This outcome is a direct result of the years-long work and commitment of the CNA communities, who stood at the forefront of environmental governance and self-determination. CNA made history as the first Indigenous governing body in British Columbia to co-author an environmental assessment, grounded in the unique knowledge, values, and legal traditions of our nłeʔképmx people.

Through the development of our nłeʔképmx Impact Assessment, our communities brought Indigenous knowledge to the centre of the assessment process — not as a supplement to western science, but as an elevated and essential foundation. This assessment ensured that the perspectives of our Elders, youth, land users, and leaders informed the conditions and accountability measures attached to this project.

“Mining has been a reality in the Highland Valley for over 75 years — a priority for governments and industry alike,” said Chief Christine Walkem, Chair of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly and Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band. “But throughout that time, our nłeʔképmx people have had little to no opportunity to assess these operations through the lens of our own values, laws, and knowledge systems.

This recent Environmental Assessment finally created space for that long-overdue work. It allowed us to develop the nłeʔképmx Impact Assessment — a tool rooted in who we are, and one that ensures future decisions reflect not only our needs, but also the needs of the tmíxʷ, which is the land, water, and all living beings we are responsible for. This is a significant step forward in reclaiming our voice and authority in our own Territory.”

“Our people have always known what it means to care for the land and each other,” said Pam Robertson, Board of Director and Chief of Boston Bar First Nation. “This achievement belongs to the communities — to those who participated in our knowledge gatherings, who challenged us to uphold our responsibilities, and who insisted that our voices carry weight in decisions that affect our future, our generations to come and our tmíxʷ.”

“The Highland Valley Copper extension presents important economic opportunities for our region and for the members of our CNA Participating Bands. I want to sincerely thank our community members and CNA staff whose contributions to the environmental assessment process were instrumental in shaping this decision,” said Board of Director Lindsay Tighe, Chief of Shackan Indian Band. “Their voices, knowledge, and dedication ensured that our people’s priorities were front and centre in a process that will impact our lands and our future.”

“I’ve been a Chief for many years, and I’ve seen a lot of change — but I can honestly say I’m very proud of how far the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly has come. This progress didn’t happen overnight; it took years of commitment, and it shows the strength of our people when we work together,” said Board of Director, Vice Chair Fred Sampson, Chief of Siska Indian Band.

“I especially want to recognize our Elders, who have carried our knowledge forward, and our youth, who are the reason we do this work. I’m also grateful to the CNA staff, the members who shared their voices, and to our Board of Directors — your hard work, dedication, and vision made this possible. You’ve laid a foundation that will benefit our people for generations to come.”

“As a leader, I want to be clear — I will continue to hold both government and industry to task. There is no room to waver when it comes to defending our values, our people, and our responsibilities to the land,” said Board of Director Lee Spahan, Chief of Coldwater Indian Band. “The laws and teachings of the nłeʔképmx must be upheld in every decision that affects our future, and I will never back off from that commitment.

I want to express my deepest appreciation to the Board of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, which I am honoured to sit on. I am incredibly proud of the strength, unity, and dedication I see around that table — it’s what gives me hope. I also want to thank our CNA staff and all the members who contributed their time, knowledge, and voices to the Environmental Assessment process. Your efforts made sure that this was not just a technical review, but a process shaped by who we are as nłeʔképmx. You’ve made our people proud, and I stand with you in ensuring that this work continues with the same integrity and determination.”

“Since coming to the table, CNA has come a long way — from a group of Chiefs with a shared vision, to a unified organization working with purpose for our future generations. We’ve stayed grounded in our responsibility to protect and preserve the land, so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same lands, waters, and way of life we grew up with,” said Board of Director Arlene Edwards, Chief of Nicomen Indian Band. “This work is about honouring our ancestors and making sure our next generations inherit something strong, something lasting.

This journey is far from over — it will either be our fight, or it will be our opportunity to work with the world for a better future yet to come. And we are choosing to lead with strength, unity, and the deep knowledge of who we are as nłeʔképmx people.”

“As Chief of Ashcroft Indian Band and a Director on the CNA Board, I believe that building a healthy and productive relationship with industry and government must start with mutual respect,” said Greg Blain. “We expect our voices, values, and laws to be recognized and upheld — not just in words, but in actions. That is the foundation for trust, and for moving forward together.

I want to sincerely thank the CNA staff, community members, and my fellow Board Directors for their incredible dedication and hard work throughout this process. It takes all of us — working together, staying committed, and standing strong — to make this kind of progress possible. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident in the direction we’re heading.”

“This moment is not only historic — it is deeply personal. It reflects the tireless dedication of our staff and the unwavering leadership of our Board of Directors, who have carried the weight of this work for many years with integrity, purpose, and love for our people,” said Nicole Johnny, Executive Director of CNA. “Every meeting, every technical report, every community visit — it was all done with a clear and collective vision: that our knowledge, our values, and our voices must shape the future of our tmíxʷ. I am profoundly grateful to our team for standing firm in who we are as nłeʔképmx and for showing the province, industry, and the country what Indigenous excellence truly looks like. This is the strength of our governance in action, and it belongs to every person who has walked with us on this journey.”

The CNA recognizes this as a major milestone in asserting Indigenous jurisdiction and demonstrating what can be achieved when communities lead. As the project moves into its next phases, CNA remains committed to holding all parties accountable to the commitments made, and to ensuring that long-term environmental, cultural, and socio-economic outcomes serve the well-being of our nłeʔképmx people.