FNS supportive of Tsilhqot’in efforts to Protect Fish Lake from mining project

Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – The First Nations Summit is fully supportive of the write filed in BC Supreme Court today by Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations on behalf of the Tsilhqot’in Nation in an effort to block the destruction of Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) by Taseko Mining Ltd’s Prosperity mining project. The writ, claiming an Aboriginal right to fish for the Tsilhqot’in Nation, is an important step in blocking the unwarranted and willful destruction of a natural lake which is a critical piece of the Tsilhqot’in Nations traditional territory.

“It is unacceptable for government and industry to ignore the Tsilhqot’in peoples Title and Rights to this valuable natural resource within their traditional territory”, said Grand Chief Edward John.

“Natural habitats such as Teztan Biny are an integral part of First Nations culture in this province and we will stand together to fight any government policy or industry initiative which allows a natural lake to be destroyed for nothing more than the financial gain of a few shareholders”, added Chief John.