Ervin Charleyboy claims there are people in the Tsilhqot'in First Nation who are in favour of New Prosperity Mine, but afraid to go public with their opinions – even to their own chiefs.
The Tsilhqot'in National Government (TNG) has publicly denounced the mine on behalf of its people, but Charleyboy says they don't listen to those people.
“All these six chiefs in the Tsilhqot'in are just saying 'no' amongst themselves, and they're not bringing it to the people.”
Therefore, Charleyboy says he believes there needs to be a Nation Assembly regarding the mine to see how other Tsilhqot'in people, who are “scared to speak out,” feel about it."
“They are being intimidated by their own chiefs if they speak for the mine, and I don't like this intimidation. That's what the chiefs are there for.”
However, TNG Chief Roger William says they do talk to and listen to their people, communicating through discussions, councils, assemblies, newsletters and other means.
He notes the First Nations election process also ensures people are satisfied with that communication.
The Tsilhqot'in are “strong-willed people” who will speak when they want to speak, William explains.
“There is no intimidation. Our people are welcome to express opinions.”
Charleyboy is an Elder with the Alexis Creek Indian Band where he was a former chief for 20 years – 19 of those he served on the TNG as a tribal chief – but he says none of the chiefs, even from his own band, will speak to him anymore.
“I can't understand why the chiefs are protesting and don't want the mine. Because the way I see it, with forestry going down not too long from now, what are our people going to do?”
There are a lot of young people on the reserves who want to work, he adds.
“I'm looking at the future of our young people, and they've got nothing out there. There's no employment and there's no future for them.”
Meanwhile, William says the federal Environmental Review Panel that reviewed the first Prosperity Mine proposal visited every Tsilhqot'in community, where it heard the people's voice and concerns and consequently rejected that proposal back in 2010, he adds.
“All our members are totally against New Prosperity Mine.”
However, Charleyboy says he also gets “lots of comments” from First Nations people wanting to know more about the mine's status. He adds they tell him they don't talk to their chiefs about it.
He explains someone from the Anahim Band suggested the idea of a Nation Assembly for mine supporters to speak freely, so Charleyboy is now organizing that, with a target date of early April.
The chiefs don't need to be present, and shouldn't be, Charleyboy adds, so the people who support the mine or want to find out more about the viability of the mine “won't be afraid” in what they say.
Interested people who want to find out where and when it will happen can call Charleyboy at 250-481-0035.
“I've talked to other people about this and they've said, 'Sure, let try to do it'.”