Columbia Yukon Signs Traditional Knowledge Protocol with First Nations
Columbia Yukon Signs Traditional Knowledge Protocol with First Nations
Columbia Yukon Explorations Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Traditional Knowledge Protocol (the “TK Protocol”) with the Dease River First Nation, Daylu Dena Council, Kwadacha First Nation and Kaska Dena Council (collectively the “BC Kaska”) in connection with the continued exploration and development of the Company’s “Storie” Property molybdenum deposit located near Cassiar, British Columbia.
The TK Protocol will assist the parties in establishing the appropriate traditional knowledge practices and procedures for the collection, management, ownership and integration of Kaska traditional knowledge with regard to the exploration and development of the Storie Property. Under the TK Protocol, the BC Kaska have authorized the Dena Kayeh Institute (“DKI”) as their representative and agent to gather and document existing traditional knowledge that is specific to the Company’s Storie Property project and to provide a “Traditional Knowledge Report and Recommendations” in connection with the Company’s upcoming application for an environmental assessment certificate pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act of British Columbia. A key purpose of the TK Protocol is to ensure that the Traditional Knowledge Report and Recommendations are accorded full, fair and equitable consideration to other baseline studies in decision-making processes related to the Storie molybdenum project.
“Columbia Yukon is very pleased to have been able to conclude the Traditional Knowledge Protocol which will enable the Company to move forward with matters related to the Company’s environmental assessment certificate application. We also look forward to working with the BC Kaska to conclude a SEPA (a detailed Social-Economic Participation Agreement) which we believe will bring economic opportunities to the BC Kaska and to the region generally and provide certainty for Columbia Yukon’s Storie Property molybdenum deposit project”, said Douglas Mason, Chairman of Columbia Yukon.
Chief Cat Lee of the Dease River First Nation stated, “The BC Kaska consider the signing of this TK Protocol to be a progressive step forward in our relationship with Columbia Yukon. This Protocol acknowledges the importance of Kaska knowledge of our territory and will ensure that traditional knowledge is weighed equally with western science in the design, planning and potential mitigation measures with respect to this project. Our peoples have occupied the traditional territory from time immemorial and our knowledge of the wildlife, plants and waters of our land are vast and enriched by generations. We expect this knowledge to be respectfully considered in all regulatory processes in light of this Protocol.”
Source: Press Network.de
