First Nations Want More Time for Assessment

First Nations Want More Time for Assessment

Friday, May 06, 2011 at 14:56

A group of southern First Nations is asking the provincial government to facilitate meaningful consultations between it and BHP Billiton regarding the Jansen Mine project.

George Gordon First Nation Chief Glenn Pratt says the group – which also includes Kawacatoose, Daystar, Muskowekwan, Beardy’s & Okemasis, and Fishing Lake – was given 30 days to respond to an environmental impact statement and the deadline is today.

Pratt says that’s not nearly long enough to go through a lengthy technical document.

He says there also needs to be consideration given to the fact this mine is just one of many in the area, and the First Nations would like to study what the cumulative environmental impact might be.

Pratt says the bands raised their concerns with BHP, which told them it was in the province’s hands.

He says a letter was sent to the province last week, with no response yet.

Pratt says all options will be considered if they aren’t granted an extension or their concerns given serious consideration.