Mining and Minerals Protocol Agreement with Upper Similkameen Indian Band

A historic mining consultation agreement between the Province and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) ensures that consultation is held before any mining activity is done in the band’s traditional territory, former Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett and former Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Tom Christensen announced, July 27^th, 2006 with USIB Chief Richard Holmes.

 “This is the first mining-related consultation government has signed shaped by the principles of the New Relationship and it’s very fitting as our co-signers have been involved with mining for thousands of years,” Bennett said. “The Upper Similkameen Indian Band has a reputation for being progressive, forward-thinkers and this ceremony is testament to that reputation.”

The Mining and Minerals Protocol Agreement establishes an effective means for communication and information-sharing between the Province and the band and ensures that mining development will be done in an environmentally and culturally sustainable manner. It also provides effective regulation of mineral resource development and allows the Province to assist the band in developing the capacity to participate in, and benefit from, mining activities within its territory.

 “I applaud the leadership taken by the Upper Similkameen Indian Band,” said Christensen. “In keeping with the principles of the New Relationship, this agreement offers us the opportunity to help the band build its knowledge and experience related to mining activities within its traditional territory.”

The Province provided $303,000 in provincial economic measures funding in 2003 to help the USIB develop the historic Mascot Mine as a major tourist attraction. The band has also converted the historic Hedley elementary school into the Snaza’ist Visitor & Interpretive Centre.

“Developing the historic Mascot Mine and our Snaza’ist Visitor Centre has been a dream for our community for a long time,” said Holmes. “What you see now is the beginning of that dream coming to life. Step by step, we are determined to bring golden prosperity back to the Similkameen.

The ministers toured the Mascot Mine, which is now a Provincial Heritage Site, before the signing ceremony.

 The USIB has about 100 members and has worked closely with government, industry and other First Nations to develop capacity in the areas of mining, GIS, forestry, tourism and archaeological knowledge. The band has a long history extracting, utilizing and trading rocks and minerals in the Similkameen area and is a leader in the interpretation of cultural and contemporary use of minerals.

Last updated: April 17, 2007