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Posts tagged Teztan Biny
Carson Smith’s response
At the Prosperity Mine Panel hearings in Williams Lake in 2010, I heard Taseko Mines spokesman Rod Bell Irving make the following statement in rebuttal to Tsilhqot’in arguments that Teztan Biny was sacred ground: “As nearly as I can understand”, he said, “the Tsilhqot’in consider all their land as sacred”. What he was suggesting was that within the Tsilhqot’in culture there was nothing more special about Teztan Biny than there was something sacred about a hayfield at Yunesit’in. Of course it could be argued that Taseko Mines holds nothing sacred except profit, and Rod has no understanding of Tsilhqot’in culture.
Why is Teztan Biny sacred? What makes any site more sacred than any other piece of ground? Why would the world be outraged if a condo complex were to be constructed beside Stonehenge and some of the ancient site moved a few meters for easier access of heavy machinery.? It is because even if there were careful planning behind the project and great care taken to preserve all that was visible, everyone would recognize an unspeakable crime had been committed. What would be lost forever would be sensed as having been more valuable than what was received in trade. The immediate sense of awe one experiences standing within the circle of Stonehenge would be sacrificed, the connectedness to the ancient past rooted in the present would be gone. But even so some conscience-less corporate executives and government bureaucrats, if they could get away with it, would argue this was more than offset by jobs and tax revenue. Of course the Stonehenge scenario is ridiculous. But who is to say one culture’s sacred places are more worthy of preservation than another’s?
My mother-in-law, a unilingual 96 year old Tsilhqot’in, can look over Teztan Biny and see it much as it was when she was a little girl. She can recognize the places where she and her grandparents camped, put out nets, collected medicines and dried moose and deer. She attended gatherings there, much like the gatherings that occurred over hundreds of years. Her parents and grandparents knew the people who are buried there. A sacred place is where one can stand and have the sublime beauty of the place sweep across the soul, where the present is wrapped in the history of the area and there is the promise of eternal legacy for future generations. It is a place that must not be torn apart, desecrated, exploited; or we lose our humanity. As I stand on the edge of Teztan Biny, drenched in solitude, surrounded by the majesty of mountains that seem to touch the face of the Creator, I know sacredness. In such a place as Teztan Biny, drill holes, clear cuts, roads, mining debris, poisons, flooded graves, tailings ponds, and deadness would show the face of evil, and if Taseko Mines could accomplish such a rape of the land Teztan Biny would come to symbolize a society without a conscience; a world gone mad!
“In order for evil to prevail it is necessary only that good people do nothing”. We must fight!!
Why is Teztan Biny sacred? What makes any site more sacred than any other piece of ground? Why would the world be outraged if a condo complex were to be constructed beside Stonehenge and some of the ancient site moved a few meters for easier access of heavy machinery.? It is because even if there were careful planning behind the project and great care taken to preserve all that was visible, everyone would recognize an unspeakable crime had been committed. What would be lost forever would be sensed as having been more valuable than what was received in trade. The immediate sense of awe one experiences standing within the circle of Stonehenge would be sacrificed, the connectedness to the ancient past rooted in the present would be gone. But even so some conscience-less corporate executives and government bureaucrats, if they could get away with it, would argue this was more than offset by jobs and tax revenue. Of course the Stonehenge scenario is ridiculous. But who is to say one culture’s sacred places are more worthy of preservation than another’s?
My mother-in-law, a unilingual 96 year old Tsilhqot’in, can look over Teztan Biny and see it much as it was when she was a little girl. She can recognize the places where she and her grandparents camped, put out nets, collected medicines and dried moose and deer. She attended gatherings there, much like the gatherings that occurred over hundreds of years. Her parents and grandparents knew the people who are buried there. A sacred place is where one can stand and have the sublime beauty of the place sweep across the soul, where the present is wrapped in the history of the area and there is the promise of eternal legacy for future generations. It is a place that must not be torn apart, desecrated, exploited; or we lose our humanity. As I stand on the edge of Teztan Biny, drenched in solitude, surrounded by the majesty of mountains that seem to touch the face of the Creator, I know sacredness. In such a place as Teztan Biny, drill holes, clear cuts, roads, mining debris, poisons, flooded graves, tailings ponds, and deadness would show the face of evil, and if Taseko Mines could accomplish such a rape of the land Teztan Biny would come to symbolize a society without a conscience; a world gone mad!
