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13 December 2004
 In November , the 5 Nations group (including Wilp Nii Kyap) who are negotiating with Northgate Minerals over development of the proposed Kemess North mine rejected the company's plan to use Amazay Lake as a site for dumping mine tailings “because of the enormous and irreversible damage it will cause to the lake and surrounding environment.” (see letter attached from 5 Nations to Northgate).
Discussions on 5 Nations involvement in the environmental review process that will take place on the proposed development are ongoing. The recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions relating to forestry consultation with the Haida and mining consultation with the Taku River Tlinget strengthens the 5 Nations negotiating position in the Kemess North project.
The Kemess North property is a gold and copper deposit approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Hazelton. Its development will directly impact Wilp Nii Kyap and a number of other House groups. In connection to the proposed mine, the Gitxsan Treaty Office is negotiating on behalf of Wilp Nii Kyap as part of the 5 Nations which also includes the Takla Lake, Tsay Keh Dene, Kwadacha and Fort Connelly First Nations.
Download file: 5 Nations letter
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