The B.C. government and Simpcw First Nation have begun negotiations on a consent decision-making agreement for assessments of the proposed Yellowhead Copper Mine project.
A Wednesday, March 11 release from the province stated the agreement will “support regulatory clarity” for the proposed project, while “ensuring efficient, co-ordinated environmental assessments” by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and Simpcw.
It adds that the two parties are working together to develop the decision-making framework under the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and the Environmental Assessment Act, “with the project proponent Taseko Mines Limited in support of this important work.”
Tamara Davidson, minister of environment and parks, said residents of B.C. “can be confident that major projects under development are reviewed with a strong focus on environmental protection and supporting a resilient economy.”
“Working together to review projects shows how partnerships between First Nations, the province and proponents can advance reconciliation, strengthen investment confidence, and support a sustainable future for everyone in B.C.,” she said.
The consent agreement was made possible through an ongoing partnership between Simpcw and the EAO, the province said, and “would provide regulatory clarity for the proposed Yellowhead mine and potential future mining projects in Simpcw territory.”
Simpcw Ku̓kwpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau said they have developed an independent assessment process so their community can evaluate the potential effects of projects according to their own priorities, values and land stewardship directives.
“We have the inherent right to make decisions about what happens in our territory, and we recognize that as we exercise this right, we must do it in a collaborative and transparent fashion with all residents of our territory,” he said.
Lampreau added they’ve demonstrated this already by advancing several memorandums of understanding with districts and municipalities in their territory.
“The consent agreement is a provincial tool to recognize Simpcw’s inherent authority. Our Nation will continue to ensure our process will guide how these decisions are made.”
The province said Simpcw and EAO are taking a collaborative approach that recognizes Simpcw rights and responsibilities as stewards of the land, and strengthens government-to-government relations between Simpcw and B.C.
“The agreement to be negotiated would focus on aligning the two governments’ individual assessment processes, with an efficient, timely, collaborative and consent-based approach. Simpcw consent would be required for the Yellowhead mine to proceed,” the province stated.
The release referenced section 7 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which sets out provisions to engage local governments and affected stakeholders when negotiating consent agreements. The organizations that will be consulted during these negotiations are: Taseko Mines Limited, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the Cariboo Regional District, the District of Clearwater, the District of Barriere, the Mining Association of British Columbia and the Association for Mineral Exploration.
The EAO will also consult potentially affected First Nations during the negotiation of the consent agreement, including: the Adams Lake Indian Band, the Neskonlith Indian Band, the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúlecw (formerly Little Shuswap Indian Band), the Stswēceḿc Xget’tem (formerly Canoe Creek/Dog Creek), the Tsq̓éscen̓ First Nation (formerly Canim Lake), and the Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band.
The release shares information from Taseko about the proposed mine. If it is approved and developed, it would contribute over $900 million annually to the province’s GDP over a 25-year period, create 525 permanent direct jobs and represent a capital investment of $2 billion.
Stuart McDonald, president and CEO of Taseko, said the mine is located in the Thompson-Nicola region, near the community of Vavenby, and within Simpcwúl̓ecw, the territory of Simpcw First Nation. He said Taseko has agreed to the review under both the province’s environmental assessment process and the Simpcw process, saying it’s “an Indigenous-led assessment and decision-making model.”
“In our view, a section 7 agreement that aligns provincial and Indigenous review and decision-making can provide greater certainty and process efficiency for the Yellowhead project, and ensure it advances in a way that respects the rights, priorities and long-term vision of the Simpcw people.”