LandKeepers News Archive
Tsilhqot’in position unrepresented for shareholders at Taseko AGM
June 16 2009 | Media Releases | Tsilhqot'in National Government
TNG Press Release
For immediate release
Tsilhqot’in position unrepresented for shareholders at Taseko AGM
Today, June 16, 2009, Taseko Mines Ltd. is having their Annual General Meeting, according to their website. Tsilhqot’in are concerned Taseko Prosperity investors are not fully informed of our interests at Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and we do not have a harmonious relationship with Taseko Mines Ltd.
May 8, 2009 TNG Chiefs requested to meet with Taseko CEO or Board and have been offered to meet their manager, Brian Battison. This is not adequate for the Tsilhqot’in Chiefs. The request should be honored – Chiefs should meet with CEO/Board.
Taseko has been very busy lobbying in Ottawa and no doubt with BC government officials as well. The Tsilhqot’in would like the opportunity to meet with governments as well on this issue.
For instance, on May 28, 2009 Bruce Rawson of Rawson Group Initiatives Inc., met on behalf of Taseko Mines with Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency VP Steve Burgess, the Natural Resources ADM Stephen Lucas, the Mines Fisheries and Oceans deputy minister Claire Dancereau, the Environment Minister Chief of Staff Stephen Kelly and the Health Canada ADM Glover Paul Mining.
“Shareholders should be aware Taseko Mines Ltd. mineral claims, application for a mineral lease, and most importantly Prosperity is inside and outside the encumbrance of the Tsilhqot’in title claim area.” Chief Elkins adds, “the proposed mine area has proven rights for the Tsilhqot’in people to hunt, trap, and use wild horses and has an asserted right to fish at Teztan Biny.”
TNG does not support destroying Teztan Biny as part of the proposed Prosperity mine in Central British Columbia. In order to be a true and legitimate environmental process there must be an option to say “No” to Prosperity.
Chief Joe Alphonse stated that “the Prosperity process is flawed, a legitimate process would include a Tsilhqot’in National Government representative on a joint panel environmental assessment process. This is another Bre-X in the making.”
“Taseko does not have a good relationship with Tsilhqot’in. The Canadian mining industry is loaded with participation, exploration, surface lease, and impact benefit agreements. Corporate commitment, joint TNG-Taseko agreements of substance, and willingness to avoid misunderstandings may lead to true prosperity.” adds Chief Bernie Elkins.
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For further information, please contact:
TNG Communications Department
Chief Bernie Elkins
Telephone: 250-392-3918
Email:
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