From colonization to globalization: the Gitxsan Nation's struggle for jurisdiction within their traditional territories

Two conflicting ideologies have been practiced within the Gitxsan territory since contact between the Gitxsan and Europeans. One, the dominant Western ideology, forms the basis for attempted colonization of Indigenous lands. The dominant Western ideology, now as in the past, utilizes economic gain as its benchmark for success and is motivated by profit ~acquired from exploiting resources in various geographic areas. In each phase of colonization the proponents of the dominant Western ideology have instituted a new title for their agenda in order to make what they are doing seem legitimate. However, settlement, development and globalization are all guided by the ethic of exploitation for profit maintained through the colonization process. The Gitxsan world view, the second and opposing ideological position described in this thesis, shapes Gitxsan resistance to outside pressure. The Gitxsan view their territory as their sacred place and respect for the land and all its creatures constitutes their primary law. The Gitxsan are tied to one geographic area which has supported them for thousands of years and believe they must protect and sustain their place on earth for past, present and future generations. From settlement to globalization Gitxsan resistance has adapted, and risen to the levels needed to sustain their struggle for jurisdiction within their traditional territories. Gitxsan resistance has been heightened in recent years due to the increasingly destructive scale of technology which threatens the territories and culture of the Gitxsan people.