First Nations mining summit set for October in Prince George

Dakelh Traditional Territory/Prince George, B.C. – The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Kaska Tribal Council, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, and the BC First Nations Leadership Council officially announced they will be co-hosting a political summit on mining issues on October 7-9, 2008, in Prince George.

The primary goal of the meeting is to gather First Nations leadership from across B.C. to establish common principles and standards for exploration and mine development that First Nations can then use to gauge activities of the mining sector and government.

The BC First Nations Mining Summit will focus on:

• Exploring necessary legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms to ensure adequate consultation and accommodation prior to mining exploration and development.
• Reducing impacts of exploration and development on cultural and ecological values, other land uses, and community priorities.