News Releases
Gitxaała Enterprises
August 22, 2024
Gitxaała Enterprises Welcomes Blair Mirau as Director of Business Development
Prince Rupert, BC, August 19, 2024 — Gitxaała Enterprises, the business entity of Gitxaała Nation, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team. Blair Mirau will officially join us as the Director of Business Development on September 23, 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Blair Mirau to Gitxaała Enterprises. His extensive experience and proven leadership in economic development and community growth make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to the innovation and success he will bring to our organization,” said Michael Uehara, CEO of Gitxaała Enterprises.
About Blair Mirau
Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Blair Mirau has a distinguished career in public service and economic development. He served on Prince Rupert City Council from 2014 to 2022. Before his election, he played a pivotal role in establishing an economic development corporation for the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society. Under his leadership since 2016, Nisga’a entities in Prince Rupert have grown to employ 50 people across five locations, earning the 2021 Indigenous Community-Owned Business of the Year award.
Blair’s achievements include expanding the Nisga’a’s mandate into tourism, acquiring the iconic waterfront landmark Bob’s on the Rocks in 2021, and launching his own cruise tourism excursions company in 2022. His previous role as a grant writer for City Hall resulted in over $1 million in successful solicitations, including the award-winning Cow Bay Marina project, which won the World Proposal Championships in 2012.
Blair was recognized as one of BC Business’s Top 30 Under 30 and holds a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in International Development from the University of Winnipeg.
Gitxaała Enterprises is excited about the opportunities and growth that Blair Mirau will bring to our organization and the community.
Gitxaała Enterprises is the business arm of the Gitxaała Nation, dedicated to fostering economic development and creating opportunities for the community through sustainable business practices and innovative ventures.
Contacts:
July 10, 2024
Christopher Colussi Joins Crest Hotel Team as General Manager
July 10, 2024 – Prince Rupert, BC – We are excited to announce that Christopher Colussi will be joining the Crest Hotel as General Manager, effective July 15, 2024.
Chris is a passionate business leader and a long-time resident of Prince Rupert. After completing his university education at UNBC, Chris served as the Economic Development Officer for Prince Rupert. In 2008, he began his career at Maher Terminals as Assistant Superintendent, eventually rising to the position of Terminal Manager with DP World. Chris brings extensive experience in leading unionized environments where safety, productivity, and customer service are essential.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is actively involved in his community. He volunteers with his children’s activities, including coaching youth soccer, assisting with figure skating and gymnastics, and serving on the Annunciation School Council. His favorite pastime is spending time with his wife, Christy, and their two boys, James and Jackie.
We are excited to have Chris join our organization and look forward to the leadership and dedication he will bring to our team, allowing us to continue providing the ‘Best at the Crest.’
Contacts:
June 26, 2024
High-speed internet access now available in Lach Klan
People in the village of Lach Klan, also known as Kitkatla, now have reliable high-speed internet access, unlocking better, faster access to digital services and opportunities.
“High-speed internet service is a game-changer for people living and working in rural and remote areas like Lach Klan, enabling people to learn and work from the comfort of their home communities,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “I’m excited for people in Lach Klan to participate in the digital economy more fully and enjoy the many digital opportunities and services connectivity brings.”
Learn More:
To read the full press release from BC Gov News, please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024CITZ0016-001008
March 7, 2024
Orders protect Gitxaata, Ehattesaht Nations’ mineral interests, signal Mineral Tenure Act Reform
VICTORIA – New interim measures place restrictions on mineral claim registrations and mining activities in Gitxaata Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation erritories, while the important work of modernizing B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) proceeds.
The interim measures follow an agreement between B.C. and the two Nations on how to approach the September 2023 Gitxaata v. British Columbia B.C. Supreme Court ruling. Justice A. Ross found that the Province owes a constitutional duty to consult with First Nations prior to
registering mineral tenures under the MTA and that there are negative impacts to Gitxaata Nation’s and Ehattesaht First Nation’s territories and rights from registration of mineral claims. A. Ross gave the Province 18 months to reform the MTA to incorporate the duty to consult.
Gitxaata and Ehattesaht had remaining concerns that the impacts on their rights found by the court would continue while MTA reform was underway and until a new regime was in place. The Nations filed appeals including requested orders to quash specific mineral claims and prevent new claim registrations until a consultation regime is in place. They have agreed not to proceed with those aspects of their appeals in light of protective measures enacted by the Province.
“This resolution demonstrates that meeting in person, government to government, allows us to develop solutions together, and I want to recognize and express my gratitude to Ehattesaht and Gitxaata for coming to the table with us to move forward the important work of reforming the Mineral Tenure Act,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “These interim measures mean that instead of ongoing litigation that could have far more significant and longer-term impacts to the sector, we are instead able to focus on our work together to reform the act, providing greater certainty to First Nations, industry and British Columbians.”
The orders pause the limited current mining activities as well as the issuance of new permits in Gitxaata and Ehattesaht territories and prevent the registration of new mineral claims without agreement by the respective Nations.
The two Nations and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation have also agreed to support amendments to the interim orders if Ehatte aht or Gitxaata reach agreement with companies seeking to explore or mine in their territories.
“Gitxaata is ready to work with the Province and other First Nations to ensure B.C. meets its commitment to establish a mineral tenure law that aligns with the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and respects Gitxaata laws,” said Gitxaata-elected Chief Councillor Linda Innes. “The orders enacted by the Province are an important step to begin this work together.”
“Ehattesaht has always preferred sitting down and working through issues over going to court. In our view, these interim measures offer the Province and industry the opportunity to sit down with us as we take on the hard work of finding both certainty and reconciliation for our territory,” said Chief Simon John, Ehattesaht Nation. “We have continually told the Province and proponents that we are not against mining, but if you want to mine here, we have to find ways that keep our lands and waters healthy and that respect our rights and culture. We know what bad mining looks like and we can’t go back there again.”
The Province, First Nations and First Nations organizations will have the opportunity to address the B.C. Supreme Court ruling as part of their work to modernize the MTA in alignment with the Declaration Act and UN Declation. A clear process for consultation and co-operation with First Nations in British Columbia and engagement with industry, environmental non- governmental organizations, all other interested parties, and British Columbians begins this month.
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
To learn more about the consultation and cooperation and engagement processes, email: mta@gov.bc.ca
For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/Legisla
Contacts:
Original Release:
Joint Press Release Link: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMLI0006-000303