As construction of the $1.3-billion Mount Milligan gold and copper mine gets into full swing, the Nak'azdli First Nation is trying to negotiate an increase in a revenue-sharing offer from the B.C. government for the project.
The province earlier reached an agreement with the McLeod Lake Indian Band which had been largely supportive of the mine, but the Nak'azdli had fought the province with court action, saying they hadn't been properly consulted.
Although the Nak'azdli continues to have environmental concerns, the First Nation had a change of heart earlier this year and entered into discussion with the province on revenue sharing, backed up with meetings in the community to discuss the province's offer.
Nak'azdli chief Fred Sam, and other representatives of the First Nation, were in Victoria today to meet with senior government officials.
"We're having that meeting to see if we can work on the percentage -- see what they come back to us with," said Sam by phone.
Sam said they are pleased with employment that some Nak'azdli have already secured at the mine construction site, but are also looking for long-term benefits.
The B.C. Liberal government authorized its provincial negotiators at the end of 2008 to include revenue sharing with First Nations on new mining projects.
The province, however, has stipulated the Nak'azdli would have to drop their law suit.
The revenue-sharing agreements are not insignificant.
The province estimated its revenue-sharing agreement with the McLeod Lake Indian Band would provide $35 million to $40 million during the 15-year life of the mine.
Another revenue sharing agreement was signed with two First Nations in the Kamloops area, expected to provide up to $30 million to the Tk'emlups and Skeetchestn during the 12-year life of the mine.
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