Two Chilcotin-area First Nations have released their vision for a 300,000 hectare tribal park about 125 km southwest of Williams Lake.
The Yunesit’in and Xeni Gwet’in governments say the Dasiqox Tribal Park document
reflects their priorities for ecological stewardship, sustainable economic development, and cultural revitalization.
“The Dasiqox Tribal Park is a tangible expression of reconciliation that provides the Tilhqot’in with a historic opportunity to redefine our relationship with our non-Tilhqot’in neighbours in the region,” says Jimmy Lulua, Chief of Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government. “This document helps to more clearly define, both for the Tsilhqot’in and the broader community, what ourproposed community vision for the area will be.”
However, the park’s future remains uncertain. The day of the community vision document’s release coincides with the beginning of a court battle between Taskeo Mines and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
On its last day in office, the former BC Liberal government’s energy and mines ministry approved a large-scale drilling program in the heart of the proposed park area to advance a mine twice rejected by the federal government. The CEAA is trying to halt the plan, but if the company is successful, Taseko says it will follow through with the drilling.
Feedback from the general public on the park’s visioning document, which will be included in the management and implementation plan, can be submitted until July 31st of this year.
Questions and comments about the community vision can be sent to info@dasiqox.org.
