The B.C. Supreme Court has decided to allow all intervenor applicants to make arguments in the Gitxaała Nation’s legal case against the free-entry mineral claim staking process. This includes our coalition of environmental organizations, as well as other First Nations, Indigenous organizations, mining companies, and the B.C. Human Rights Commission.
“We’re glad to be able to speak to the importance of reforming the colonial era Mineral Tenure Act. This case will show the current system’s failure to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples to consultation and consent, which the province has committed to upholding through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.”
Jamie Kneen, Co-Chair of the BC Mining Law Reform network and National Program Co-Lead with MiningWatch Canada
“The fact that so many are standing with us today sends a clear message: B.C.’s mineral claim regime is colonialism in action; it continues to cause harm to Indigenous peoples across the province, and it is well past time for change.”
Gitxaała Sm’ooygit Nees Hawaas (Matthew Hill)
The case will be heard in April.