A signing ceremony was held at the VICC to celebrate the milestone.  (Chelsea Cavanagh/NanaimoNewsNow)

By Chelsea Cavanagh

A LONG TIME COMING

‘It’s reconciliation in a different form:’ deal brokered between First Nations in Campbell River & operators of Myra Falls Mine

Feb 28, 2023 | 4:11 PM

NANAIMO — After three years of persistence, an agreement was finally reached between the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai Nations and Myra Falls Mine.

A signing ceremony for the Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA) was held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo on Monday, Feb. 27

The agreement will commit both parties to maintain a respectful, open, and collaborative relationship through the remaining years of the mine’s operation on Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai land, located at the south end of Buttle Lake.

Chris Roberts, chief counsellor of Wei Wai Kum First Nation said the deal is significant for their community’s prosperity.

“Now that we can be full participants, we can make sure the impact’s this has had on our community can be addressed and dealt with properly. We have more of a say in informing how re-mediation and reclamation will happen to be compatible with our desired future use.”

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The mine opened in 1966 and is operated within the bounds of Strathcona Provincial Park.

The ore produced by the mine is transported to the Discovery Terminal, located on Wei Wai Kum Nation territory in Campbell River.

Roberts said the terminal’s location has been one of their main concerns, as it’s adjacent to their community.

“In the long term – it’s definitely not compatible. and we’d like to see the area, all of this infrastructure and industrial use essentially removed and deleted and restored to a functional state for the waterfront in front of our village.”

In addition to the IBA, a lease agreement relating to the marine terminal was implemented. Both agreements provide a framework for a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with the Myra Falls Mine, and commits the Myra Falls Mine to socially and environmentally responsible mining.

Along with the removal of the terminal, Roberts said they have a number of other goals they’re hoping to meet with the implementation of the new partnership

“We want to see some more meaningful employment opportunities for our members at the mine site, it’s very minimal at the moment. We need more awareness for our members to feel proud working at the mine, and also identification of contract and business opportunities for small business entrepreneurs in our Nation.”

The mine has gone through several management changes over the years which made the process of striking an agreement more difficult.

It also contributed to the lengthy delay in the process.

Roberts said that the “changing parties” at the mine made it difficult to build relationships he said are necessary in any type of negotiations.

“Once we were able to educate and explain why this was so important to us, and the impacts on our history, things got a lot easier. I think they were able to understand where we we’re coming from.”

He added that working with Adam Foulstone, the current general manager of Myra Falls Mine, really helped make the partnership a reality.

“Adam came to the table with an understanding of what it takes, the importance of reconciliation, and how First Nations need to be involved in these type of agreements going forward, and that was a game changer.”

Roberts said he hopes this milestone will help his community heal and accept the concept of sharing their land.

“I think the biggest thing is a shift in the mindset among my people as far as not resenting or wishing that this didnt exist and that we didnt have to live with this impact and we’re shared in the benefits of it,” Roberts said.

Foulstone said the partnership brokers a new future between the parties.

“This mine has been in operation for 60 years.This the first time that we’re actually now formalizing something which is a huge milestone for not only for the nation and the mine but for the communities that surround it.”

Applause was thunderous as the leaders sat together on the stage and put the pen to paper.

Gifts were exchanged between the two parties at the end of the ceremony, with Roberts sharing the sentimental meaning behind their gift

“This a paddle with a Thunderbird and on the end is a Ligʷiłdaxʷ. It’s a sea creature that when you cut it in half it isn’t killed, it becomes two beings and swims in it’s own directions. It is know as an unkillable thing. We thought this fitting to represent us as a Ligʷiłdaxʷ people and symbolize the journey we’ve been on together to arrive at this agreement.”

Foulstone returned the gesture by gifting each nation’s chief with a stunning wooden feather as a symbol of their newly created friendship.

Gifts were exchanged between the leaders to commemorate the historic event. (Chelsea Cavanagh/NanaimoNewsNow)

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