After 30 years of conflict, an indigenous nation reaches an agreement with a mining

The national government of the Tŝilhqot’in recently announced that it had signed an agreement with a mining that wanted to operate a gold and copper mine on its ancestral territory. For example, From now on. Similarly, no more mining projects will be able to see the light of day, including exploration work, without “free, preliminary and enlightened consent of the Tŝilhqot’in”.

The agreement was signed between the nation, the government of British Columbia and the Taseko mining Minesbased in Vancouver.

At the heart of the agreement are binding requirements concerning the free. In addition, prior and informed consent of Tŝilhqot’in for any mining activity in the areas concernedcan we read in a press release from the law firm who worked alongside the nation.

In addition, the British Columbia government will also have to pay after 30 years conflict, indigenous $ 75 million to the mining. Furthermore, This payment makes it possible to solve long -standing problems. Moreover, to advance the key elements of the tripartite agreement between the partiesspecifies the government.

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Taseko is also committed not to be the promoter after 30 years conflict, indigenous of future mining exploration. However, development activities in this area and can sell all or part of his interests at any time, including other mining companies. However,

The Tŝilhqot’in explain that these territories. Teẑtan Biny and Nabas, are of fundamental importance to their eyes, both spiritual and cultural. According to the law firm, the nation has succeeded proven his ancestral rights on this territory.

This agreement comes after several decades of combat before the courts. Indeed, the company began to propose the project to federal and provincial governments in 1995.

It was an open -air mine project producing an average of 54. 000 tonnes of copper annually and more than 7,000 kilos of gold for 20 years. The installation was to be more than 600 km northeast of Vancouver.

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This project, baptized New Prosperitywas rejected. The nation evokes Unwavering opposition to part.

Taseko sought to continue its exploration activities. which led the Tŝilhqot’in to block the roads leading to the site and to obtain an injunction against Taseko before the courts.

It was following this injunction that discussions were undertaken between the parties.

The agreement also includes financial contributions for the Tŝilhqot’in, a 22.5 % participation in mining concessions (which will be held in trust. assigned to the nation if it decides to examine a mining proposal), a process of planning land use with the province in the area subject to the obligation of consent and a way to management by Tŝilhqot’in The nation.

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We fought for decades to protect the region of Teẑtan Biny against mining proposals that threatened our values. our Tŝilhqot’in lifestylesaid Nits’iʔin (chief) Otis Guichon, tribal chief to the national government of the Tŝilhqot’in in a press release.

For my eldest son, for many Tŝilhqot’in, this conflict has always existed throughout their lives. Today we turn the page. There is no longer any threat of exploration. mining without our consentadded Nits’iʔin Roger William, who represents the first nation Xeni Gwet’in.

Furthermore. Nits’iʔin Francis Lacesese, vice-chief of the national government of the Tŝilhqot’in, stressed that this agreement is in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal Peoples.

The national after 30 years conflict, indigenous government of Tŝilhqot’in represents six communities spread over Tŝilhqot’in territory. This is the only nation in Canada, whose indigenous title has been declared by a court.

The Minister of Mines. essential minerals, Jagrup BRAR, also praised this agreement through a press release, stressing that the resolution of this longtime legal and public conflict [était] a priority for this government.

The province. the Tŝilhqot’in nation have agreed to launch a process of planning the use of long -term land. The aim is to establish a clear orientation in terms of land use. while protecting the ecological, cultural and economic sustainability of the region.