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VANCOUVER
– The Province and the Tahltan Nation
have developed a restoration plan to assess and address the impacts of past
mineral exploration and development activity within Tahltan Territory, Minister
of State for Mining Kevin Krueger announced today.
“The
restoration plan is the first of its kind and is a landmark accomplishment for
responsible and sustainable mining in British Columbia,” said Krueger. “By
developing this plan in collaboration with the Tahltan Central Council, we are
building on the principles and approach of the New Relationship and building on
our commitments established in the BC Mining Plan.”
The
restoration plan is the first major accomplishment of the Tahltan-BC Minerals
Working Group, which was established to review operational issues related to
mining activities and proposed mining activities in the Tahltan Territory in
northwest B.C., including the communities of Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek and
Iskut. The Minerals Working Group is comprised of representatives of the
Tahltan Central Council and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum
Resources in support of the main British Columbia/Tahltan Central Council
Reconciliation Table.
“The
Tahltan Nation is committed to the principles of environmental stewardship,
economic sustainability, and self-determination in respect of Tahltan Territory
including the land and resources therein,” said Tahltan Central Council chair
Curtis Rattray. “This restoration plan is a result of addressing Tahltan
members’ concerns around mining activity, with a goal of ensuring mining is
environmentally sustainable, from the start of any mining proposal.”
“This
plan is a great example of the success that can result from working together
towards a common goal,” said Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations
and Reconciliation. “It’s another important step showing that the New
Relationship with First Nations, based on mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition
of Aboriginal rights and title, is producing results at the community level.”
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Contact: |
Jake Jacobs Ministry of Energy, Mines
and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell) |
Deborah Bowman Communications Director Ministry of Aboriginal
Relations and Reconciliation 250 953-3211 |
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Curtis Rattray Chair, Tahltan Central
Council 250 631-1177 (cell) |
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