Resource World Magazine

38 www.resourceworld.com O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 GOLDEN TRIANGLE The British Columbia Regional Mining Alliance is partnering with First Nations and the BC Government to foster exploration, development and mining in northwestern BC's prolific Golden Triangle region. The Tahltan First Nation in northwestern British Columbia, whose territorial lands include the Golden Triangle region, has a keen interest in exploration and mining from several perspectives – employment, corporate opportunities and environmental stewardship. Chad Norman Day, Tahltan Central Government, said, "The BCRMA (BC Regional Mining Alliance) provides a template for what mean- ingful engagement should be. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and the Canadian courts have affirmed that meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous peoples is no longer an option for exploration and mining companies, it is a requirement. Although in its infancy, the BCRMA showcases that First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and mining and exploration companies can work as respectful partners and collaborate to attract investments that can lead to significant benefits for all stakeholders." The Nisga'a Lisims Government's Secretary-Treasurer Corinne McKay, the Nisg̱a'a Nation's elected representative on the BCRMA, stated, "The alliance was created to demonstrate that Indigenous Nations, Industry and Government can work together effectively to market the Golden Triangle and make the province's world-class resources a top destination for mining development while ensuring that resource development can occur in a manner that is sustainable and respects the rights of the Indigenous Nations in the region." Chapter 10 – Environmental Assessment & Protection of the Nisga'a Final Agreement requires BC and Canada to consult with the Nisga'a Nation and carry out Nisga'a specific assessments for proposed projects within the 26,000 km 2 Nass Area. The BCRMA provides a forum for the Nisga'a Nation, BC and the mining industry to develop relationships and work collaboratively on the assessments required under the Nisga'a Final Agreement. "The Nisga'a have been traditionally engaged with fishing and log- ging and when those industries are in decline it's beneficial for us to ensure there are other opportunities," said McKay. "By being involved in the BCRMA, we have a seat at the table and a voice to address issues like training and insight on how proponents can be proactive in meeting with the Nisga'a Lisims Government." Peter Robb, Assistant Deputy Minister, Mines, Competitiveness and Authorizations Division, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, told Resource World, "As a founding Co-Chair of the BC Regional Mining Alliance, the Government of British Columbia is proud to work in partnership with Indigenous Nations, industry members and the Association for Mineral Exploration to advance exploration and development by attracting global investment in the Golden Triangle." He said, "Our collective presence at mining and investment confer- ences is a model for how meaningful and productive partnerships among strategic partners are leading to world-class mineral develop- ment in BC. We come together to share knowledge, best practices, success stories and lessons learned, creating strong partnerships, certainty of process for proponents and potential investors. "The BCRMA is also a model of reconciliation in practice; our partnership with the Nisga'a and Tahltan Nations is creating global awareness of the positive leadership role Indigenous governments play in the exploration and extractive sectors," said Robb. Kendra Johnston, President and CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration, stated, "The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is a proud supporter and advocate for the mineral exploration and development industry in British Columbia. As partners in the BC Regional Mining Alliance, AME is honoured to work alongside our industry members, the Government of British Columbia and Indigenous Nations to collectively attract global investment by promoting British Columbia as a leading jurisdiction to work in. "Through this model, partners have gained valuable insight, knowledge and understanding from each other on all aspects that relate a project area from land and environment, to mineralization and resource modelling. As these relationships continue to grow, so too will the investment opportunities in BC." BCRMA working with First Nations and BC Government

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