PROJECT REVIEW: First Nation offers video on how to collaborate with the resource industry

KAMLOOPS, BC – As Canada is getting set to celebrate their 150 years of existence, the relationship with indigenous people is in a considerable state of flux. One such area where needed change is taking place is in the area of environmental assessment processes related to major projects. Currently, both the BC and Canadian EA processes are going through an evaluation that is geared towards making the EA processes more effective for all interests. Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwepemc Nation (SSN) has participated in the current BC and federal EA review and were pleased to be recognized as innovators regarding their unique project review process to assess the Ajax open pit gold mine as proposed by KGHM Canada. Tk'emlúps te Secwepemc and Skeetchestn First Nations, unified through Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwepemc Nation, developed their comprehensive project assessment process as the best way to look after their families, their communities and their neighbours in Kamloops and surrounding area. The SSN project review process is grounded in the Secwepemc Trout Children stsptékwll (oral histories), the 1910 Memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier, Canadian and international laws such as the United Nation Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People. It is built on the Principle of Walking on Two Legs- Secwepemc and western expertise, with information provided both in oral and written format. To share about their innovative approach, SSN has just released a seven-minute video and a four-page document, showcasing elements from the process, including clips from the SSN panel hearing. Please watch the video at https://vimeo.com/194534066 and read the document online at www.Stkemlups.ca/process/.