“In order for evil to prevail it is necessary only that good people do nothing”. We must fight!!
Taseko letter to Minister of Environment comes to light
Welcome to Williams Lake - May 1, 2012
3 Comments- click on link at very bottom to see comments.
Taseko Mines President and CEO Russell Halbauer sent a letter to Federal Minister of Environment Peter Kent in November 2011, questioning the fairness and objectivity of the Federal Review Panel process.
(TNG drummers, singers and guests share a song during the Amnesty International presentation regarding Prosperity Mine in the Gibraltar Room last November.)
He said that the “first and most significant” concern is that, during the first federal review process, one of the panel members was acting as coordinator for a First Nations organization—advocating for land usage right.
Taseko also believes, according to the letter, that is was not appropriate for the panel to begin its hearing with an aboriginal prayer ceremony. The letter said that one of the things that questioned the objectivity of the panel were certain presentations that were allowed, including a play put on by children wearing fish cut-outs on the their heads, and then falling on the floor, symbolizing the death of the fish.
Mr. Halbauer said that another example of unfairness was what he called “a 40 minute sensational movie entitled ‘Blue Gold: the Tsilhqot’in Fight for Teztan Biny.’”
He also stated that Taseko wanted to raise concerns about spiritual issues being addressed during the review process.
Russell Halbauer concluded the letter by saying that he raised these concerns in a positive spirit, with the goal of ensuring that the next panel process is effective, efficient and fair.
“The new CEAA Panel will soon be appointed, and the fight to stop ‘New Prosperity’ Mine is increasing in strength,” stated the Friends of Nemaiah in a press release today. “It’s important to remember that not only was the proposed destruction of Fish Lake/Teztan Biny an important factor in the first refusal, the Panel also found the mine ‘would result in significant adverse environmental effects on fish and fish habitat, on navigation, on the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First Nations and on cultural heritage, and on certain potential or established Aboriginal rights or title.’
“These issues are not resolved by the ‘new’ proposal.”
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) calls the letter from Taseko Mines ‘deeply offensive’ and states that First Nations are alarmed that the draft Terms of Reference for the new Panel, which are expected to be finalized any day, would drastically reduce or even remove the new Panel’s mandate to consider impacts on Aboriginal rights.
“What concerns us is this letter is part of a major lobbying campaign by TML, which had three lobbyists registered in Ottawa on this file,” adds Chief Joe Alphonse. “The failure of CEAA or the government to assure us the rules of the game are not going to be changed for this second review – which should never have been granted in the first place – obviously makes us wonder if we should be worried that the fix is in.”
Today’s press release from the TNG says that the profound spiritual importance of this area to the Tsilhqot’in people was a significant factor in the decision of the federal panel that reviewed the original Prosperity Mine proposal. It states that proposal was soundly rejected by the Federal Government in November 2010, in part based on permanent, high magnitude impacts on Tsilhqot’in culture and cultural heritage.
“This is a black eye to the mining industry and we hope it is not one it would endorse, but we are not surprised that Mr. Hallbauer would write such an offensive letter,” said Chief Alphonse. “We have warned over and over again that this company does not understand or respect First Nations or our issues. This letter proves, once again, that this is the wrong project, in the wrong place, by the wrong company.”
The original letter can be found at this link:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/20111123_Hallbauer_Kent_AboriginalParticipation.pdf
R.A.V.E.N Newsletter
March 21, 2012
Dear RAVEN friends and supporters,
The ongoing effort to preserve Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) continues in many ways - and there have been a few developments to share. One of the latest efforts is to spread word of this issue to a new, international audience. Water is everyone’s right. And the destruction of a pristine ecosystem and watershed plus the trampling of indigenous rights deserve world-wide attention.
TAKING TEZTAN BINY TO THE WORLD:
Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste recently returned from Geneva where she presented the Tsilhqot’in report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN-CERD) 80th Session. The Tsilhqot’in report focused on the fight to protect Teztan Biny and the surrounding environment and the underlying legal situation which ignores First Nations rights and title.
