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Working with First Nations on mining activities in their territories

Last updated on January 16, 2025

B.C. is committed to working with First Nations across the province to develop strong relationships on which to base agreements, including consent and economic and community development agreements.

First Nations are active in all phases of the mining life cycle, including environmental assessment and permitting, reclamation planning, site monitoring and inspections, closure, and stewardship. Incorporating cultural knowledge from Indigenous Peoples helps achieve the best possible outcomes for communities, the environment, and the future of mining regulations in B.C.

The Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act outlines how relationships are formed between the provincial government and First Nations as we work towards shared decision-making.

Here are a few examples of consent-based decision making, consultation and partnering activities today:

 

Conducting mining inspection and monitoring activities together

Through the Accompanied Inspection Program (AIP), First Nations and B.C. government inspectors conduct mining inspection and monitoring activities together and share learning and information through the process.

 

Consent-based agreements with Tahltan Nation

The Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into 2 consent-based decision-making agreements that describe how the Province and the Tahltan Nation will work together to review projects before the issuance of:

  • An Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project
  • An Environmental Assessment Certificate Amendment Order for the Red Chris gold and copper mine

Read more in news releases:

 

Tulsequah Chief mine clean-up with Taku River Tlingit First Nation

At the Tulsequah Chief mine, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN), B.C. government and Teck Resources are jointly working on cleaning up the former mine site to an environmentally sound state, ensuring that the Nation’s rights and laws are incorporated into reclamation planning.

 

Environmental monitoring with Taku River Tlingit First Nation and Tahltan Central Government

The Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the Tahltan Central Government collaborated on a 2-year joint B.C.-Alaska water quality and aquatic biomonitoring sampling program across 4 transboundary watersheds.