OP-ED: TNM Editorial ‘Deplorable’

The deplorable attitude displayed in your recent editorial (T.N.M. Oct. 1-7, 2007) on Northgate Minerals’ rejected Kemess North project (“. . . stone age-inducing, shamanistic values such as ‘water is sacred. . .'”) does nothing more than demean the Tse Keh Nay and Gitxsan representatives, who, in good faith, provided the Kemess North Joint Review Panel insight into their spirituality in order to accurately convey concern about Amazay Lake’s intrinsic value to their people and to the ecosystem as a whole.

The editorial fails yet again by selectively portraying the panel’s findings. Case in point, it quotes from the panel’s report: “(the panel was) satisfied, taking into account Northgate’s commitments and proposed mitigation and compensation measures, that the project would not likely result in significant adverse environmental effects.” That quote simply truncates the panel’s complete finding, which further says: “. . . providing that these commitments and measures are effectively implemented throughout all phases of the project, including the post-closure phase.”

In reality, the panel recognized that, in addition to a “loss of a natural lake with important spiritual values for aboriginal people,” the post-closure phase would create “a long-term legacy of environmental management obligations at the mine site to protect downstream water quality and public safety.” Therefore, it correctly concluded that “the economic and social benefits provided by the project, on balance, are outweighed by the risks of significant adverse environmental, social and cultural effects, some of which may not emerge until many years after mining operations cease.” This sober finding is a light amidst the darkness that has surrounded the environmental assessment process in this country up to this point.

Overall, it is regrettable that your editorial deployed these objectionable tactics given that your publication holds itself out as a notable voice for mining in British Columbia and Canada. It would be a far better use of your publication’s capital if, instead, it encouraged the mining community to work with First Nations from the outset of exploration and mining projects, including advocating that governments adhere to applicable court rulings and exercise a fiduciary responsibility to guard the vulnerable interests of First Nations.

Finally, even though we do not accept the Kemess North Joint Review Panel’s bias that killing a fish-bearing lake for mining does not somehow represent a significant adverse environmental effect, we do in this case accept that the panel was enlightened and fearless enough to remarkably say “no” to the total destruction of Amazay Lake.

Grand Chief Edward John, Dave Porter and Chief Judith Sayers

First Nations Summit Political Executive

Coast Salish Traditional Territory/West Vancouver, B.C.