Nearly Three Quarters of British Columbians Agree With Gitxaała Challenge of BC’s Outdated Mineral Claims Granting Process

It seems that most British Columbians agree with the Gitxaała Nation, as their legal challenge of BC’s mineral claims granting process continues.

That challenge looks to prove that BC’s free-entry mineral claims staking process is in violation of both UNDRIP and the constitution.

Currently, anyone can purchase a mineral claim in BC online for $1.75 per hectare, which is then approved automatically, without consultation.

But the Nation says that the process should be subject to the Declaration Act’s requirement to acquire free, prior, and informed consent from First Nations.

A poll conducted by the Northern Confluence Initiative found that 72 percent of the 800 participants agreed with the Nation’s conclusion.

They say they would be in support of a mandate to create new protected areas in coordination with Indigenous peoples.

Gitxaała ‘s challenge began on April 3rd and enters a break today, before returning to the BC Supreme Court on May 3rd.