https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/bands-file-title-claim-for-jacko-lake-in-b-c-supreme-court/
The Tk’emlups and Skeetchestn Indian bands have filed their case to the B.C. Supreme Court for title to Jacko Lake and the adjacent area south of Aberdeen in the latest move to officially object to plans by KGHM Ajax to develop the area for its proposed copper and gold mine.
The two bands, who are known by the name Stk’emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation (SSN), made a Declaration of Title on June 21 at Ppsell (Jacko Lake).
The filing of the claim moves SSN to the pre-declaration stage identified in the Tsilhqot’in decision for Title and Rights. The SSN recently approved its own project assessment process of KGHM Ajax’s application to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office, the purpose of which the SSN said is to “facilitate informed decision-making by the SSN communities in a manner which is consistent with SSN laws, tradition and customs and assesses project impacts in a way that respects SSN knowledge and perspectives.”
Shane Gottfriedson, the outgoing Tk’emlups Indian Band chief and recently elected B.C. regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said the SSN has never ceded, surrendered or given up any of its lands or interests.
“We have a sacred responsibility to protect and assert jurisdiction over our territory and it is imperative that we stand up and protect our natural resources for the next generations,” Gottfriedson said.
“The status quo process of decision-making on natural-resource development has not worked and will never work. Our leadership has significant concerns on the health and other risks this project would present to not only our members, but our friends in Kamloops and surrounding areas. The current assessment process and KGHM Application does not reflect the impacts and infringements that we have been bringing forward since the very beginning of this process.”
Skeetchestn Indian Band Chief Ron Ignace cited what he called a “unilateral process” being used by KGHM Ajax and the province of British Columbia.
“We have asked when will the province and KGHM recognize our ownership and jurisdiction on our lands?” Ignace said.
“Both have not legitimized themselves on our land respecting our laws and land tenure. Instead they continue on a path using unilateral processes. This proposed project is in an area with an epic story, the Trout Children Story, which also tells of our law X7ensq’t [the sky and land will turn on you].
“Our law tells us that if we do not show respect in passing or using this area, the land and sky will turn on us. Secwepemc law and our title dictates that we are the rightful decision-makers on the use of lands and resources in this area.”
GB