Data show how aboriginal communities are actively participating in provincial resource development
If you’ve lived in BC for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard that old line about how it’s impossible to build anything here because of opposition from First Nations. That’s complete rubbish, of course, and here’s some proof.
The First Nations Economic Development Database tracks agreements between industry, government and First Nations in BC, and at the time of writing, they listed 86 projects with First Nations participation.
We included this data in our report on progress in aboriginal-industrial relations, called Becoming Partners: A decade of progress in aboriginal-industrial relations in BC.
Below is a map showing the location of the projects tracked by FNEDD, along with descriptions of a few of the major ones. Enjoy!
Specific projects with aboriginal participation
Ajax Mine Advanced exploration agreement between Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc and KGHM International. Proposed open-pit mine at the site of the former Afton mine near Kamloops.
Aley Niobium Project Framework agreement between Tsay Keh Dene and Taseko Mines Ltd. Proposed open-pit niobium mine located 140km north of Mackenzie.
Bonanza Ledge Gold Property Impact benefits agreement between Lhtako Dene Nation and Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. Gold mine 82km east of Quesnel.
Eagle Rock Quarry Impact benefits agreement between Ucluelet First Nation, Hupacasath First Nation and Polaris Minerals Corp. Proposed gravel pit in the Port Alberni Inlet area.
Galore Creek Mine Impact benefits agreement between Tahltan Central Council and NovaGold. Proposed mine 90km northeast of Wrangell, Alaska.
Gibraltar Mine Capacity Increase Impact benefits agreement between Williams Lake and Taseko Mines Ltd. Expansion of existing facility.
Hackney Hills and Thunder Mountain wind energy projects Memorandum of understanding between Halfway River First Nation and Aeolis Wind Power Corp. Proposed 300MW wind park located east of Fort St. John.
Harper Creek Project Impact benefits agreement between Simpcw First Nation and YellowHead Mining Inc. Proposed copper-gold-silver mine near Kamloops.
Jamie Creek Hydroelectric Project Impact benefits agreement between Xwisten, St'át'imc, Tsal'alh and Sequoia Energy. Proposed run-of-river hydroelectric project located 16km west of Gold Bridge on Jamie Creek.
John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project Impact benefits agreement between We Wai Kai Nation, Campbell River and BC Hydro. To replace the existing six-unit 126MW generating station.
Kerr - Sulphurets - Nitchell Gold / Copper Mine Impact benefits agreement between Nisga'a and Seabridge Gold Inc. Open-pit mine project, approximately 65km northwest of Stewart.
Kitsault Mine Impact benefits agreement between Nisga'a Lisims Government and Avanti Mining Inc. Proposed open-pit molybdenum mine 140km northeast of Prince Rupert.
Mclymont Creek Hydroelectric Project Impact benefits agreement between Tahltan Central Council and AltaGas. A run of river hydroelectric generating plant on Mclymont Creek tributary to the Iskut River.
Morrison Property Capacity funding agreement between Lake Babine Nation and Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. Proposed ore production for an open-pit copper/gold mine 65km northeast of Smithers.
Mt. Polley Mine Impact benefits agreement between Williams Lake and Mount Polley Mining Corporation. Proposed copper/gold mine southeast of Prince George is in exploration stages.
NaiKun Wind Power Project Partnership agreement between Council of the Haida Nation and NaiKun Wind Development Inc. Proposed wind power project on the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Resort Partnership agreement between Osoyoos Indian Band and Bellstar Hotels and Resorts and Watermark Asset Management. A 400-unit resort on the Nk'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course.
Northwest Transmission Line Impact benefits agreement between Kitselas Nation and BC Hydro. A 340km transmission line between Skeena substation near Terrace and a new substation to be near Bob Quinn Lake.
Red Chris Mine Impact benefits agreement between Tahltan Central Council and Imperial Metals. Open-pit copper/gold mine 18km southeast of the village of Iskut.
Ruddock Creek Framework agreement between Simpcw First Nation and Imperial Metals Corp. (Selkirk Metals Corp.) Proposed zinc-lead mine 155km northeast of Kamloops.
Sandstone Town Centre - South Nanaimo Lands Partnership agreement between Snuneymuxw Nation and Northwest Properties. Proposed new neighbourhood expanding the southern boundary of Nanaimo.
Schaft Creek Mine Memorandum of understanding between Tahltan Band Council and Copper Fox Metals Inc. Project covers the Schaft Creek area 25km northeast of the Galore Creek mine.
Spanish Mountain Project Framework agreement between Lhtako Dene Nation and Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. Open-pit mine located 70km northeast of Williams Lake.
The NK'MIP Project / Spirit Ridge Resort Partnership agreement between Osoyoos Indian Band and Spirit Ridge. A 1,200-acre parcel on Osoyoos Lake to include RV Park, heritage centre, nine-hole golf course, winery, 125-room hotel and other attractions.
Trans Mountain Pipeline Impact benefits agreement between Whispering Pines/Clinton and Kinder-Morgan. Pipeline expansion along the existing Trans Mountain Line from Edmonton, AB to Burnaby, BC.
Turnagain Nickel Project Traditional Knowledge Protocol between Kaska Dena Council and Hard Creek Nickel Corp. Proposed nickel mine located 70km east of Dease Lake.
Volcano Creek Hydroelectric Project Impact benefits agreement between Tahltan Central Council and AltaGas. Proposed run-of-river project located on the Volcano Creek tributary.
Waneta Hydroelectric Expansion Project Impact benefits agreement between Ktunaxa Nation Council Society and Columbia Power Corporation. A 335MW expansion of the existing dam.
Peter Severinson is the research director for Resource Works. Follow on Twitter: @pseverinson