More than two dozen First Nations met last week in Terrace to discuss a basis for a First Nations-led environmental assessment process for major projects.
The 27 nations will meet next in Prince George at the end of March to continue the discussion around a new model.
"It is important we share the knowledge of how other First Nations in B.C. are moving to protect their interests when dealing with proposed major projects. We have rights and title to our territories and a First Nations led environmental review of major projects is a step to implementing them through business practices," said Kitselas First Nation Chief Joe Bevan in a statement.
Baven chaired the coalition meeting as a member of the steering committee, made up of a group who is trying to develop "common approaches aimed at strengthening the capacity of communities who are impacted by major project development."
The suggested process could be modeled off Squamish First Nation's approach to a environmental review for the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal. The nation issued a legally binding environmental certificate to the proponent with conditions, the release said.
The coalition will meet next in Prince George March 30 and 31.
