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Monday, December 1, 2008
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Mining summit a go |
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Written by GORDON HOEKSTRA
Citizen staff
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Monday, 06 October 2008 |
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TECK COMINCOFIRST NATIONSTERRANE METALS
A First Nations Mining Summit has set ambitious goals for the three-day event, which begins today in Prince George.
The summit hopes to develop a set of principles and standards for mining exploration and development in First Nations traditional territories.
Critically, the First Nations are also looking to the federal government and, in particular, the provincial government for endorsement of these principles, giving them force in legislation and regulation.
"All of the five goals we'll lay out need some re-sourcing, all of them need some legislative and policy amendments and changes -- reform," Carrier Sekani Tribal Council chief David Luggi said Monday.
The goals include a plan to restore and sustain healthy eco-systems, driving home the need for effective legislation and policy, building and maintaining capacity through research and education and building the ability to assess economic opportunities.
Finally, the aim is to foster a relationship with industry and government that is to everybody's benefit, said Luggi, whose council is one of the organizers of the summit.
On the first day of the summit, more than 200 First Nations delegates from nearly 100 bands, councils and indigenous governments will be joined by about 60 representatives from the federal and provincial government, as well as the mining industry.
Companies like Teck Cominco, Terrane Metals, Rio Tinto and Imperials Metals are expected to send representatives.
On the speakers agenda are Luggi, Shawn Atleo of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, Stewart Philip with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Ed John with the B.C. First Nations Summit.
Gordon Hogg, B.C.'s minister of state for mining, and Mining Association of B.C. president Dave Parker will also speak.
Topics that will be addressed on Day One include the state of the mining industry, environmental assessments, and effective engagement and decision making.
During the next two days the First Nations delegates will hold closes-door meetings to draft their action plan.
Luggi said First Nations want to see the principles outlined in the new relationship put into action in the mining sector.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 October 2008 )
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