Prince George was the meeting site Wednesday for First Nations groups and allied agencies to plan out the future of B.C. mining.
"The Fair Mining Collaborative and BC's First Nation Women Advocating for Responsible Mining (FNWARM) are today and tomorrow holding a meeting at the Coast Inn to discuss strategies for seeking mining reform in B.C. and tool kits for First Nations to work with companies," said FNWARM spokesman Sean Durkan, on behalf of the assembled stakeholders.
"In light of recent mining decisions and challenges, and growing talk for industry (not so much government so far) regarding the need for a better way, the overall angle here is that First Nations are not waiting for others to make moves and are coming up with their own strategies that others will need to catch up on. So there are three angles underway: B.C. mining reform needs, B.C. First Nations groups mining toolkits to help First Nations deal with companies, and First Nations human rights as they pertain to mining."
Other groups involved in the discussions included the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, with support from Amnesty International, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives (KAIROS) and the Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers). The latter three combined are scheduled to host a public forum tonight at 7 p.m. at the Coast Inn of the North's Summit Room. The guest speakers on the panel include Marilyn Baptiste of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation and Ann Marie Sam of the Nak'azdli First Nation, plus William David of the Indigenous Rights Centre.
Making a surprise appearance at the meetings Wednesday, were two of B.C.'s most recognizable native leaders. Stewart Phillip, grand chief of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and Jody Wilson-Raybould, B.C. chief of the Assembly of First Nations, were in Prince George as part of the second anniversary activities for the Lakeland Mills fatal explosion. "They have been big supporters of FNWARM since its inception," said Durkan.
While they are not expected to attend tonight's forum, the discussions are intended to be lively, he added. Babtiste will be discussing "lessons from the Tsilhqot'in struggle against the New Prosperity Mine" while Sam will talk about "how large-scale resources development affects our lives and communities" and David will discuss "why Canada and British Columbia are failing their human rights obligations."
The panel discussion is free and open to the public.