“The Tsilhqot’in are prepared to go to the international level to protect our Nation’s rights and title,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government. “In the case of the rebid Prosperity Mine proposal, we feel that we’ve nearly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve this at the local level, though we will continue to take our fight to the new federal Panel review.”
Also this week, RAVEN is sponsoring Blaine Grinder of Tl’etinqox (one of the six communities of the Tsilhqot’in Nation)to attend and present at the World Water Forum 6, in Marseille France. The conference runs March 12-17, 2012. In an effort to educate and reach out to a new audience, Blaine is “looking to support others in their fight for clean water, get the message out there internationally to keep the Canadian Government accountable for their actions, and we are also requesting to have speakers during our environmental panel hearings on our behalf, letters and emails to CEAA as well. Also the new Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent, the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, please email on our behalf to tell them to protect Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and once again make the right decision to reject the new prosperity proposal.”
Blaine has written an initial blog, and will be adding more soon from his experience at the conference.
SETTLEMENT BETWEEN TNG AND TML 
TNG and TML have settled the two court cases (Taseko’s Civil Claim against Chief Marilyn and others, and Chief Marilyn’s Petition challenging the permits) relating to the exploration program. Taseko will commence a reduced scope of work that will be undertaken for the sole purposes of obtaining information required for the Federal environmental assessment of the proposed New Prosperity Project. On this basis, the parties have agreed not to further pursue existing legal actions.
TNG and the Tsilhqot’in remain 100% committed to opposing and defeating the New Prosperity Project.
TNG issued a news release February 29, 2012 to clarify their position. Stating the nation is determined to fight the “new” Prosperity proposal, the band goes on to say, “However, for the sole purpose of providing information to the federal environmental assessment process, the Tsilhqot’in have agreed to allow TML to carry out a significantly reduced exploration program under strict conditions.”
TNG RESPONSE TO TASEKO DEFAMATION LAWSUIT
You may have read that Taseko has launched a defamation suit against the Wilderness Committee over statements the environmental group made about the New Prosperity Mine on their (Wilderness Committee’s) website and Facebook page.
Many eNGOs consider this claim to be a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) suit. Friends of the Nemaiah recently reported this suit as indicative of an overly aggressive attitude to those who oppose the New Prosperity project, which has been described as the “wrong mine in the wrong place.”
In response, Joe Foy of the Wilderness Committee stated, “We have a responsibility to be reasonable and work within the law, with respect to Taseko Mines, but we also have a responsibility as a B.C. environmental group to stand up for our values and speak truths and we believe this mine should not proceed…..The high environmental risk and long-term environmental risks, and impact on human rights in respect to the Tsilhqot’in Nation, we strongly and proudly oppose this mine and will do so with all our abilities.”
TNG issued a response in a recent press release, suggesting that Taseko considering suing themselves for similar statements made by them in the first round of Panel hearings:
“Perhaps it intends to sue its own Vice President – Brian Battison – who on March 22, 2010, on the opening day of the review hearings, stated: “Developing Prosperity means draining Fish Lake. We wish it were otherwise. We searched hard for a different way. A way to retain the lake and have the mine. But there is no viable alternative. The lake and the deposit sit side by side. It is not possible to have one without the loss of the other.”
“Or might it sue its VP of Engineering, Scott Jones, who told those hearings: “What happens to the water quality in Fish Lake, if you try and preserve that body of water with the tailings facility right up against it, is that over time the water quality in Fish Lake will become equivalent to the water quality in the pore water of the tailings facility, particularly when it’s close. You might be able to delay that by moving the tailings facility farther away to Fish Creek South. You may even be able to minimize that, reduce it by mitigation measures that could be applied. But eventually that water quality will change.”
“These statements are on the public record, and while TML might not wish the public to be reminded of them, it seems unfair to sue an NGO for raising criticisms similar to those from the independent panel and the company itself.”
MiningWatch Canada issued this statement: “Though we regret the actions of Taseko against the Wilderness Committee, it’s honestly not that big a surprise that Taseko would act this way…..Over the course of the environmental assessment we have observed a number of actions that Taseko has taken that, in our view, are not consistent with good practices for building trust and positive relationships with stakeholders.”
