No Way Home

 I love my home, Gitxsan Territory. I grew up in Gitwangak, my father's place, and as I got older, I spent time in Gitanmaax, my mom’s area.

Since moving back to the Indian Reserve on October 27, 2018, I’ve faced challenges and seen many barriers that our people deal with in Gitxsan Country. Here’s a summary of my experience:

The Working Poor:
There’s very little support for those of us working on the Gitanmaax Reserve. I can’t speak for other areas, but here it’s tough.

Housing:
Finding housing is nearly impossible for those of us who work. The mortgage cap on the Gitanmaax Reserve is $100,000, yet everyone knows that homes cost at least $300,000 for a family. This means most homes are owned by those on social assistance, inherited, or bought outright. People like me, who can’t save $300,000 or more, end up living in overcrowded houses or having to leave Gitxsan territory to rent or buy elsewhere.

When it comes to renting, I’ve only heard back from Eileen Joseph about my mom's house—nothing else. These housing policies feel like ongoing discrimination against our civil, economic, and social rights as the rightful owners of this land, especially from our own elected chief and council.

Childcare:
Daycares on the Gitanmaax Reserve are only open for limited hours. Mine is supposed to be from 8:00 to 3:45, but it actually opens at 9:00 and closes at 3:00. Plus, the daycare has a strict rule that kids must be potty trained, so my son gets sent home if he has an accident. I work set government hours from 8:30 to 4:30, and I’m lucky to have him with me for now.

Other Issues:

Safety and Security:
Our community lacks proper protection. The Gitxsan don’t have enforceable bylaws, and police often won’t act unless it’s a homicide or there’s a witness to a crime. Elders, women, children, and vulnerable members face violence without any protection. Friends and family become victims while our elected leaders delay action until their next meeting. Nothing gets resolved.

I’ve seen perpetrators of violence being sheltered in our community, while victims are shunned and forced to leave. We’re left with offenders who go unpunished, and it’s disheartening to see them upheld in high regard regardless of their actions.

When a death occurs, our Gitxsan people traditionally respond quickly. The hereditary chiefs handle matters with urgency, yet everyday safety issues remain unaddressed.

Travel and Mobility:
People often have to hitchhike to get to appointments. Limited transit exists, but not everyone can afford the fare.

Medical:
In my first month back, my body struggled to adapt to the climate after being away for a few years. I faced multiple medical issues—my tooth cracked, I got an infection, and my prescription for heartburn was difficult to refill. There are no doctors accepting new patients in the Bulkley Valley, leaving emergency rooms as our only option. I managed to see a dentist, but all I got was advice—pull the tooth or spend money fixing it, but nothing was done. I’m left with a jagged tooth that hurts.

Is it a lack of education? Is it because the offenders are family? Is it a shortage of resources causing the chief and council to remain unresponsive?

In any case, I want you to know that I’ll be moving to Smithers to address my housing situation.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year. I hope we can move forward and make things better for our community.

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