Listen Live
Listen Live
Listen Live

Tsilhqot’in Nation reaches out to United Nations to protect Teztan Biny from drilling program

The Tsilhqot’in Nation is taking its struggle to protect Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) from an extensive drilling program by Taseko Mines Limited (TML) to the international level.

The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) issued a news release late Tuesday evening and said it is submitting an urgent request for investigation to the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The submission notes that the Tsilhqot’in peoples face an imminent, “eyes wide open” violation of their most fundamental human rights under international law, including the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

“The Tŝilhqot’in are the only Indigenous Nation in Canada that has had its rights and title recognized, therefore we believe BC and Canada must move forward with the Tŝilhqot’in in a co-management governing process,” said TNG Tribal Chairman Chief Joe Alphonse.

“As far as we are concerned, Taseko has acted disgracefully throughout the years when it comes to the project at Teẑtan Biny. The Tŝilhqot’in feel as if Taseko has attempted to make a mockery of our culture, history, way of life and our Aboriginal rights, and this alone is one of many reasons why Taseko will never have the Tŝilhqot’in social contract.”

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has also invited the UN Special Rapporteur to visit Teztan Biny to witness first-hand how special the sacred place is to the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

“BC has stated that they are committed to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and they seem to have forgotten this commitment,” Alphonse said.

“In a case like Taseko, it is apparent that our Aboriginal rights and jurisdiction aren’t being taken seriously and therefore, we are taking this matter to the United Nations in effort to get our voices heard and wake up both BC and Canada.”

An exploratory program to advance TML’s proposed New Prosperity mine was approved by the BC Liberals in 2017 on their last day in office.

“There was not enough time to hear Taseko’s application for an injunction Tuesday,” TML Vice President President of Corporate Affairs Brian Battison told MyCaribooNow.

“The Judge heard submissions about when the Taseko motion should be heard and ordered that Taseko’s motion for an injunction be adjourned until Monday, July 29.”

The Tsilhqot’in Nation said Thursday, July 11 that it has provided notice that they will be proceeding with their Notice of Civil Claim originally filed in 2017, for a full trial of the issues, to establish that the drilling program is an unjustified infringement of proven Tŝilhqot’in Aboriginal rights. 

The Nation added it will also be seeking its own injunction to prohibit TML’s drilling program until that trial is heard and decided.

Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Rebecca Dyok
Rebecca Dyok
News Reporter/Anchor who loves the Cariboo and coffee (lots of it). If you have any news tips or story ideas you would like to share I can be reached at [email protected]

Continue Reading

ckbx Now playing play

cffm Now playing play

ckcq Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Crash To Pass Preparing for Another Bangin’ Good Time

The annual Crash to Pass Race is geared up and ready to kick off Billy Barker Days in Quesnel. This annual crash race is expecting more than 30 drivers to participate this year, including a family of three generations of racers.

Brothers Trying To Make A Difference One Mile At A Time

Two Texan brothers are on a charity bike ride that will take them from Anchorage Alaska to College Station Texas.

Comox search and rescue aircraft perform night rescue near Fort Nelson

An injured horseback rider is recovering at a Prince George hospital after being rescued in a remote area of Northeastern BC by search and rescue aircraft from Comox on Vancouver Island. Late Tuesday evening, the rider required emergency medical aid in the wilderness 185 km east of Fort Nelson. Unable to reach the area due to the rugged terrain and darkness, the RCMP called for assistance from the Royal Canadian Airforce. A CC-295 Kingfisher plane and a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter were dispatched from 19 Wing Comox.

New protection measures in place for Great Bear Sea  

B.C. is introducing new protection measures for 14.5 square...

B.C. streamlines process for U.S. and international doctors to work in the province

U.S.-trained doctors can now become fully licensed in British Columbia without the need for further assessment if they hold certain U.S. certifications.
- Advertisement -