Photo: Contributed

The Sewepemc First Nation is cheering a decision by the province not allow the KGHM Ajax mine in Kamloops.

The province announced Thursday it would not be letting the project happen saying the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and cumulative effects to Indigenous heritage and the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Indigenous peoples.

In March, 2017 a review by Indigenous officials recommended the mine not be allowed.

Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, of the Sewepemc First Nation, chaired the Indigenous panel that spent nearly two years looking into the proposed mine.

The Ajax Mine Project in its proposed location at Pípsell (Jacko Lake and area) is in opposition to the Stk'emlupsemc Te Secwepemc Nation's (SSN) land use objective for this culturally important and historically significant keystone site which significance is fundamental and undiminished said a statement from the SSN.

Kukpi7 Wayne Christian and Secwepemc leaders, communities and members stand in solidarity with SSN in their Pípsell Decision. In June 2017, together with the Secwepemc Nation, the Pípsell area was declared a Secwepemc Cultural Heritage Site signifying the importance of this area’s connection to Secwepemc Law.

“These decisions showcase the importance of standing up our families and traditional Secwepemc laws in our territories. When we govern our lands from a place that respects both our ancestral knowledge and western science the best decisions can be made for us all. This is really about standing our ancestors voices back up again, breathing life into the UN declaration and protecting Mother Earth for future generations,” said Christian.