Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver –First Nations leaders expressed relief that Canada and British Columbia are formally rejecting Northgate Minerals’ Kemess North mine expansion project. The department of Fisheries and Oceans cited the report of the joint environmental review panel, which did not favour the controversial project because it was found “not to be in the public interest.”
“It should have been an easy decision for both governments. No government should as a matter of public policy authorize the destruction of lakes” Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit said. “Nevertheless,the decision was made for the right reason. In that respect, this decision can be a catalyst for First Nations, governments, and the mining industry in B.C. to establish working relationships so we can start down the path of true sustainable development,where everyone’s interests are met.”
“We trust that industry and the governments of BC and Canada have learned an invaluable lesson from this long and frustrating experience. They must change their attitudes, approaches and policies concerning the essential need to recognize our Aboriginal Title and Rights,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C.Indian Chiefs. ‘I hope they have the vision and intelligence to understand the need to commit to these changes.”