Please distribute widely. The letter to CEAA can be found via the link provide below. Tsilhqot’in Respond to Taseko Mines Limited’s “Wrong Model” Claims: Company’s allegations are a “demonstrably false” attempt to distract attention from scathing conclusions of independent panel November 21, 2013, Williams Lake, B.C: In a detailed submission filed today with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (link below), the Tsilhqot’in National Government forcefully rejects the claims of Taseko Mines Limited that federal scientists and an independent panel assessed the “wrong project design”, calling these allegations “demonstrably false and clearly calculated to undermine the second independent panel to confirm the devastating cultural and environmental impacts of its proposed Project”. This submission notes that federal scientists and the independent panel assessed the same project design that was modelled by the company’s own consultants and presented in the company’s own Environmental Impact Statement. It describes the company’s claims as “entirely without merit”. “This company’s behaviour is nothing new for the Tsilhqot’in Nation,” said Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair for the Tsilhqot’in National Government. “Over the past 25 years we’ve seen time and time again that this company thinks it can bully its way through the process, ignore the environment, ignore our proven Aboriginal rights, and now ignore two scathing reports by two different independent panels. How many times do they need to hear ‘no’ to accept that this proposal is dead?” “It’s clear to us that the company is desperate to distract attention from the alarms being sounded by independent panels, federal and provincial scientists, and many others” said Chief Roger William of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government. “Two independent panels have now confirmed that this Project would mean devastating impacts for our Tsilhqot’in culture and communities that simply cannot be mitigated. This in itself leaves the government with no choice but to kill this project”. Chief William: “This is the second independent Panel to conclude that the mine would be a ‘severe infringement’ of proven Tsilhqot’in Aboriginal rights that cannot be mitigated. That should be the end of the story. The federal government found no way to justify the impacts last time around – there’s no way they can do so with an equally condemning report in hand.” “The Tsilhqot’in Nation is adamant that this area, called Nabas, needs to be protected and respected as a site of cultural revitalization where we can honour our memories, stories, and protect our grave-sites and heritage,” said Chief Russell Myers Ross of the Yunesit’in Government. “Our value system is at odds with such a destructive development that jeopardizes our long term survival, including the water and fish, as well as our access to places where educating our children is vital for our renewal. We have a responsibility to protect this ecosystem and the animals that we share it with, and we’re prepared to uphold that responsibility.” Chief Myers Ross: “The company’s letter to the Minister demonstrates their complete lack of respect for our culture and the process. It is clearly desperation when they resort to threats and posturing as opposed to heeding the independent process. In doing so, the company is attacking the professional integrity of environmental assessment in Canada. In the face of the panel report and federal commitments to responsible development, the only decision that will uphold the honour of the Crown is a full and final rejection of this proposal.” Chief Alphonse: “The Tsilhqot’in are looking beyond this dog and pony show to responsible and feasible projects that don’t destroy our culture. To do so, we’re preparing to release our own Mining Policy which will detail how mining proponents can engage respectfully with us on mutually acceptable projects, so that this doesn’t repeat itself ever again.” TNG SUBMISSION TO CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AGENCY: fonv.ca/media/pdfs/20131121JPL-CEAAreTMLSubmissionstotheMinistercopy.pdf MEDIA: Chief Joe Alphonse – 250-305-8282 Chief Roger William – 250-267-6593 For Assistance Reaching the Chiefs: JP Laplante, 250-267-3759
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:29:35 +0000
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