LandKeepers News Archive
Remembering the Kemess North decision
September 16 2008 | News Articles | Prince George Citizen
Written by — Tse Keh Nay Chiefs (Grand Chief Gordon Pierre, Tsay Keh Dene Chief Dolly Abraham, Takla Lake First Nation
Today marks the first anniversary of the historic environmental review panel decision that rejected the Kemess North gold-copper mine and protected sacred Amazay Lake from destruction.
On this day, the Tse Keh Nay would like to remember the five-year struggle to protect Amazay Lake and the headwaters of the Finlay/Peace Rivers and to share lessons learned for future mining development in Tse Keh Nay land. We want to foster development that is sustainable and respects our aboriginal rights, title and connection to the land and water that sustain us. We continue to be the experts on this land through environmental monitoring and a deep concern for the health of the water we drink, the animals we eat and the plants that provide us with medicine.
One year later, the issues underlying the Kemess North conflict have not been resolved. Companies continue to stake lands that are sacred. For example, Bear Mountain at the headwaters of the Skeena River is threatened by Imperial Metals’ pursuit of copper. Without a mutually agreed upon land-use plan, consultation process and a deeply flawed environmental assessment process, investors may be spending millions on proposed projects that have no chance of proceeding. This includes Terrane Metals’ Mount Milligan, Taseko’s Prosperity and Imperial Metals’ Red Chris. We were fortunate to have a brave panel decision, but this precedent does not protect other sensitive areas of B.C.
Looking forward, we are not against all development. However, respect for future generations and environmental and spiritual values must take priority alongside jobs, revenue-sharing and mine development. We seek revenue-sharing at existing mines like Kemess South, the cleanup of abandoned toxic sites like Bralorne and better environmental monitoring to prevent disasters like the tailings spill at Sable Resources’ Baker Mine in July.
As a measure of good faith, Takla will be removing its blockade from the Driftwood Forest Service Road. Along with revenue-sharing, land-use planning and the cleanup of toxic sites, Takla is also seeking the protection of the Bear Mountain and Bear Lake area prior to next year’s exploration season.
— Tse Keh Nay Chiefs (Grand Chief Gordon Pierre, Tsay Keh Dene Chief Dolly Abraham, Takla Lake First Nation Chief Donny Van Somer, Kwadacha First Nation.)
This Entry is Not Tagged. Click here to Add Tags