Tahltan Nation Calls On Federal Government to Reject Prosperity Mine

DEASE LAKE, BC, Sept. 2 /CNW/ - The Tahltan Nation commends the Tsilhqot'in and Secwepemc Nations for their concerted and joint efforts resulting in the Federal Environmental Review Panel concluding the proposed Prosperity Mine will have serious and irreversible effects on the environment and Aboriginal title and rights.

"First Nations across British Columbia and Canada have been inspired and galvanized by the courageous and principled positions of the Tsilhqot'in and Secwepemc who have stood strong against a provincial government and a proponent ready to run roughshod over their title and rights," says Annita McPhee, Chair of the Tahltan Central Council.

"The Panel's report is a devastating critique of the provincial environmental assessment process," says Chief Marie Quock of the Iskut First Nation, noting that the federal panel fundamentally disagreed with the province's earlier decision that the mine would not have significant adverse effects on the environment or Aboriginal title and rights. "This demonstrates when First Nations are presented with a more open, impartial and transparent review process, they can have confidence their legitimate concerns and interests will be recognized and respected."

"This is a wakeup call for British Columbia and mining companies," says Ms. McPhee. "First Nations aren't necessarily opposed to all mining, but we have to be treated with respect, integrally involved in decision-making and substantially share in the benefits for there to be a possibility of First Nation support."

Both Ms. McPhee and Chief Quock said that based on the Panel's conclusions they fully expect the federal government to reject the Prosperity Mine proposal. "For the federal cabinet to do anything other than reject the mine would set Federal-First Nations relations back 30 years," says Ms. McPhee. "It's inconceivable the Federal Government could green-light the mine in the face of this report."

For further information:

Annita McPhee, Chair, Tahltan Central Council
Tel: [phone]