FIRST ANNUAL CREATIVELY UNITED FOR THE PLANET FESTIVAL - April 20 - 22 in Victoria, BC
If you are in or near Victoria for Earth Week, please come to this amazing new festival! RAVEN will be participating/benefitting from the gathering of artists who are donating their talents to help the smaller charities who “do the hero work” in our communities. Brainchild of local award-winning photographer Frances Litman, the festival will start with a Friday night dance party. Several artists including Ann Mortifee, Robert Batemen, the Soul Shakers, Paul Horn, and the Gettin’ Higher Choir will donate their time to raise awareness of the many issues represented by the charities. Funds raised will go to Sierra Club of BC, Western Wilderness Committee, Dogwood Initiative, Ancient Forest Alliance, the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, BC Land Conservancy, Wild Arc, RAVEN, Oases Conservation Society, Peace Valley Environment Association, Child and Nature Alliance, Habitat for Humanity Victoria, and YES B.C.
RAVEN will have a booth at the event, and our directors and volunteers will be taking turns so please drop by to visit. This is a great chance for us and all the other worthy groups to “Be seen and be significant!” Many events are free, and tickets are on sale now for those events that have a cost. You can find out more at the festival website.
PREPARING FOR THE UPCOMING FEDERAL REVIEW HEARINGS
The final terms of reference for the CEAA panel are yet to be released. However, preliminary quotes have been obtained by some of the scienctific analysts who will be called to work on this. Please consider donating to cover some of these crucial (and costly) reports. Without them, the Tsilhqot’in will not be able to present the best evidence at the hearing.
Thank you to all those who have recently contributed! 100% of your donations will go toward the costs incurred by the band.
With warm wishes,
Susan Smitten, Executive Director
Susan Smitten, Executive Director
RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values &Environmental Needs)
2nd floor, 844 Courtney Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1C4
t. 250.383.2331
f. 250.380.6560
www.raventrust.com
Twitter: @RAVENtrust
http://sms.vsip.ca/mailings/74/76f69853cf12bf5ec1d9e90cccce3cd4/4f5fa8ef295e6/
Welcome to Williams Lake - March 7, 2012
Press releaseXeni Gwetín Chief Marilyn Baptiste is at the University of Victoria this afternoon giving a presentation on Fish Lake—an event sponsored by the UVic Environmental Law Clinic.
Chief Marilyn has recently returned from Geneva where she presented the Tsilhqot’in report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 80th Session. The Tsilhqot’in report focused on the fight to protect Teztan Biny and the surrounding environment and the underlying legal situation which ignores First Nations rights and title.
“The Tsilhqot’in are prepared to go to the international level to protect our Nation’s rights and title,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government. “In the case of the rebid Prosperity Mine proposal, we feel that we’ve nearly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve this at the local level, though we will continue to take our fight to the new federal Panel review.”
The full Tsilhqot’in report to the UN is availaible here:
Two provinces, same battle as First Nations face down mining interests
Trish Allison
APTN National News
OTTAWA–Throughout Canada, First Nations are facing down mining companies over projects planned in their territories.
APTN National News
OTTAWA–Throughout Canada, First Nations are facing down mining companies over projects planned in their territories.
In northwestern Ontario, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation is working to halt Gods Lake Resources and their Sherman Lake Gold Project.
The exploration company is planning a drilling project, but the intended land is a sacred area known to have KI burials and other cultural values.
The land was also left out of 23,181 square kilometres of land in KI territory the Ontario government announced Sunday it was withdrawing from mining exploration.
On Tuesday, KI leaders were in Toronto to rally outside the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention-the largest mining industry event of its type in the world.
KI wants to halt God’s Lake Resources from mining on their lands. The company is expected to begin their prospecting this month and have hired a security firm to protect its workers when entering KI territory.
“We are mobilized to go to Sherman Lake. I cannot allow our graves to be desecrated by a company that is hiring guns to block us on our own land.
That is no way to do business,” said KI Chief Donny Morris, in a statement.
That is no way to do business,” said KI Chief Donny Morris, in a statement.
Seven years ago KI was in a similar situation with Toronto-based mining company Platinex.
During that struggle, six KI leaders were jailed for six months after protesting Platinex.
