Lii and Xsi Gwin Hauums territories, as we have since time immemorial. Today Wilp members continue to use the resources in our territories for food and to maintain our connection to our culture and way of life.

CURRENT ENERGY ISSUES

Wilp Luutkudziiwus relies on gasoline generators to provide electricity to the community in addition to the reliance on fossil fuels for space heating. As a result, many residents of the Wilp are faced with significant energy costs, resulting in several social, environmental and economic implications.

Wilp Luutkudziiwus is actively looking at renewable energy technologies for Madii Lii with the goal of eliminating fossil fuel use for power and heating needs.