B.C. has a new policy for staking mining claims. Why doesn’t anyone like it?

By Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood – The Narwhal

British Columbia has a new framework for consulting First Nations about mineral claims — but critics say it’s flawed, will likely cause an influx of paperwork for First Nations and largely maintains the status quo. 

The framework was implemented on Wednesday, following a landmark 2023 ruling from the B.C. Supreme Court in which the court agreed with Gitxaała Nation and Ehattesaht First Nation that B.C. breached its duty to consult with First Nations by issuing mineral claims without consultation.