Wildlife Defense League at Madii 'Lii

At the end of 2015 I joined Wildlife Defense League in their efforts to help blockade traditional Gitxsan territory from any pipeline development and trophy hunting. Madii Lii is the Lax Yip (territory) of the Wilp (house) of Luutkudziiwus of the Gitxsan Nation. On Aug. 26, 2014, Luutkudziiwus chiefs permanently closed Madii Lii territory to all pipeline development. A gate was erected at the entrance to the territory at 15 km bridge on the Suskwa FSR, and a cabin built to control access to the territory. This choke point effectively cuts off access for industrial contractors into the territory, including to 32 km of TransCanada's proposed PRGT fracked gas pipeline route. The territory is now occupied full time, and our traditional traplines, hunting grounds, and trails are under use, as per Gitxsan Ayookw (Gitxsan Laws). We have never ceded, treatied, or surrendered control of our land. Luutkudziiwus’ special relationship to and stewardship of land, water, and respective resources on Madii Lii territory provide grounds for and affirm our rights, including title, guaranteed by Section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982. Madii Lii for us is first and foremost a place of healing, of undoing the trauma of colonization, and of inspiring a new way forward without continued forces of oppression. We welcome guests who respect this.