Loretta Williams, from the Tsilhqotâin Nation, speaks about their campaign to protect Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) from the proposed Prosperity Mine.
Taseko Mines Ltd. is proposing the use of Teztan Biny as a tailings impoundment area, a practice that since 2002 has been supported by controversial changes to the Fisheries Act under Schedule 2.
In 2006, two lakes in Newfoundland were approved for destruction and many other lakes in BC, and across the country, are threatened by this loop hole provided by the federal government for the mining industry.
The Tsilhqotâin Nation have filed a writ in B.C. Supreme Court claiming their Aboriginal right to fish. The claim, if successful, will prevent Taseko Mines Ltd. from developing its proposed Prosperity Project, 125 km southwest of Williams Lake.
This speech was made as part of the Green College Speakers Series at the University of British Columbia.
Dawn Paley, Gord Hill for Vancouver Media Co-operative