For over two decades the Taseko mining company has been embroiled in a battle with the First Nations people. Taseko wants to open up a new copper mine at Fish Lake, an area for which First Nations have claimed hunting, fishing and trapping rights. Taesko has faced barrier after barrier when trying to open up the mine.

First, they had to completely revise their original plan which would have destroyed the lake so that the new plan would keep the lake intact. However, even after revising the plan the federal government has rejected the mine. The provincial government is Taseko’s last hope for mine approval, however chances look dismal. In their most recent move against Taseko, the First Nations have now declared that the proposed mine site area is a part of a new Tribal Park, and therefore has all the protection that comes with this new status. This new park status combined with ongoing legal battles, negative press and lack of government support offers very little hope that Taseko will ever be able to overcome the external factor of the First Nations People.