xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories/VANCOUVER
Today, BC and the Gitanyow, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Tahltan and Nisga’a peoples announced inclusive planning processes that aim to produce jointly recommended land use plans within one year, that could make a significant contribution to BC’s goal of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and safeguard the ecological health of a vast region as the foundation for collective prosperity.
Jessica Clogg, Executive Director & Senior Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law stated:
We honour the tireless work of the Gitanyow, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Tahltan and others who have laid the groundwork for this planning initiative.
By upholding the rights of First Nations titleholders, ensuring all voices are heard in inclusive planning, and using best available Western and Indigenous science, these critical planning processes have the potential to contribute to lasting ecological, economic and community resilience in the region.
After years of provincial inaction to prevent rampant mineral claim staking in areas of high ecological and cultural value to First Nations, the temporary pause now in place will provide critical breathing room to chart a pathway forward that is consent-based and environmentally sound.
In the wake of the narrow passing of controversial Bill 15 last week, we will hold BC to account to ensure that fast-tracking or prioritizing of risky resource projects in the region does not undermine the potential of the planning processes announced today.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Clogg | Executive Director & Senior Counsel
(604) 601-2501, jclogg@wcel.org