Latest / National Indigenous Newscasts / National Indigenous News April 14
Transcript
- 0:00SPEAKER_00: This is a look at your National Indigenous News.
- 0:02SPEAKER_00: I'm Daryl Stranger.
- 0:03SPEAKER_00: The Yukon and federal governments have given the go-ahead to a contentious mine project near Ross River, Yukon, despite strong opposition from local First Nations.
- 0:13SPEAKER_00: The two governments issued their decision on the proposed Kudzakaya mine project on Friday, saying the copper, lead, and zinc mine can proceed with a list of 52 terms and conditions.
- 0:23SPEAKER_00: Their proponent, Vancouver-based BMC Minerals, wants to mine and process up to 2 million tons of ore per year over a 10-year mine life.
- 0:32SPEAKER_00: The company says it expects the mine will be the largest zinc producer in Canada.
- 0:36SPEAKER_00: The project had been approved earlier, but that decision triggered a legal battle that ended in 2024 with the Yukon Court of Appeal ruling that the original decision failed to identify that Canada and the Yukon needed to consult on Kudzakaya's economic feasibility.
- 0:50SPEAKER_00: With this new decision, one requirement is for an independent oversight committee to be formed within six months to monitor effects on the Finleasing Caribou herd and make recommendations on how to minimize any adverse impacts.
- 1:01SPEAKER_00: The committee will include representatives from Liard First Nation, the Ross River Denton Council, and the Yukon government.
- 1:08SPEAKER_00: In a statement on Monday, the Ross River Dena Council said it was deeply disappointed by the Kudzakaya decision, saying the project is in the wrong place and cannot be allowed to proceed.
- 1:18SPEAKER_00: The First Nation has argued that the region is the breadbasket for Casca people with profound cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance, and that it's threatened by the mine.
- 1:27SPEAKER_00: The Ross River Dena Council says the project has zero support from local indigenous communities.
- 1:34SPEAKER_00: Over 40 bison will be heading north to Alaska for conservation efforts from the Elk Island National Park in Alberta.
- 1:42SPEAKER_00: Daniel Barker Trombley has more.
- 2:29SPEAKER_01: So they're up to two years old.
- 2:30SPEAKER_01: So these youngsters have only been here for a few years.
- 2:33SPEAKER_01: But this is our fourth transfer to Alaska, these calves, and we're hoping that with another transfer here today that uh we're able to restore and that that long-term standing of these animals in northern landscapes.
- 2:46SPEAKER_02: In Elk Island National Park, I'm Daddy O Barker Chobley.
- 2:51SPEAKER_00: James Smith Crenation is the latest First Nation in Saskatchewan to sign a banned council resolution establishing a formal relationship with the provincial marshals service.
- 3:02SPEAKER_00: Chief Kirby Constant said leaders are concerned about illegal drugs being sold and used in the community.
- 3:08SPEAKER_00: He would like the James Smith peacekeepers, RCMP, and the marshals to work together to reduce drug-related crimes.
- 3:14SPEAKER_00: The Marshals have said they will focus on priorities identified by the community and on bringing people with outstanding warrants into custody.
- 3:21SPEAKER_00: They are expected to work closely with Melfort RCMP who have jurisdiction in the area.
- 3:26SPEAKER_00: Montreal Lake Crenation, One Arrow First Nation, and English River First Nation have also signed Band Council resolutions to work with the Marshals, and 15 other First Nations in the province are expected to develop engagement agreements by the end of June 2026.
- 3:40SPEAKER_00: The agreement includes a commitment by the Marshals to provide culturally responsive policing.
- 3:44SPEAKER_00: The Marshals currently have twenty six officers working across the province and have two detachments in Prince Albert and North Battleford and are hoping to increase the number of officers to 70.
- 3:54SPEAKER_00: That's a look at your national, Indigenous News.