British Columbia begins conservation planning for 70,000-hectare Qat'muk area

The planning process includes a three-year pause on new mineral claims inside the proposed zone. Existing mineral claims remain active during the planning period.

Background on protection efforts Ktunaxa Nation has conducted campaigns and court cases over several decades to protect the area. Chair Kathryn Teneese recalled entering the Supreme Court and hearing the case name mispronounced, which led her to doubt whether the court would understand the nation's goals.

Teneese said the nation wants the province to address existing mining tenures, noting that continued mining activity would conflict with conservation objectives. She added that the nation intends to lead the process while involving the province.