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Tsilhqot’in Nation back in court to challenge Taseko Mines Ltd. drilling permits

Press Release

Williams Lake, BC: June 25, 2018: T T il qot’in Nation is onc again b ing forc d to t BC Supreme Court to challenge drilling permits issued to Taseko Mines Ltd. (TML) by the outgoing BC Liberal government during the wildfires of 2017.

The BC Mines Act permit approves an extensive drilling program by TML to advance its rejected New Prosperity Mine project. The permit authorizes TML to clear 76 kilometres of new or modified trails, 122 exploratory drill holes, 367 excavated test pits and 20 kilometres of seismic lines near Fish Lake, known to t T il qot’in as T tan Bin an ar a of c lt ral and s irit al significanc for t T il qot’in. The area is also subject to a Declaration of Proven Aboriginal Rights. The Government of Canada rejected TML’s New Prosperity mine proposal in 2014, and the mine cannot legally be built as matters stand.

Within two days of notice of the approval of the drilling permits in July 2017, the Tgilhqot’in filed the following in BC Supreme Court:

  • a Petition seeking to quash the permit for breach of the duty to consult and accommodate;
  • a Notice of Civil Claim seeking to quash the permits as unjustified infringements of proven and established Tgilhqot’in hunting, trapping and fishing rights in the area; and,
  • an injunction in each proceeding that would prohibit TML from conducting the drilling program pending the hearing and determination of these cases.

Elders and leadership from the Nation will be travelling from Tgilhqot’in Territory to Victoria to bear witness to the proceedings and remind BC that the approved drilling is a grave threat to their home and way of life.

Quotes:

Nits’il?in (Chief) Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman of the Tsilhqot’in National Government:

“This approval for drilling permits was a final act under the former BC Liberal Government, issued during the 2017 wildfires while Tsilhqot’in citizens and Leadership were displaced and struggling to defend their homes and territory. It is indefensible to approve a massive drilling program for a project that was rejected four years ago and cannot be built. It’s disheartening to see TML continuing to make a mockery of the environmental review process, along with the justice system. In my opinion, companies like TML and governments like the former BC Liberals are the reason why the BC environmental review process needs to change. Cases like the Tsilhqot’in Decision have led to policy changes throughout Canada — it’s time for business and government in BC to follow suit.”

Nits’il?in (Chief) Jimmy Lulua, Xeni Gwet’in Government

“Our people have worked tirelessly to protect areas of cultural and spiritual significance to us. The courtroom is not a place that we choose to be but as times it is the only option left to us. Conducting this drilling program at Teztan Biny and Nabas is completely unacceptable and disrespectful to our Nation.”

Nits’il?in (Chief) Russell Myers Ross, Vice-Chair, Tgilhoot’in National Government:

“It is not easy for our communities to hear that we have to continue to return to the courts to resolve an issue that should be dead. Our vision for the land, one that we are creating with the Dasiqox Tribal Park,
does not include destabilizing an entire ecosystem. We want to continue to use our land as did our previous generations and for the generations to come.”

Media Contact:
Myanna Desaulniers
Communication Manager
Tgilhqot’in National Government
(250) 305-7885

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