Indigenous Nation Stopped BC Social Workers From Apprehending Child, 6, on Their Land

Leaders and community members of Gitxsan Nation gathered in northeastern B.C. on Saturday evening to block social workers from apprehending a 6-year-old girl and “end the tragic legacy of our children being stolen.”

The Git'luuhl'um'hetxwit house group, or wilp, of the Gitxsan Nation and the Gitanmaax Band Council—two distinct governing bodies in Gitxsan Nation—joined forces in the northeastern B.C. region to prevent the Ministry of Children and Family Development from taking the child into government custody. The young girl is now in joint protective custody within her community, according to the Git'luuhl'um'hetxwit media account.

“We have drawn the line to ensure that all our children have access to family, culture, language and their traditional territories,” the media release says.

According to the post, the girl is safe with loved ones and matriarchs.

“She is learning our language, playing with cousins, and hearing the stories of her ancestors,” the statement says. “Never again will Canada steal our future generations.”

https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7d4g8/gitxsan-nation-stopped-social-workers-child-protection