Support from the Gitxsan Huwilp Government for Seabridge Gold’s KSM Mine in northwest B.C. was dropped.
It is in response to the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation (TSKLH), which is seeking to have environmental concerns addressed.
“Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs are looking far beyond the court order to real economic partnerships with collaboration and shared decision-making,” said Gitxsan co-chairs Gwiiyeehl (Brian Williams) and Moolaxan (Norman Moore).
“We stand with our neighbour, TSKLH, in calling on the Crown and Seabridge to collaboratively and meaningfully consult with all First Nations about major projects on our traditional lands, particularly where there is risk of environmental damage that could last generations,” they added.
According to the TSKLH, the main concern is with the mine’s 52-storey-deep toxic waste pond, also referred to as its tailings management facility by Seabridge, and its risks to nearby waterways.
The First Nation added the B.C. Supreme Court decided in June to revoke the mine’s Substantial Start Determination because the province failed to consult with it.
It said B.C. Supreme Court Justice Emily Burke ordered the province to re-open consultation with the First Nation in her decision.
“Having the support of our First Nations neighbours as we seek to uphold our role as stewards of the land is truly meaningful and sends a strong message to the Province,” said TSKLH Chief Darlene Simpson.
“We want to make it clear that TSKLH is not anti-development, as evidenced by our history of partnership with the resource industry,” she added.
Council for the TSKLH, Ryan Beaton, said meaningful engagement is being sought during the period of consultation ordered by the court, and hopes they don’t end up back in court.
Seabridge Gold said it has received notice of the Gitxsan pulling its support for the project.
According to the company, TSKLH was given “extensive opportunity” for full consultation about the tailings management facility during the project’s environmental assessment period, which ended in 2014.
“The Company is encouraged that TSKLH have been clear that TSKLH is not anti-development and is willing to engage and collaborate with Seabridge in respect of the KSM Project,” Seabridge said in a release.
It added the company is committed to addressing the Gitxsan’s concerns and collaborating with the TSKLH.
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