THE CHIEF negotiator for the Gitxsan Treaty Society has been named to the Prince Rupert Port Authority's board.
Elmer Derrick's appointment was made by the federal government and fills a vacancy on the board.
"Elmer brings an enormous amount of knowledge and experience to the Prince Rupert Port Authority," said Dale MacLean, Chairman of the Port Authority's Board of Directors. "We look forward to benefiting from his contributions as the Port of Prince Rupert embarks on its most ambitious and wide‐ranging period of expansion."
Derrick, who lives in Terrace, has been a federal civil servant and has also served as a board member for BC Hydro and its power export subsidiary, Powerex.
Derrick has also been a member of the board for Ridley Island Terminals, a federal agency which operates bulk terminal facilities at Watson Island outside of Prince Rupert.
"One of my passions is enabling young aboriginal people to gain productive employment and to provide a living for their families," he said.
"The Prince Rupert Port Authority has the potential to stimulate employment and shape the economic future of our region," said Derrick.
Derrick continues to serve as board member of the Gitxsan Resources Trust, board co‐chair of the Northwest Tribal Treaty Nations, and trustee of Gitxsan Forest Enterprises Inc. Mr. Derrick's appointment was made by the Governor General in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport.
Derrick gained prominence in Dec. 2011 when he signed a deal with Enbridge to provide the Gitxsan with $7 million over 20 years and an equity stake in the company's Northern Gateway pipeline plan.
That sparked a protest by Gitxsan who said Derrick did not have the authority to strike the deal and lead to an ongoing blockade of the society's Hazelton offices.
Gitxsan chiefs subsequently met and put the deal aside.