Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
Kitasoo Xai’xais Territory is composed of both land and marine areas, totaling 3,939 square kilometres. The western portion of the territory is characterized by many windswept island groups and narrow channels. Deep valleys, long fjords and glaciated peaks of the Pacific Coast Range Mountains are typical of the eastern portion of the territory.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais have always had a land and resource plan for our lands and oceans and the creatures they harbour. It lives on in our heritage, in our oral history and in our everyday decisions as to where we collect our food, and where we fish and harvest our trees.
Our vision for our land and resources is based on the best definition of the term sustainable. To us this means the wealth of the forests, fish, wildlife and the complexity of all life will be here forever. It also means that we will be here forever. To remain here as the Kitasoo and Xai’xais people we need to protect, manage and enhance the resources and our culture in order to ultimately protect our heritage. We also need to live in the modern world and have jobs to sustain our families and community.
No one speaks for us. Mutual respect and understanding comes from meeting with us and gaining an understanding of our people and our lands. Listen, learn, and understand, then we can work together.
