BC First Nations Mining Summit Blog

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

2008-10-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

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

See this Prince George Citizen news report.

"We want to find a balance..."

2008-09-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

“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:

State of the Mining Industry
Environmental Assessment
Effective Engagement & Decision-Making
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

2008-09-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-09-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

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."

2008-09-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

'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

2008-09-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

"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.

Nlaka’pamux Chief honoured posthumously for historic peace-making with encroaching miners

2008-09-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

"His wisdom continues to resonate with us, reminding us that together we can face any challenge, as long as we do it in a spirit of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation." - Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia

Chief David Spintlum was posthumously honoured yesterday when Premier Campbell, Lytton First Nation Chief Byron Spinks, and Village of Lytton Mayor Chris O’Connor came together to rename the Thompson River Bridge along Highway 12 at Lytton after the respected leader. In 1858, Chief Spintlum was instrumental in ensuring peace prevailed between local Nlaka'pamux tribes and encroaching gold miners.

Click here to view news release.

And for further insight, go here.

2008 Mines Ministers' Conference Closing Statement

2008-09-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Mining and industry sectors along with governments need to encourage and engage Aboriginal peoples and communities in a manner that is inclusive, transparent and characterized by mutual respect." - Bill Boyd, Mines Ministers' Conference Host and Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister

Click here to view release.

* * * *
Related info...

3 PDAC recommendations to the 2008 Mines Ministers' Conference:

a. Clarify consultation protocols and permitting requirements
Uncertainties regarding government consultation requirements, community
engagement, and project permitting are a deterrent to mineral exploration
investment and community growth. The complexity and length of permitting
processes in Canada are significant barriers to the mineral sector’s ability to
successfully make the transition from an exploration project to an operating mine.
Many companies and communities are working together on formal and informal
arrangements that lead to improved relations, regular engagement and business
opportunities; however, government owes a constitutional duty regarding
consultation to Aboriginal peoples. The PDAC believes it is essential that Canada’s
governments work towards clear regulatory procedures or policies that satisfy all
affected parties and clarify industry requirements for community engagement.

b. Expedite the resolution of outstanding land claims
The PDAC believes that the successful conclusion of outstanding land claims will
bring certainty to Aboriginal communities and the mineral industry, and help to
create the conditions that are needed for communities to foster long-term,
sustainable economic development. Progress on the settlement of land claims is a
critical step towards the self-sufficiency of First Nations communities. In response
to Bill C-30, An Act to establish the Specific Claims Tribunal, the PDAC expressed
support to the federal government and the Assembly of First Nations for taking the
initiative to establish an independent commission and to allocate additional funds
to settle these claims.

c. Implement Government Resource Revenue Sharing
The PDAC recommends the implementation of government resource revenue
sharing. The PDAC believes that greater participation by aboriginal peoples in the
mineral industry in Canada will promote greater understanding and co-operation
between aboriginal communities and mineral exploration and mining companies.
The PDAC believes that, if governments shared a portion of revenues derived from
natural resource extraction with Aboriginal peoples, these revenues would: provide
economic benefits to Aboriginal communities; form a basis for Aboriginal
communities to build towards economic self-sufficiency; facilitate direct
participation in the mineral industry by Aboriginal peoples; and, encourage
exploration on Aboriginal traditional lands. Source

* * * *
MAC Submission to 2008 Mines Ministers' Conference

"While the industry is pleased with the progress by the Major Projects Management Office in its first year, there remains significant scope for governments and specific departments to improve their project review processes and timeliness. This issue intersects with questions of Aboriginal consultation, land use planning, and government sharing of resource revenues.

