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From: my CNW
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Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:05 PM
Subject: Tahltan Central Council celebrates Fortune's withdrawal from Klappan
my CNW
Tahltan Central Council
Transmitted by CNW Group on : September 24, 2013 17:04
Tahltan Central Council celebrates Fortune's withdrawal from Klappan
DEASE LAKE, BC, Sept. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Tahltan Central Council is
celebrating Fortune Minerals' decision to halt mineral exploration activities
in the Klappan.
Mining company Fortune announced yesterday that it is halting all drilling and
suspending all activity at its Arctos Anthracite coal project, at the base of
Mount Klappan. The announcement came after weeks of sustained efforts by
Tahltan elders, leaders and community members to persuade Fortune to leave the
area.
Commenting on the news, Tahltan Central Council president Annita McPhee said:
"Today we are celebrating the strength and unity of our people
"Tahltan people have again demonstrated their commitment to protecting the
lands and waters of our territory, which have sustained us for generations. I
want to thank all the elders, community members and leaders of our community
who have stood strong in the Klappan - we are all proud of you."
Fortune's announcement came after a visit by Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy
and Mines for BC, to a Tahltan camp at the foot of Mount Klappan on Saturday.
He met with Tahltan members for over an hour, and heard loud and clear that
Tahltan would not allow the Fortune project to proceed.
McPhee added: "I want to acknowledge Minister Bennett for coming to meet with
our people and to hear our concerns. It is an important step towards helping
the Province understand why this area must be protected.
"Fortune's withdrawal is a very welcome development, but it is only a first
step. Now we must work together to build a vision for the Klappan that puts
this kind of conflict behind us. We have to move this process forward
urgently."
Earlier this month, Tahltan and the Province have agreed to work together to
develop a plan for managing and protecting the Klappan.
Fortune Minerals' proposed project is located in a critically important area
that requires long-term management and protection to preserve cultural and
ecological values for the Tahltan people. Mount Klappan, which is part of an
area known as Sacred Headwaters, is a traditional hunting ground and has
significant cultural value. It also feeds three of the region's major
salmon-bearing rivers - the Skeena, Stikine and Nass. The Tahltan people
therefore oppose any coal-related development in the area.
Tahltan Central Council is the Tahltan Nation governing body representing the
collective aboriginal title and rights of all Tahltan peoples.
SOURCE Tahltan Central Council
For further information:
For interviews or background information contact Annita McPhee, President,
Tahltan Central Council: 604-754-9974.
Tahltan Central Council - More on this organization
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