First Nation and Province of British Columbia sign Mining and Minerals Consultation Agreement

On April 7, 2009, the Province of British Columbia announced they have signed a Mining and Minerals Agreement with the Stk'emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation ("SSN") (as represented by the Tk'emlúps (formerly Kamloops) Indian Band and the Skeetchestn Indian Band) which will help to develop capacity for the SSN to participate in, and benefit from, mining activities in its territory in the future.  The Agreement includes specific terms relating to the communication and information sharing between the Province and the SSN including clearly defining timelines, creating guidelines, and establishing regular meetings.  The Agreement also addresses the establishment of a Joint Resources Committee (SSN and the Province) to address SSN interests.

The Ministry and SSN also announced on April 7, 2009 they have begun negotiations for revenue sharing for the New Afton Mine copper/silver/gold project, located 10 km from Kamloops. The negotiations are purportedly the first of their kind in B.C., and follow from the Province's October 2008 announcement to share revenue on all new major mine projects.