NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007EMPR0049-001415
Nov. 5, 2007

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

VANCOUVER – The Province and the Tahltan Nation have developed a restoration plan to assess and address the impacts of past mineral exploration and development activity within Tahltan Territory, Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger announced today.

“The restoration plan is the first of its kind and is a landmark accomplishment for responsible and sustainable mining in British Columbia,” said Krueger. “By developing this plan in collaboration with the Tahltan Central Council, we are building on the principles and approach of the New Relationship and building on our commitments established in the BC Mining Plan.”

The restoration plan is the first major accomplishment of the Tahltan-BC Minerals Working Group, which was established to review operational issues related to mining activities and proposed mining activities in the Tahltan Territory in northwest B.C., including the communities of Dease Lake, Telegraph Creek and Iskut. The Minerals Working Group is comprised of representatives of the Tahltan Central Council and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in support of the main British Columbia/Tahltan Central Council Reconciliation Table.

“The Tahltan Nation is committed to the principles of environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and self-determination in respect of Tahltan Territory including the land and resources therein,” said Tahltan Central Council chair Curtis Rattray. “This restoration plan is a result of addressing Tahltan members’ concerns around mining activity, with a goal of ensuring mining is environmentally sustainable, from the start of any mining proposal.”

“This plan is a great example of the success that can result from working together towards a common goal,” said Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. “It’s another important step showing that the New Relationship with First Nations, based on mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal rights and title, is producing results at the community level.”

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Contact:

Jake Jacobs
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
250 952-0628
250 213-6934 (cell)

Deborah Bowman
Communications Director
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211

Curtis Rattray
Chair, Tahltan Central Council
250 631-1177 (cell)