In 2009 the company withdrew its plans after it reached an agreement with the Ontario government to receive $5 million and a royalty stake in any future developments in the region.
In British Columbia, the Tsilhqot’in Nation is facing a similar battle. It’s at odds with BC based mining company Taseko and their New Prosperity Mine proposal.
Earlier this month Taseko launched a defamation suit against environmental group Western Canada Wilderness Committee for questioning the company’s claims that its new proposal would actually address all environmental concerns, which includes saving Teztan Biny, known as Fish Lake in English.
In a statement, the Tsilhqot’in National Government Tribal Chair Chief Joe Alphonse said, “we will certainly not be silenced by what appears to us to be a clear attempt to mute opposition and stifle criticisms.”
In November 2010, Taseko’s first proposal was rejected by the federal government because part of the plan involved draining Fish Lake which is full of rainbow trout.
Taseko has said that it worked hard to ensure it dealt with concerns and will save Fish Lake.
This is not the first time Taseko has taken their concerns to the courts over this matter.
Last fall, the BC government granted permits allowing Taseko to carry out work on the land near Williams Lake. B.C. It was a decision the Tsilhqot’in say the government made without consultation.
In efforts to bring a stop to the work the Tsilhqot’in blocked Taseko’s workers from entering the site which resulted in legal action by both parties.
Both sides went to court seeking injunctions against the other. Taseko requested an injunction to prevent the blockade and the Tsilhqot’in asked for an injunction to impede Taseko from carrying out work until proper consultations had been made.
The Tsilhqot’in won the round when the courts imposed a 90-day injunction on Taseko,
The victory, however, was short lived. At the beginning of March, the Tsilhqot’in reluctantly agreed to allow test drilling on their land, but the fight still continues.
Biologists and archeologists hired by the TNG and two Tsilhqot’in members will monitor the exploration testing done by Taseko. An environmental assessment will also be conducted by the Environmental Review Panel, but due to funding cuts there may not be a full 60-day assessment.
“If there are no assurances that it will be 60 days, how can it be an honest review?” asked Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste.
Baptiste recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland. She was there to report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) 80th Session
“The land question hasn’t moved in decades,” she said. “To actually be there, give our word to the committee members was very helpful. Our voices were heard.”
She says many of the committee members questioned Canada’s environmental issues.
“For a big part of it, it’s not going to be earth-shaking, but I think for the fact that many committee members are aware, they’re watching Canada and we’re hopeful that because of those things we can move forward,” she said.
As for Taseko, Baptiste says they’re facing a bigger power – mother nature. They’re facing the elements and not just the concerns of the people, said Baptiste.
She says the snowy weather is playing a part in keeping Taseko off the land. The company had expected trails to be plowed and more inclement weather is expected.
“The government needs to stop this proposal as well, no more destruction on the land,” said Baptiste.
The Tsilhqot’in still vow to stop the project.
Chief reports to UN committee
Williams Lake Tribune - February 28, 2012 7:00 AM
The independent MLA for Cariboo North Bob Simpson says he is not surprised that Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste is in Geneva, Switzerland this week to report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) 80th Session.
The TNG submitted a formal report to the CERD to highlight ongoing violations of Indigenous rights that the Tsilhqot’in experience in Canada. Baptiste is in Geneva to present the report to the committee.
Tl’etinqox Chief Joe Alphonse, chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, said the Tsilhqot’in are prepared to go to the international level to protect their nation’s rights and title.
“In the case of the rebid Prosperity Mine proposal, we feel that we’ve nearly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve this at the local level, though we will continue to take our fight to the new federal panel review.”
In addition, Baptiste warned the Tsilhqot’in will continue to call on both the B.C. and federal governments to uphold their fiduciary duties to protect the TNG rights and title, which Baptiste says means protecting Teztan Biny and Nabas from this dangerous proposal.
“We are also calling on the reform of B.C.’s outdated mining laws to be compliant with the standards found in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and which result in bad projects being forced upon us without our consent,” Baptiste said.
Simpson told the Tribune the critical factor is that Canada clearly doesn’t have its act together in respect to First Nations’ rights and title.
“It’s not just the Tsilhqot’in that are going to the United Nations. We’ve had a number of First Nations across Canada just so frustrated with the national and provincial governments, that they’ve decided to take their claims to an international body,” Simpson said.
