B.C. and Tahltan Nation sign agreement
Canadian Press – November 1, 2023 / 6:14pm | Story: 455195
Photo: Canadian Press
Photo from a July 2019 handout showing Tahltan Central Government President Chad Norman Day surveying Tahltan territory by helicopter. A new agreement between the province and the First Nation government in northern British Columbia is being hailed as a historic one that will require public consent before major changes at major mines.Canadian Press/HO – Tahltan Central Government
A new agreement between the province and First Nations governments in northern British Columbia will require national consent before major changes can be made at major copper and gold mines.
Tahltan Central Government President Chad Norman Day said the agreement means that no major changes to the Red Chris Mine’s existing environmental assessment certificate can proceed without Tahltan’s approval.
Mr Day said the agreement was “an important milestone on our path towards reconciliation”.
According to a joint statement released by the governments of Tahltan and British Columbia, the national and provincial environmental assessment agencies are reviewing the proposed changes, including those needed to transition Red Chris from open pit to underground block cave mining. The company plans to conduct its own analysis.
Red Chris spans more than 230 square kilometers and is located 80 kilometers south of Dees Lake, British Columbia.
Day said the agreement respects Tahltan’s title, rights and jurisdiction.
“This is a long-awaited step forward in our evolving co-governance relationship. It sets a precedent and demonstrates the importance of true consent in project amendments,” he said in a statement.
“Reconciliation and economic development can certainly coexist, guided by strong environmental, social and governance standards, as envisioned by the Tahltan people,” he added.
Environment Minister George Heyman said the country and province have a strong partnership that supports economic certainty for projects and provides regulatory clarity while protecting the environment for future generations.
Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin said the province is demonstrating that respecting Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination benefits all of British Columbia.
“BC and Tahltan continue to make history,” he said in a statement.
“Our government and industry are working to protect Tahltan’s jurisdiction and advance reconciliation.”
