Mining Company Gives Indigenous Group Back Their Land

A First Nation indigenous group from British Columbia, Canada, saw a culturally important territory become a conservancy with the help of the mining company which was exploiting it, proving that collaborations between industries and Indigenous peoples work.

“Through a series of conversations and discussions we gained a better understanding of the cultural significance of Mount Edziza [for the Tahltan Nation] and decided that returning the land was the right thing to do,” says Walter Coles, president of Skeena Resources. The mining company wanted to join in with the province and the nation to find a solution.

Skeena Resources agreed to surrender its claim on the 3,500 hectares that were still open to industrial activity around the mountain. In return, the Tahltan Nation invested in the company, therefore becoming a partner and participating actively in Skeena’s activities and decision-making. Provincial and federal governments and NGOs contributed to the establishment of the Mount Edziza Conservancy to ensure members of the community could continue to fish, hunt, and use the landscape since the area is home to a vast variety of wildlife including caribou, grizzlies, and mountain goats.