Tahltan Nation Frustrated by the Province’s Lack of Meaningful Communication Prior to their Announcement of Fast-Tracking Mining in Tahltan Territory

Press Release

The Tahltan Nation was surprised by the Government of BC’s February 4th announcement that it intends to “fast-track” the approval and development of two major mines – Eskay Creek Revitalization Project and Red Chris Mine Expansion – in Tahltan Territory. This decision was made without engaging the Tahltan Nation, even though there are formal joint decision-making agreements in place between BC and the Tahltan Central Government about how decisions will occur regarding these mines.

“We fully acknowledge that developments in the United States have raised economic concerns in Canada and we share those concerns. For the Tahltan Nation, our priority, as always, is ensuring that our Title and Rights, as well as our human rights, are fully upheld and respected. This involves properly assessing the economic, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of any project proposed in our Territory consistent with any agreement that has been entered into by the Tahltan Nation and British Columbia pursuant to section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.” President Beverly Slater, Tahltan Central Government.

“Despite British Columbia’s emphasis on reconciliation efforts, such as being the first province to enact the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, Premier Eby’s decision to expedite two projects in Tahltan Territory without recognizing the necessity of obtaining the Tahltan Nation’s consent does not align with true reconciliation.” Chief Marie Quock, Iskut Band

“It is important to keep in mind that the Province of BC’s announcement to expedite 18 mineral and energy projects – 2 of which are located in Tahltan Territory – will require engagement with and the consent of the Tahltan Nation.” Chief Richard (Rocky) Jackson, Tahltan Band

The decision-making agreements in place for Eskay Creek and the Red Chris Mine Expansion were entered into on June 6th, 2022, and November 1st, 2023, and establish the principles, processes, and mechanisms that uphold the standard of Tahltan free, prior, and informed consent with respect to those mines. The agreements reflect that the Tahltan make their decisions regarding the mines under Tahltan laws, involving the Tahltan people, and based on the timelines and procedures that govern Tahltan decision-making processes.

The Tahltan Nation is committed to the terms of the section 7 agreements regarding the mines entered with respect to the projects, and to seeing those agreements fully

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