Gitsegukla and CN Rail have signed a memorandum of understanding that sets the table for a closer relationship between the two organizations.
The MOU signed May 27 by Chief Councillor Cliff Sampare and several Gitxsan hereditary chiefs lays the groundwork for a potential returning of land to the Gitsegukla band currently owned by CN.
In the MOU CN states it will work toward providing training for Gitsegukla band members and potentially set up a post-secondary bursary for high school graduates.
Doug Devlin, CN manager of Aboriginal Affairs signed on behalf of CN Rail.
The Gitsegukla band has wanted to reclaim part of their territory for more than 100 years, according to Lawrence Shannos, Gitxsan hereditary chief and resident of Gitsegukla.
Shanoss claims that grave sites believed to be of Chinese railway workers are in fact Gitxsan ancestors.
An archeological dig is being proposed by CN to determine the identity of the buried.