As Canadians grow increasingly outraged by Taseko Mines' proposed "Prosperity Mine" near Williams Lake, British Columbia, the issue of inadequate consultation of First Nations in Canada by resource extraction corporations is coming to a head. One of the most controversial mines in Canadian history, the proposed Prosperity Mine project has been in the works for 17 years. As the federal environmental assessment panel wraps up and prepares to make its recommendation on whether or not the mine should go ahead, another controversy brews in a neighbouring First Nation community.
Just down the road in Stone Nation, a quiet yet all-too-familiar story is unfolding. According to its website, Vancouver-based Amarc Minerals Ltd's primary objective is to "discover the next major metal mine in British Columbia." For the Stone First Nation, located approximately 100km northwest of Williams Lake, this has meant Amarc coming into its territory and prospecting without the community's permission, including using a photograph of community members as promotional material for the company - and as a guise for consultation. Yunesit'in Government's Duane Hink and Douglas Myers talk with Victoria-based independent journalist Tamara Herman about the latest round of "gold digging" in First Nations territories in British Columbia.
Producers: Tamara Herman and Susi Porter-Bopp
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Tricking for Gold in British Columbia's Communities
Interview
00:08:53
1
April 1, 2010
Stone First Nation Indian Reserve, British Columbia