An organization representing Tk’emlups and Skeetchestn Indian Band is asserting a right to land at Ajax Mine and claiming it cannot proceed without its consent.
The bands, through Stk’emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation, released a statement late Wednesday saying members will assert those right at a ceremony on the weekend.
“In May of 2015, the Province of British Columbia issued a revised strength of claim re-assessment confirming that in consideration of the Tsilhqot’in decision, and in consideration of additional information provided, the SSN have strong prima facie claims for both aboriginal rights and title in the vicinity of the proposed Ajax Mine project,” it said.
“The Province has also acknowledged that the proposed Ajax Mine project including an open pit mine and associated infrastructure could have serious impact on SSN’s aboriginal Interests.”
Band members are scheduled to gather Sunday morning to “bear witness to the declaration of title.”
GB