The Province and Simpcw First Nation have started negotiations on a consent decision-making agreement for co-ordinated and efficient assessments of the proposed Yellowhead Copper mine project in Simpcw territory.

The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and Simpcw First Nation are working together to develop a decision-making framework under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and the Environmental Assessment Act, with the project proponent Taseko Mines Limited in support of this important work.

“British Columbians can be confident that major projects under development are reviewed with a strong focus on environmental protection and supporting a resilient economy,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “Working together to review projects shows how partnerships between First Nations, the Province and proponents can advance reconciliation, strengthen investment confidence, and support a sustainable future for everyone in B.C.”

The consent agreement, made possible through the ongoing partnership between Simpcw and the EAO, would provide regulatory clarity for the proposed Yellowhead mine and potential future mining projects in Simpcw territory, while ensuring efficient, co-ordinated assessments by the EAO and Simpcw.

“Simpcw developed its own independent assessment process so that our community can evaluate the potential effects of projects according to our own priorities, values, and land stewardship directives,” said Simpcw Ku̓kwpi7 (Chief) George Lampreau. “We have the inherent right to make decisions about what happens in our territory, and we recognize that as we exercise this right, we must do it in a collaborative and transparent fashion with all residents of our territory. We’ve demonstrated this already by advancing several memorandums of understanding with districts and municipalities in our territory. The consent agreement is a provincial tool to recognize Simpcw’s inherent authority. Our Nation will continue to ensure our process will guide how these decisions are made.”

Simpcw and the EAO are taking a collaborative approach that recognizes Simpcw rights and responsibilities as stewards of the land, and strengthens the government-to-government relationship between Simpcw and B.C. The agreement to be negotiated would focus on aligning the two governments’ individual assessment processes, with an efficient, timely, collaborative and consent-based approach. Simpcw consent would be required for the Yellowhead mine to proceed.

“The Yellowhead project has the potential to be a tremendous economic opportunity, creating jobs for decades and bringing significant investment to the Nation and the surrounding region,” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “This Section 7 agreement represents an opportunity to provide a clear process for the Nation, government and the proponent to work within.”

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: “Working in partnership with Simpcw First Nation and using the tools of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we have an opportunity to respect rights, while cutting duplication and improving environmental assessment and the process to get to a decision on the proposed Yellowhead Copper mine. Shared decision-making is transparent, accountable and demonstrates reconciliation in action.”