Governance
By the people. For the people.
The Gitxsan Development Corporation is unique, melding the traditional governance of the Gitxsan with the contemporary needs of business, yet remaining faithful to the principles of the Gitxsan Ayookw (laws). Every Gitxsan person, who is a member of a wilp (house group), has a stake in GDC.
GDC is governed by a working Board of Directors who make business decisions, taking into consideration the Gitxsan Ayook and the overarching cultural values of the Gitxsan people. The Lax Yip Society and Lipgyet Trust are the shareholders of GDC, on behalf of the Hereditary Chiefs. The Lipgyet Trust holds 100% of the voting rights through its appointed trustees. The cultural balance of the Lipgyet Trust board is maintained through a nomination process, whereby one representative from each of the four Gitxsan Clans is elected. A fifth member is then selected by the board to act as chairman.
The following video outlines the company governance structure:
Gitxsan Development Corporation is unique, melding the traditional governance of the Gitxsan with the contemporary needs of business, yet remaining faithful to the principles of Gitxsan Ayookw (laws).
Board of Directors

Dale Saip

Jim Angus
Wii Eelast

Sadie Harris
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Jessica Mikolayczyk
Nox Gambaala

Michelle Stilwell
Michelle is a doer who does not sit back and wait for others to take the initiative. She has demonstrated this attitude in all aspects of her life! As a six time Paralympic Gold Medalist, nine-time world champion and multiple world record holder; the focus, energy and persistence required to succeed on the international world stage have been instrumental in helping her to achieve exceptional results in the leadership positions she has held in both the private and the public sector and, in addition, on the multiple boards, she has served. Through these experiences, she has developed an extensive network locally, nationally and internationally that she has been able to draw on to provide expertise, guidance or support for the organizations and boards where she has been.