As the proposed new Prosperity Mine in Williams Lake comes under the microscope of a federal review panel this week, the Tsilhqot’in Nation is speaking out against the project.
Chief Joe Alphonse says the mine would ravage his First Nation's traditional lands and cause vast environmental damage.
"You’re talking about impacting the largest sockeye run left in North America – the biggest, most consistent sockeye run. You guys have already messed up every other run in North America. You got one, one run left."
Alphonse points out that his nation has made deals with a number of companies in the past when the conditions have been agreeable, but says no amount of cash would change his mind when it comes to this specific project.