The conflict between the development of a proposed New Prosperity mine at Fish Lake and the natives who declared the mine site as a tribal park has greatly impacted Taseko Mines’ expansion plans. Despite Taseko Mines’ statement of their plan to preserve the Fish Lake, the Tsilhqot’in people are still against the mine in the area. The Tsilhqot’in people aims to protect their culture, nature and land. The Tsilhqot’in government, along with First Nations and the minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, are all in support of the Tsilhqot’in people, which further put Taseko Mines at a disadvantage. Federal panels and government have rejected Taseko Mines twice, and other treats will also arise if the tribal park is designated as a provincial Class A full protection status.

Taseko Mines has been trying to refute what First Nations and federal governments claim, given the $1.1-billion they have invested for this project. However, this is just a waste of time and effort. Instead, Taseko Mines should settle the dispute through conciliation. Thie can be done by formally meeting the First Nations government to negotiate a joint management system like that of Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park. This can be achieved by giving shares to the Tsilhqot’in people and include them as part of Taseko Mines’ management. I believe that merely providing employment for the Tsilhqot’in people will not be enough. Also, Taseko Mines should also increase their transparency in all decisions made and information of the gold-copper mining. In this way, a more positive relationship between Taseko Mines and the Tsilhqot’in people will be established.