Coal Firm Responds To Protest In Provincial Forest

Coal Firm Responds To Protest In Provincial Forest

Friday, August 13, 2010 at 13:32

 

 

A mineral company currently exploring the Porcupine Plain Provincial Forest says it wants to work with First Nations in the area.

 

Stan Szary is with Saturn Minerals.

 

Szary says it’s better to work with First Nations now rather than when a discovery occurs.

 

He says the company has been meeting with the Kinistin, Yellow Quill and other area First Nations regarding the communities’ ecological and economic concerns.

 

Several First Nations have joined an annual culture camp in the forest this week as a form of protest.

 

Szary’s son, Stefan, attended the gathering and says he learned how much the land means to First Nations in the area.

 

Stefan Szary says he also realized how the land is a huge aspect of First Nations identity.

 

Saturn Industries has been conducting coal exploration in the area for two years as part of the Saskatoba project which extends into Manitoba.