Skeena Resources and Tahltan Nation Case Study

Background on Skeena Resources and the Tahltan Nation

Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration company focused on revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Tàłtàn Nation is a tribal council-type organization combining the governments of two band governments of the Tahltan First Nations people in the Stikine Country of the Northern Interior of British Columbia, Canada.

Strategic Investment and Partnership

In March 2021, the Tahltan Central Government announced a CAD $5 million share purchase in Skeena Resources, giving the Tahltan a minority stake. The Tahltan Central Government described the shareholding as creating a partnership that offers influence over decision-making and opportunities for economic development.

Tahltan Leadership Perspective

Chad Norman Day, President of The Tahltan Central Government, which is the administrative governing body of the Tahltan Nation, commented:

“Tahltan Territory is home to British Columbia’s resource rich ‘Golden Triangle’ and a booming mineral exploration industry. Mining has always been part of our culture, both in the past and in present-day times. For thousands of years, our people prospected, mined, and utilized obsidian for tools, weaponry, and trade. More recently, Tahltan’s supported miners during the gold rush and have had operating mines in our homelands for multiple generations. In partnering with Skeena, the Tahltan Nation is evolving and taking significant steps forward by becoming meaningful equity partners in these projects. Ownership provides the Tahltan Nation with a strong seat at the table as we continue our pursuit towards capacity building and economic independence for the Tahltan people.”