People of the Tsilhqot’in nation marching on the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court’s ruling gave the Tsilhqot’in people title to 1,750 km of land in Northern BC.
As the Tsilhqot’in nation vehemently try to oppose the creation of a copper mine on the north tip of the Chilcotin forest, it brings to light the First Nation’s resolve in preserving their culture. As reported in the Vancouver Sun article, a 2014 ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada gave the Tsilhqot’in people title “to 1,750 square kilometres of land west of Williams Lake.” Taseko Mines Ltd. are trying to build the New Prosperity Mine (a copper-gold mine) just outside the legislated First Nation’s reserve lands, in nearby Fish Lake. To counteract this, the Tsilhqot’in people are proposing a vast stretch of forest, which 
includes the land designated for the mine, as a Tribal Park, thereby stopping Taseko Mines from progressing any further. Although this has caused some to question the legitimacy of the Tribal Park claim, it no doubt brings up an interesting theme. In my eyes, it appears as if the Aboriginal people are fighting for their culture, the sacred land on which they have lived for thousands of years. They are undoubtedly trying to protect their sacred wilderness from the plunder of profit-seeking corporations. I believe, more than anything else, this brings up a invaluable lesson about consent prior to action. Taseko Mines should have made sure that the Aboriginal people were satisfied before moving further in their proposal. By incorporating all stakeholders in the planning process, Taseko could’ve quelled all concerns and eliminated this controversy. However, by shutting out the Tsilhqot’in people, Taseko alienated the Tsilhqot’in tribe, making them rebel in protest. In its truest form, this shows how greatly business proposals hinge on incorporating all stakeholders into the strategic process.
Pynn, Larry. “Tsilhqot’in Set to Declare Site of New Prosperity Mine a Tribal Park.” Www.vancouversun.com. The Vancouver Sun, 11 Sept. 2014. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.
“March of the Tsilhqot’in.” Ctvnews.com. CTV News, n.d. Web.