First Nations reach out to Mining Companies

Proposed Prosperity mine must be stopped for sake of future relations in BC

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC, Sept. 15 /CNW/ - The Tsilhqot'in National Government, supported by provincial and federal First Nations leaders, today sent the attached letter to members of the Mining Association of BC to ensure they have the facts about opposition to the proposed Prosperity mine.

"Proponents of this proposed mine, which would kill Teztan Biny (Fish Lake), have tried to portray us as extremists who are opposed to mining period, but this is totally false," says Tl'etinqox-T'in Government Chief Joe Alphonse of the Tsilhqot'in Nation.

"We are opposing a specific project that is the poster child for all that is wrong with the mining system in BC and a text book example of how not to pursue a project," said Xeni Gwet'in Chief Baptiste also of the Tsilhqot'in Nation.

"Some companies are trying to work with First Nations to pursue sustainable mines that recognize First Nations rights and the environment and we would like to see this become the norm, but approval of this specific mine would undo all the good work that is being attempted elsewhere."

The July 2 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency panel report made it crystal clear that this proposal would have significant and irreparable harm to our rights and culture and the environment.

"If the government was to approve this proposal in defiance of these findings, it would have abandoned its constitutional duty to protect First Nations rights, and its responsibility to the environment, and would leave us with no choice but to defend our land against the mine proceeding," said Chief Baptiste.

"First Nations would prefer to work with industry to find ways forward, but as the support for the TNG from First Nations leaders across BC and Canada demonstrates, this cannot happen if this ill-conceived, destructive and  unacceptable project receives federal approval," said Chief Alphonse.

"Our experience is that far too many companies have not been willing to engage First Nations in meaningful consultation and act as if the law is there to help them only," said Chief Alphonse. "We need more companies who recognize that the old-style of decision making no longer works - and that it is in the industry's interest to engage on a level playing field with First Nations."

For further information:

Chief Joe Alphonse 250-394-4212 ext 229 / cell 250-305-8282
Chief Marilyn Baptiste 250-394-7023 ext 202 / cell 250-267-1401