First Nation supports mining development: 350-member Taku River Tlingit band to release unprecedented policy today
By Scott Simpson
Vancouver Sun; March 13, 2007; A11
A tiny First Nation with a vast traditional territory in northern British Columbia will take a bold step into the future today with the release of an unprecedented policy in support of mining development.
The 350-member Taku River Tlingit First Nation is spelling out what it calls the "rules of engagement" for companies looking to develop metal and mineral resources in a 40,000-square kilometres territory that encompasses Atlin Lake and extends to the Yukon border.
The First Nation is open to negotiate social and economic benefits from new mine projects, and says it will consider "cooperative working arrangements" with mine proponents.
That move is good news for the Atlin region, where reduced mining activity is a serious threat to the economy.
The Vancouver Sun obtained an advance copy of the policy.
Taku spokesperson Sandra Jacks said in an interview that her people are determined to maintain their culture and their environment.
But Jacks said they are interested in economic development and believe it's important to provide clear, straightforward policies for companies who want to do business with them.
"What we really want to do, in essence, is provide a collaborative working environment for the B.C. government, for the Alaskan government, for the mining companies to come together with First Nation and develop plans so we can ensure that as many interests as possible are addressed throughout the permitting process and the life of the mine," Jacks said.
B.C. has more than two-dozen advanced mining projects and many of them are situated in regions where aboriginal interests must be accommodated before they can proceed.
Near the top of that list is Adanac Molybdenum Corp.'s Ruby Creek moly mine project near Atlin, within the Taku River Tlingit's territory.
Ruby Creek could be in production by late next year.
The Taku have become strong proponents of that project, largely due to Adanac's efforts to include the local first nation in all stages of the development of the mine project.
The Adanac mine will employ 224 full-time workers, and will operate for 22 years -- and longer if adjacent resources can be economically developed.
"We've had a very good relationship with the Taku River Tlingit," said Larry Reaugh, Adanac's executive chairman.
"We've complemented each other. It has worked very well for us."
The First Nation has adopted a more adversarial role with respect to another project, Redfern Resources' Tulsequah Chief mine, which remains mired in environmental controversy.
The Taku River Tlingit fought that project -- unsuccessfully -- all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada before it was approved by the federal government.
It has yet to get underway, despite one of the hottest commodity markets on record.
Mining Association of B.C. president Michael McPhie had not seen the policy, and was consulted briefly about it last year.
In light of the First Nation's experiences with Redfern and Adanac, McPhie thought it would be advantageous for companies coming into the region to "understand the values that are important to their community. If they do that, and that's what this policy achieves, then I can say without hesitation this policy will be seen in a very positive light from our community's perspective."
