Imperial Metals, a Vancouver-based mining company (also the proponent of a contentious copper mine proposal on Catface Mountain in Ahousaht territory), is keen to explore the potential of re-opening the old Fandora gold mine in the Tranquil Valley, just 20 km northeast of Tofino. They have permits to begin exploration, but are currently seeking amendments to their permits in order to do more work than originally planned for.
The Tranquil Valley is within the ha’houlthee (territories) of the Tla-o-qui-aht hawiih (hereditary chiefs). The traditional place name is Eelseuklis/Onadsiilth.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations are adamantly opposed to any mining activities in their territories. At the FOCS Mining Clayoquot’s Future? public forum last winter, TFN councilor Terry Dorward stated “Our Tla-o-qui-aht peoples feel so strongly about protecting this important watershed that we will launch a local and international direct action campaign to shut Imperial Metals down here in Tla-o-qui-aht”. See Terry’s presentation here (third video down).
Imperial Metals is currently applying to the BC government for an amendment to their current exploration permit. If granted, they could begin work immediately. The BC government has not properly consulted with Tla-o-qui-aht as of this writing.
Please take a moment now to send your letter to the province asking them to not approve Imperial’s permits in Tranquil Valley against the will of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. Write your letter here.
An open house will be hosted by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations in Tofino. Please check it out at the Tofino Botanical Gardens on Thursday, December 6, from 7-9 pm. Full event info here.
