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By Liam Verster

Opposition to Proposed Mining Operation

OKIB supported in call to oppose local mining operation

Nov 3, 2025 | 3:02 PM

The Okanagan Indian Band has called for a mining operation proposed for the area to be canceled, which has garnered support from the major First Nation political organization.

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has raised concern about a proposed gold mining project by Ximen Mining Corp. in the North Okanagan and its potential impacts on the Browns Creek and Whiteman Creek watersheds, which lie within the band’s unceded territory.

The OKIB brought forward these concerns with a resolution at the Annual General Assembly of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), where it earned unanimous support from chiefs and delegates.

The resolution called for the mining and exploration to be opposed; that the Syilx water, salmon and sacred sites be protected from industrial disturbances that the OKIB’s jurisdiction and responsibility to safeguard water be recognized; that the watershed monitoring and restoration following the 2021 White Rock Lake wildfire be continued; and that the collaboration between First Nations to defend water and the environment be strengthened.

“Water is life. It sustains everything around us and connects us to the generations before and after our own,” OKIB Chief Dan Wilson stated.

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“The decision by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs to support this resolution shows that First Nations across the province stand together in defence of our lands and waters. This is about protecting the health of our people, our salmon, and our future.”

The UBCIC reaffirmed the OKIB’s leadership in environmental protection and the care for the First Nations’s lands and water in passing the resolution.

“We are deeply grateful to the OKIB for their incredible climate leadership in stewarding their territory,” Grand Chief Stewart Philip, UBCIC president, stated.

“The UBCIC stands in unwavering solidarity with OKIB and calls on the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada to immediately halt all applications and permits for mineral exploration or mining in the watersheds of the OKIB, including Whiteman Creek and Tahaetkun Mountain.”

The OKIB said it and the UBCIC will work together to advocate against the proposed mining operation and reaffirm the OKIB’s land and water responsibility and role in the decision making processes for industrial operations.