"MAC aims to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Assembly of First Nations in the fall 2008 and is also developing the TSM architecture needed to help guide company undertakings in the area of aboriginal relations. The PDAC is also focused on this area, having signed an agreement for further cooperation with the AFN in March. At the company level, bilateral agreements with Aboriginal groups facilitate progress on extractive projects while providing literacy, training, employment, and financial-sharing benefits. There are over 50 benefit impacting agreements in place and numerous other significant participation initiatives underway relating to mineral extraction projects – these involve many leading mining companies." Source

Province announces the "Council on Mineral Exploration and Mining"

2008-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

“The First Nations Leadership Council has highlighted the need to implement the FN-BC New Relationship in the mining sector in order to recognise the importance of building ties between B.C.’s First Nations and the mining industry.” - Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit

The provincial government has publicly rolled out the Council on Mineral Exploration and Mining. According to a government news release, the Council is expected to:

build relationships between government, First Nations and industry
identify key challenges and opportunities for communities, industry, First Nations and the Province
identify conditions necessary for the long-term success of mineral exploration and mining
provide input and make recommendations for a revised mining sector strategy
develop a work plan which reflects government, First Nations and industry priorities for the fiscal year
produce a newsletter to report on progress made by the council

Members include:

Province of BC
First Nations Leadership Council
Aggregate Producers Association of BC
Coal Association of Canada
Mining Association of BC
Association for Mineral Exploration BC
Other industry leaders

Province accepts Terrane's Mount Milligan EIA

2008-09-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

"The main concern is the environment -- we want to make sure that is protected as best as possible." Chief Fred Sam, Nak'azdli First Nation

The Prince George Citizen reports that Vancouver-based Terrane Metals' 9,000-page environmental impact assessment report, as part of its application for a provincial environmental assessment certificate, has been accepted. Now, a six-month review period follows on the $917-million Mount Milligan gold and copper mine application. The Nak'azdli First Nation, whose traditional name for Mount Milligan is Shus Nadloh, took the opportunity to again express dissatisfaction with the environmental assessment process, particularly the lack of input into the review [more].

Map: "Mount Milligan" deposit site

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B.C. Supreme Court rules on Crown consultation obligations to First Nations

2008-08-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

"The Crown's obligation to reasonably consult is not fulfilled simply by providing a process within which to exchange and discuss information." - Madam Justice Kathryn Neilson, B.C. Supreme Court

See this article in The Globe and Mail involving a recent B.C. Supreme Court decision [Wii'litswx v. British Columbia] on Crown consultation obligations to First Nations.

Related info...

"It will therefore be important for business and industry in Canada to ensure that the Provinces and Canada observe their obligations, since failure of a Province or Canada to fulfil those obligations may lead to delay or prevention of important land and resource use developments in the country." - Charles F. Willms and Kevin O'Callaghan, Fasken Martineau, Aboriginal Bulletin, November 2004. Source

[Post revised: 09/09/08]

The Bear Mountain dispute in northern B.C.

2008-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

"Consultation is a process that requires consideration of First Nations rights and titles and interests..." - Murray Browne, Legal Counsel, Takla First Nation

This article in The Tyee covers both perspectives in the dispute involving the Takla First Nation and Imperial Metals in regards to the company's exploration of Bear Mountain. Also, see the Takla First Nation's website: www.taklafn.ca

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Tsilhqot'in referendum postponed

2008-08-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

"..the Aug. 1 date was too early to hold such a complex referendum..." - Joe Alphonse, Director of Services, Tsilhqot'in National Government

See this Williams Lake Tribune story for an update on the Tsilhqot'in National Government's pending referendum on the Prosperity gold-copper mine project, as proposed by Hunter Dickinson's Taseko Mines Ltd. The referendum has been put on hold with no new date scheduled.

Canoe Creek responds to Prosperity review process

2008-07-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

"All we’re saying is we need to have our First Nations’ interests, in terms of aboriginal rights and titles, respected..." - Hank Adam, Canoe Creek Indian Band Spokesperson

According to this Williams Lake Tribune story, the Canoe Creek Indian Band also opposes the provincial environmental review process announced for Taseko Mines' proposed Prosperity project.