He also said the presentation in Geneva will be a “black mark” on Canada because it will allow the rest of the world to see that Canada does not have its house in order with respect to indigenous people’s rights.
Referring specifically to the proposed New Prosperity Mine Project, Simpson suggested it shows that the TNG is opposed to the particular project and the particular company, Taseko Mines Ltd.
“I have been asking the government for two years now to find a mechanism to get Taseko to stand down for a bit until such times as we can figure out a way to engage in a dialogue with the Tsilhqot’in about their rights and title,” Simpson said.
It could be an agreement or reconciliation agreement structure for proponents of projects to be able to work with government and the TNG to see if those projects are going to succeed.
“Taseko owns a part of the ill will that exists, but I still blame the provincial and federal governments for trying to steamroll over rights and title issues. Instead of blowing past that with another panel, they need to do the hard work of sitting down with the Tsilhqot’in to figure out how we are able to look at natural resource extraction through that rights and title lens,” Simpson suggested.
Both Taseko Mines vice president of corporate affairs Brian Battison and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett declined to comment.
TSILHQOT’IN NATION PRESENTS REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS
253 – 4th Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4T4
Phone (250) 392-3918 Fax (250) 398-5798
GENEVA, SWIZTERLAND, February 23, 2012: Chief Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government is in Geneva, Switzerland this week to report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) 80th Session. The Tsilhqot’in Nation submitted a formal report to the CERD to highlight ongoing violations of Indigenous rights that the Tsilhqot’in experience in Canada and Chief Baptiste is in Geneva to present this to the Committee.
“The Tsilhqot’in are prepared to go to the international level to protect our Nation’s rights and title,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government. “In the case of the rebid Prosperity Mine proposal, we feel that we’ve nearly exhausted every possible avenue to resolve this at the local level, though we will continue to take our fight to the new federal Panel review.”
Chief Baptiste expressed, “Through questions asked by committee members, issues and concerns reported by NGO’s and Aboriginal representation are being brought to international attention. Questions included asking Canada to present their justification about how they gained title to the land, what mechanisms exist in Canada to ensure fair and equal court processes when communities turn to court to protect their Aboriginal Rights and Title, and if Canada thinks that Aboriginal Title can co-exist under the current political structure.”
The Tsilhqot’in report focuses on the fight to protect Teztan Biny and its environs from the proposed resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal, and the underlying legal regime which sees First Nations rights and title ignored and bad mining projects forced upon communities against their will.”
“This is not simply a criticism of British Columbia’s outdated laws before the United Nations. Instead, we are educating the U.N. about who we are as Tsilhqot’in, and about the values that we must protect if our culture is to thrive” said Chief Alphonse. “These values include intact lands and waters that will sustain our communities, wildlife and fish, and second, economic development that respects our priorities.”
It has been extremely frustrating to the Tsilhqot’in communities to enter a new Panel review for a version of this mine already deemed worse by the previous Panel.
Chief Baptiste expressed, “The Tsilhqot’in will continue to call on both the BC and federal governments to uphold their fiduciary duties to protect our rights and title, which means protecting Teztan Biny and Nabas from this dangerous proposal. We are also calling on the reform of BC’s outdated mining laws to be compliant with the standards found in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and which result in bad projects being forced upon us without our consent.”
A supporting submission on the issue of mining and FN rights in BC was also submitted by BC’s First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining (FNWARM), of which Chief Baptiste is a founding member.
Media Enquiries: Chief Joe Alphonse (250-305-8282); As of Feb 24th: Chief Marilyn Baptiste (250-267-1401)
Tsilhqot’in Report: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/docs/ngos/Tsilhqotin_Canada80.pdf
Attached: Ten Facts that show why resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal cannot be approved
253 – 4th Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4T4
Phone (250) 392-3918 Fax (250) 398-5798
Ten facts that show why resubmitted Prosperity Mine proposal cannot be approved
1. The CEAA review panel process was very different from the BC EAO rubber-stamp decision. Its report found immitigable, devastating impacts to the local fish stocks and endangered grizzly populations, and to the existing and future rights of the Tsilhqot’in and its youth. Then Environment Minister Jim Prentice described the report’s findings as “scathing” and “probably the most condemning I have ever read.”
