B.C. First Nations Mining Summit draws to a close

Read the B.C. First Nations Mining Summit news release.

See this Prince George Citizen news report.

"We want to find a balance..."

"There's a high concentration of development proposed in our area and our people need to have a say in what is developed, and what isn't. ... We want to find a balance between protecting the land and providing employment for our people." - Annita McPhee, Talhtan Central Council

This Globe and Mail report looks at the Talhtan Nation's new relationship with the extraction industry.

Visit www.bcfnms.ca, under Google Earth Map, to view proposed mine projects in Talhtan territory.

Agenda for BC First Nations Mining Summit released

“This summit is an historic opportunity for First Nations, federal and provincial governments, mining companies, and NGOs to find new and better ways to pursue sustainable resource development that respects both Aboriginal rights and title and provides opportunities and benefits for everyone.” - Tribal Chief David Luggi, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council

The co-hosts of the B.C. First Nations Mining Summit have released the agenda for day 1 of the forum. The topics to be covered, with a Q & A for each, are:

1. State of the Mining Industry
2. Environmental Assessment
3. Effective Engagement & Decision-Making
   
4. Case Studies

Here's a list of confirmed speakers:

• Tribal Chief David Luggi, CSTC
• Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, BC AFN
• Grand Chief Steward Phillip, UBCIC
• Grand Chief Edward John, FNS
• Dave Porter, Kaska Nation
• Peter Penashue, Deputy Grand Chief of the Innu Nation – Voisey’s Bay Experience
• Hon. Stephen Kakfwi, Former Premier, Northwest Territories
• Dave Parker, Mining Association of BC
• Rick Meyers, Vice-President, Mining Association of Canada
• Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for Mining
• Joe Truscott, Mining Sector Lead, BC Environmental Assessment Office
• Larry Innes, Canadian Boreal Initiative
• Tony Pearse, Environmental Consultant

Incidentally, here's a recent CBC news report on the latest development involving Mr. Penashue and the Innu Nation's negotiations with Newfoundland Labrador on a proposed major hydro-electric mega-project and compensation for another.

Polaris Minerals targeted for a takeover

"Most of the majors, including ourselves, are waiting to see when do you pick it off. People are positioning themselves to take it out when the stock price goes low enough." - Ray Collier, Lehigh Hanson Co.

Polaris Minerals Corporation, a sand and gravel operation near Port McNeil, is facing a likely takeover, according to this National Post report. The 'Namgis First Nation is a minority-holder (12%) in the company's Orca Quarry. Whereas, the company's undeveloped Eagle Rock Quarry near Port Alberni is minority-owned by the Hupacasath (10%) and Ucluelet (10%) First Nations, with a further 10% held in trust for the Tseshaht First Nation.

Map: In this outdated image, the location of the Orca property is southeast and adjacent to the Klickseewy Indian Reserve 7, between the creek and Highway 19.


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Decision on Catface Mountain a 'long ways away': Selkirk

According to this Westerly News report, drilling samples from Catface Mountain are now ready for analysis. Selkirk Metals is looking for copper. The Ahousaht First Nation signed a memorandum of understanding with the company that allowed exploratory drilling on Catface Mountain earlier this year to go unopposed by the Band. The agreement resulted in much needed employment opportunities for its members. For more information, click here.

Map: Catface Mountain exploration site, near Chetarpe Indian Reserve 17


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"Nak’azdli has to be involved in the decision process somehow."

'Nak’azdli wants to have their environmental concerns addressed, and are not prepared to sell out their people for a quick buck.' - News Report

In response to the provincial government's recent acceptance of Terrance Metals' "Mt. Milligan" gold-copper mine application for review, the Nak'azdli First Nation once again raised concerns with the project, in this Omineca Express article.

The Kemess North decision one year later

"Tse Keh Nay would like to remember the five-year struggle to protect Amazay Lake." - Tse Keh Nay Chiefs: Grand Chief Gordon Pierre, Tsay Keh Dene, Chief Dolly Abraham, Takla Lake First Nation, Chief Donny Van Somer, Kwadacha First Nation

In a letter to the editor published in the Prince George Citizen today, First Nations impacted by Northgate Minerals' failed Kemess North Gold-Copper Mine application acknowledge the one year anniversary of an environmental review panel's historic decision to recommend against the project.