Exploration reveals "tricky relationship" between environmentalists and native communities: Knox

2008-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Victoria Times-Colonist columnist, Jack Knox, comments on how copper exploration in Ahousaht territory near Tofino is straining the relationship between local environment groups and the town and the Ahousaht First Nation, given that the exploration was approved by the Band. Knox suggests that this development "could pit affluent, predominantly white Tofino against its dirt-poor aboriginal neighbours." The economic benefits of the exploration project to the Band were noted in an interview with the Nuu-Chah-Nulth publication, Ha-Shilth-Sa, where Ahousaht Chief Councillor, Keith Atleo, said that in addition to receiving other considerations, 10 members would be trained in drilling. "It may not seem like much, but even one job makes a difference," Atleo said. As for the Band's relationship with the company, Selkirk Metals Corp., Atleo said in that interview: “They have been honest. They kept their word and have shown us respect over the years.”

Free, Prior and Informed Consent

2008-07-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Resource extraction companies must at least review these new FPIC standards and consider their adoption if they are to ensure their expensive investments see a return. And the more progressive companies are the ones that are recognizing the need for community consultation and the delivery of tangible benefits to impacted communities. If FPIC [Free, Prior and Informed Consent] has not yet fully arrived, it is clearly on the horizon." - Robert Walker, Vice President of Sustainability for Ethical Funds

See: Sustainability Perspectives: Winning the Social License to Operate - Resource Extraction with Free, Prior, and Informed Community Consent, by The Ethical Funds Company

FPIC is enshrined in the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Exploratory mining begins in Ahousaht territory

2008-07-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

"We need something to get our economics happening and get to the level that the rest of Canada is at. If the environmentalists could do that for us, my God, we'd walk away from Catface Mountain with a snap of the finger. But if they can't do anything, then what alternatives do we have?"- Chief John Frank, Ahousaht First Nation

Selkirk Metals has begun exploration drilling for copper in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Catface Mountain, near Tofino, according to this Canadian Press report. The prospect of mining concerns the Friends of Clayoquot Sound, a local environmental group. Ahousaht Chief John Frank, in a Globe and Mail report last April, said that if a viable deposit were found then a referendum would be held with Band members. In the same article, he cited community concerns with unemployment levels reaching 65 percent.

Mt. Milligan project moves ahead in EA review

2008-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

“We get a lot of flack for holding up process; we are being pushed to a point where our only recourse is court and that is not where we want to go. We told them to let Nak’azdli to help and that (our) standards might be higher but that is all that we are willing to [accept].” - Anne Marie Sam, Nak'azdli First Nation Spokesperson

The Prince George Citizen reports that Terrane Metals has submitted its "5,000-6,000 page" environmental impact assessment to the province's environmental assessment office, as part of an application for its proposed Mount Milligan gold-copper mine. Prior to this, however, the Nak'azdli First Nation laid out its issues with the project's pending assessment at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, as reported in this June 18, 2008 Caledonia Courier article.
[revised: 05/09/08]

Tsilhqot'in to hold Prosperity referendum Aug. 1

2008-07-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

“Without the cooperation of the First Nations community, any development hoping to take place in the Chilcotin will simply not occur.” - Cariboo South MLA Charlie Wyse

The Tsilhqot'in National Government will be holding a referendum on Taseko Mines' Prosperity Project on August 1, according this Williams Lake Tribune report.

Chinese mining company to attend Mining Summit

2008-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Zhongchuan International Mining Holding Co. Ltd. has accepted an invitation to the B.C. First Nations Mining Summit set for this October in Prince George, according to this Prince George Citizen report. It was reported that the invitation was extended and accepted while a B.C. First Nations forestry economic development team was in China last week.

"We hope they will be responsive": Tribal Chief David Luggi

2008-07-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

"It is a paradigm shift." - Byng Giraud, Mining Association of B.C.

In a recent Prince George Citizen story by Gordon Hoekstra, Tribal Chief David Luggi of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, which represents eight First Nations in the northern interior, indicated that organizers of the B.C. First Nations Mining Summit, October 7-9, 2008, in Prince George, are hoping the mining industry and the federal and provincial governments will respond favourably to exploration and mining principles and standards developed by First Nations at the forum. The article contrasts experiences some First Nations have had with the mining sector, specifically citing the Tahltan Nation and its agreement on the Galore Creek mine, as it was then proposed by Teck Cominco and NovaGold (since mothballed), and several First Nations who successfully opposed the Kemess North expansion project, including a recent blockade erected by the Takla First Nation in response to intensive exploration in their territory. Hoekstra notes that First Nations in the northern interior of B.C. have cited frustration with the environmental assessment process, the increasing pace of exploration, and the absence of consultation involving the province's on-line mineral staking process.

