Two Tsilhqot’in Nation bands have called for a mineral exploration company to stop drilling on land near but outside its traditional territory in central British Columbia formally recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in June.
A news release from Aug. 5 criticizes Vancouver-based Amarc Resources Ltd. and the provincial government over a failure to meaningfully consult with the Xeni Gwet’in and Yunesit’in First Nations prior to deploying diamond drills in the Upper Taseko region.
Chief Roger William of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation says the remote area, located close to the proposed New Prosperity Mine site, is environmentally sensitive and in the upper headwaters of the Taseko lakes.
“Any drilling up there is a big issue for our community, for our Nation, and if there is any mine, we couldn't see it being approved, especially an open pit mine. We've been communicating [with Amarc].
"They said they can't move. We did send a letter [saying] they need to stop drilling, and to start communicating and consulting with us. I believe they're still going ahead [with the drilling].”
While William admits consultation with the company did take place in the past and exploratory permits were issued, at issue now, he says, is the timing of when the Tsilhqot’in communities were informed about the permit being recently renewed with the company and when they planned on drilling.
“By the time we got the letter and looked into it, they were already putting drill bits in there.”
Amarc Resources Ltd. did not return calls for comment.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Mines says the Tsilhqot’in Nations were consulted on the original permit and the permit incorporates water resource protection measures that address the concerns raised by the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG).
“The date extension made to the permit does not change the drill program nor the protection measures and other permit conditions required of the proponent,” David Haslam says.
“Consultation on the permit was undertaken under the Tsilhqot’in Framework Agreement (now the Tsilhqot’in Stewardship Agreement) between the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the province. The province takes the concerns raised by the TNG seriously and wants to work constructively with TNG on meaningful consultation as provided for under the agreement.”
The exploration permit is located approximately 30-kilometres southeast of the Tsilhqot’in title area that was declared in the landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision, Haslam adds.
“The province will continue to seek opportunities to meet with TNG in order to address their concerns and assist discussions between them and the proponent as needed.”