Support rally for the Tsilhqot'in Nation protecting Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) from Taseko mines

Our New Year’s wish here is to see Taseko and the "new Prosperity" open pit gold-copper mine project litigated out of Tsilhqot’in territory - and all our lives - for good this year!

All across the country — and the continent — people are erupting with support for Indigenous land defenders. Just days ago, outrage over Canada's violation of the Wet'suwet'en clans' Indigenous sovereignty spilled over into the streets. It was incredible to witness the outpouring of support, and to listen in on dialogues taking place in the media and online.  In the wake of Tuesday's violence, many people are struggling to learn more about what sovereignty really means in the 21st century, and looking to discover how they can be part of upholding Indigenous rights. 

In another corner of British Columbia, the Tsilhqot'in Nation have been waging a long and patient campaign to stop the encroachment of Taseko Mines into their territory. Their legal action is an important part of an assertion of sovereignty over their lands and important cultural sites. They are in court again next week to protect wilderness jewel Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) from becoming a toxic dump site. 

Please join us for a quick support rally at 8:45 a.m. on Monday the 14th of January at the Federal Court of Appeal in Vancouver: meet at the Plaza at West Georgia @ Howe St.  The Tsilhqot’in will be opposing Taseko’s appeal of a federal judge’s decision confirming the federal rejection of the proposed “New Prosperity” mine at Teztan Biny.

If you’re thinking it’s déjà vu all over again, you’re right! This hearing is Taseko grabbing the fourth rung of the federal process ladder, after three rejections: first by the Joint Review Panel, then the federal Cabinet, and most recently by a federal court judge.

The good news is, soon there may be nowhere for Taseko to go except down. This is why this Federal Court of Appeals hearing is so important: if the judge rejects Taseko’s appeal, it's over. There’s no further legal remedy. There is no automatic right to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada — the Supreme Court would have to give Taseko leave to appeal. Needless to say, that leave to appeal is given very sparingly, and then only for issues that are precedent setting and in the national interest.

The amazing RAVEN family have stood with the Tsilhqot’in from the beginning, nearly 10 years ago. We've held together through more appeals, injunctions, court cases and hearings than we care to count. But: it's been worth it, because Teztan Biny remains unscathed.

This week, we have seen how ruthless the power behind industry can be. We've also seen the strength of tens of thousands of people who have made it clear there is no way we're going to stand by and watch Indigenous rights be trampled. 

This Monday, let's hold the line and stand with the Tsilhqot'in. Hope to see you at the courthouse at 8:45: pass it on!

Susan Smitten, Executive Director
RAVEN