Along with the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, the mining summit is being co-organized by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Kaska Tribal Council, and the B.C. First Nations Leadership Council, the latter is an alliance of provincial First Nation political organizations involving the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. It will focus on:

Exploring the necessary legislative, regulatory and policy reforms to ensure adequate consultation and accommodation prior to mining exploration and development;
Reducing impacts of exploration and development on cultural and ecological values, other land uses and community priorities;
And expanding opportunities for benefit-sharing with affected First Nations through relationships with the Crown and industry.

Byng Giraud, vice-president of policy and communications for the Mining Association of B.C., indicated in the article that the association will be encouraging its members to attend the mining summit and that his industry looks forward to discussing a number of key issues with First Nations.

In March, when the idea of the mining summit was first broached publicly, Tribal Chief Lugg, in an interview (no link) with Arthur Williams of the Prince George Free Press, said that the goal of First Nations was to develop a "terms of reference for engagement." He also indicated that First Nations want to get ahead of the environmental assessment process in terms of proposed projects rather than reacting to them, including establishing a way to cooperate. He elaborated that with a clearly defined starting point, "chances are you'll know early on [whether] your project is feasible, instead of spending a whole bunch of money going to the environment assessment process."

In a follow-up interview (no link) with Williams, Giraud accepted that "First Nations are taking a stronger role" in the sector. He elaborated: "The reality is you can't build a mine anywhere in the world... without community support. It is a paradigm shift. The challenge is the rules are different from place to place. If they did a conference, it would be important that all the major First Nations with mining exploration in their areas are represented. Each First Nation has a different approach to these things and all companies have different approaches. Things kept at a broad level is what we'd be able to do. I think whether it's a local community or a First Nation... develop a set of rules for industry. A road map that people can basically take to the bankers in New York will help give some certainty. Money gets more expensive, the more risk there is. Companies are operating under two sets of rules, the environmental assessment process and First Nations consultation. Whether they're separate or together, we'd like a process."

"Double crossed": Tsilhqot'in

2008-07-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

"...we’re going to stop that mine, one way or another." - Chief Ervin Charleyboy

In this Williams Lake Tribune article, Tsilhqot'in government representatives tell their side of the story in regards to the Taseko Mines Prosperity project being approved for a provincial environmental assessment over their objections. This issue, reminiscent of Northgate Minerals' Kemess North project, which was rejected by a joint review panel last September, a decision that Canada and BC confirmed this past March, recalls the provincial environment minister's letter to Northgate's CEO, Ken Stowe, part of which was reprinted in the weekly Vancouver news magazine, the Georgia Straight. The minister wrote: "we wish to make clear that we are not holding that a mine project can never receive approval in circumstances where a lake is used to manage tailings...."

Plans to destroy Fish Lake "unacceptable": Tsilhqot'in Nation

2008-07-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

"...the Tsilhqot'in are committed to do whatever is necessary to protect the Nation's best interest." - Tsilhqot'in National Government

The Tsilhqot'in National Government (TNG) recently issued a news release expressing its "absolute disappointment in British Columbia and Canada's decision to proceed with a BC-led Environmental Assessment (EA) process" for Taseko Mines' Prosperity Mine Project. The TNG said current plans by the company "to destroy Fish Lake are unacceptable." And that this development came as an "unwelcome surprise" to the Tsilhqot'in Nation, which now has "no confidence that the environmental and social impacts of the project will be properly assessed." The company, the TNG said, previously supported a joint-panel review process for the project. "This is nothing more than a rubber stamp to industry," Chief Ervin Charleyboy, Tribal Chairman, said. Xeni Gwetin Chief Marilyn Baptiste indicated in the release that her community "has exhausted every opportunity to work with BC, Canada [and] Taseko Mines Ltd," and that "the Tsilhqot'in are committed to do whatever is necessary to protect the Nation's best interest."