Tŝilhqot’in National Government releases its' Mining Policy

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has released a mining policy that affirms its jurisdiction over mineral resources in its Territory, its responsibilities to protect Tŝilhqot’in nen (lands and resources) for future generations, and outlines how responsible mining may occur in the Tsilhqot’in territory. The draft policy underwent public engagement in 2014 and has been in practice since that time.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has created the mining policy to communicate and protect Tŝilhqot’in values about nen, exercise and assert its Title and Rights to all its resources, provide greater certainty for mining and exploration companies, and ensure the meaningful participation of Tŝilhqot’in in exploration. The first objective of the mining policy it to reduce negative impacts to Tŝilhqot’in communities and the nen.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia). Since 2014, the signing of the Nenqay Deni Accord and the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement have supported Tŝilhqot’in efforts to secure recognition of its jurisdiction to nen and have enabled a growing capacity to steward and manage Tŝilhqot’in Territory.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government said:

“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has a long history of mining that goes back to the lucrative trading of obsidian rock from Anaheim Peak. The Tŝilhqot’in mining policy outlines what must happen for mining and exploration to be considered by the Nation. Our work over recent years to develop a policy is reinforced by the recent victory by Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation to overturn B.C’s mineral staking system that was based on a complete denial of Indigenous rights B.C.”

“We know the importance of minerals to the global economy but nothing is more important to life and the environment that sustains it. The pandemic has shown us that we can adapt quickly with the right leadership. As we adapt to reduce the impacts of the climate crisis there will be increased pressure to access minerals. But let it be clear, exploration and extraction in our territory will not happen without our participation and agreement.”