The Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it First Nation and Teck Coal Limited (Teck) today announced the signing of a relationship charter which formalizes the commitment of both parties to develop and sustain a strong working relationship, and a Stewardship Agreement which outlines collaboration on environmental and cultural stewardship projects.

The relationship charter establishes a path forward to collaboratively advance responsible mining and land stewardship within qukin ʔamakis (the Elk Valley).

The stewardship agreement sets out commitments for both parties in areas including: 

• Building Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it capacity to collaborate on stewardship projects benefitting the ʔakanuxunik ʔamakis (Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it territory).
• Advancing Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it governance and reconciliation initiatives to benefit the well-being of all ʔakanuxunik.
• Ongoing engagement and relationship-building that supports the region’s economic wellbeing and ensures ʔa·kxam̓is q̓api qapsin (all living things) are safeguarded.

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it and Teck have committed to continued collaboration and engagement based on the principles of trust, respect, transparency, and meaningfulness.

“These agreements are an opportunity for all of us to do better by our land and our people,” said Heidi Gravelle, Nasuʔkin of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it.

“As the stewards of land on which Teck’s operations reside, we have a responsibility to ensure that the ʔa·kxam̓is q̓api qapsin (all living things) are protected to ensure the longevity of the land for future generations. This means changing the way mining is done. We firmly believe that reconciliation starts with the ability to focus on doing right by our land, and therefore our people. Teck’s commitment to focus on doing right and creating a new future for mining is an opportunity to change the way things are done. Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it is taking its rightful seat at the table to urgently advance that change; putting the land, water and entire ecosystem at the forefront, as our members expect to see.”

“These agreements reflect what we have learned from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it and their Nation’s vision for the future. They show our commitment to collaborate on Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it’s socio-economic, stewardship and cultural priorities while supporting responsible resource development in the region for the long-term,” said Robin Sheremeta, President, Coal Business Unit, Teck. “There is more we can and want to learn from each other, aligned with our shared focus on protecting the environment and creating a vibrant future for people and communities.”

Lead image: Pictured (left to right) Nasukin Heidi Gravelle and Robin Sheremeta – President, Teck Coal. Photos submitted

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