2. The company knows its new option is worse than its first plan. TML’s V.P. Corporate Affairs, Brian Battison, was clear in his Mar. 22, 2010, opening presentation to the CEAA hearings, when he stated: “Developing Prosperity means draining Fish Lake. We wish it were otherwise. We searched hard for a different way. A way to retain the lake and have the mine. But there is no viable alternative. The lake and the deposit sit side by side. It is not possible to have one without the loss of the other.”
3. The point was emphasised by TML’s VP of engineering, Scott Jones, who stated: “What happens to the water quality in Fish Lake, if you try and preserve that body of water with the tailings facility right up against it, is that over time the water quality in Fish Lake will become equivalent to the water quality in the pore water of the tailings facility, particularly when it’s close.”
4. This proposal does not address the issues that led to the rejection of the first bid last year. Fish Lake will be affected by the toxic waste and eventually die, and it will be surrounded by a massive open pit mine and related infrastructure for decades. The Tsilhqot’in people will not have access to their spiritual place, and the area will never be returned to the current pristine state.
It is not even new. It is “Mine Development Plan 2.” TML states on page 20 of its project submission: “Option 2 is the basis for the New Prosperity design …The concepts that lead to the configuration of MDP Option 2 have been utilized to develop the project description currently being proposed.”
5. This option was looked at and rejected last year by the company, Environment Canada and the CEAA review panel. For example, page 65 of the review report states: “The Panel agrees with the observations made by Taseko and Environment Canada that Mine Development Plans 1 and 2 would result in greater long-term environmental risk than the preferred alternative.”
6. The new $300 million in proposed spending is to cover the costs of relocating mine waste a little further away. There is nothing in the ‘new’ plan to mitigate all the environmental impacts identified in the previous assessment. TML states in its economic statement: “The new development design, predicated on higher long term prices for both copper and gold, would result in a direct increase in capital costs of $200 million to purchase additional mining equipment to relocate the tailings dam and to move the mine waste around Fish Lake to new locations. This redesign also adds $100 million in direct extra operating costs over the 20-year mine life to accomplish that task.” In fact, this new spending is actually $37 million less than the company said last year it would have to spend just to go with the option that it and the review panel agreed would be worse for the environment.
7. The federal government is required under the Constitution to protect First Nations, which have been found to be under serious threat in this case, and is internationally committed to do so under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These duties are every bit as clear regarding this resubmitted proposal.
8. Approving this mine would show the Environmental Assessment process is meaningless, and would demonstrate that governments are ignoring their obligations - as the Assembly of First Nations national chiefs-in-assembly made this crystal clear this summer in their resolution of support for the Tsilhqot’in.
9. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans has opposed this project since it was first raised in 1995. It soundly rejected it again last year. It has no reason to support it now. Nor does Environment Canada, which, as the CEAA report noted last year, also found option 2 to be worse than the original bid.
10. There are many other more worthy projects to be pursued – the vast majority of which, if not all will require working with aboriginal communities. Natural Resources Canada estimates there is $350 billion-$500 billion worth of such potential projects in Canada. Governments, industry and investors do not need to go backwards by pushing this confrontational proposal and rebuffing efforts by First Nations to find a way to create a better mining system that would benefit everyone in the long run.
(Earth Focus: Episode 34) Canada may be one of the world’s largest gold mining nations, but both its overseas and domestic mining activities are controversial. In this Earth Focus report, Human Rights Watch looks at the allegations of gang rapes and other violent abuses at the Pogera Mine in Papua New Guinea, which is operated and 95 percent-owned by Barrick Gold — a Canadian company that is the world’s largest gold producer. The Tsilhqot’in and Xeni Gwet’in people of British Columbia, Canada are struggling to stop the construction of Prosperity Mine, a gold and copper mine proposed by Taseko Mines Ltd., which would destroy Fish Lake (Teztan Biny), a sacred-held body of water.
Teztan Biny – Fish Lake: Tsilqot’in territory
Salmon Guy Blog - July 3, 2010
Teztan Biny/Fish Lake from Globe and Mail article: Xeni Gwet’in
