Intervenors for the Gitxaala nation’s litigation against BC’s mineral claim granting process are making their cases in court today.
Filed in October 2021, the case requests a review into seven mineral claims granted by the province on the nations territory.
With week two of court proceedings starting today, it also seeks to determine if the process is in line with the Constitution and UNDRIP.
Currently, anyone can purchase a claim online for $1.75 per hectare which is granted automatically without any consultation.
Intervenors representing the First Nations Leadership Council, four indigenous nations, two mineral exploration businesses, and six community and environmental groups, will provide their input on the system today.
Gitxaala’s case is also being heard alongside a similar legal challenge launched by the Ehattesaht First Nation on Vancouver Island last June.
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