Chilcotin native leader wins major award for mine protest – Vancouver Sun
Marilyn Baptiste’s efforts against Taseko Mines earn her the Goldman Environmental Prize
Marilyn Baptiste grew up in the shadow of the Chilcotin Ranges on the eastern shore of Chilko Lake, a young girl staring at the stars and wondering how the Xeni Gwet’in might achieve self-determination.
Monday, the councillor and former chief will find herself in the international spotlight, recipient of a US$175,000 Goldman Environmental Prize for her pivotal role in fighting Taseko Mines Ltd.’s planned open-pit gold-copper mine at Fish Lake.
“It’s definitely a huge honour,” Baptiste, 45, said in an interview from San Francisco, where she receives her award at a ceremony Monday evening. “I couldn’t have possibly imagined. It’s also a very important opportunity for our people — more allies and support from around the world.”
