Tsilhqot’in chiefs protest Prosperity mine – Williams Lake Tribune

By Erin Hitchcock
Published February 16, 2010 8:00 am

Dozens of protesters held up signs on Highway 97 between McLeese Lake and MacAllister Thursday afternoon to show thier opposition to the destruction of Fish Lake should Prosperity mine be built.

Aong those protesting were Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste, ?Esdilagh Cheif Bernie Elkins, Tl’esqox Chief Francis Laceese, Ulkatcho First Nation Chief Allen Louie, and Lhtako Dene Nation Chief Geronimo Squinas.

They, as well as members from First Nations communities and their supporters, displayed messages such as “Our lakes and our rivers are our life. Our elders won’t gather at a mine site. Our pristine lakes are the heritage for our children and grandchildren. You know you hit rock bottom when you’re a miner,” and “Water is more precious than gold.”  

They were also protesting the B.C. government’s recent decision to grant Taseko Mines Ltd. an environmental assessment certificate for the mine following the provincial review process that was completed. 

A federal panel is still reviewing the mine project and will hold public hearings beginning March 22 in Williams Lake.

If built, the copper-gold mine would be build about 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake at Fish Lake (Teztan Biny), which First Nations chiefs say is sacred and in the Tsilhqot’in declaration of rights area.

For the full article, please click here.  

For video from the protest, click here. 

A short film entitled Blue Gold, The Tsilhqot’in Fight for Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) will soon be available for viewing on this site.  A public screening will take place in Victoria, BC on March 22nd at 7pm at the David Lam Auditorium, University of Victoria.  

Check our events section for details.

Take Action