91���˵���

BIRCH ISLAND—News that a mining company had staked the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) Heaven’s Gate Trail property fell like a lightning bolt on the conservation organization that had assumed the conservation status of the property would protect it from mining development. While the status of the mining claim objection by the EBC is still under review, a new opponent has arisen in the form of Whitefish 91���˵��� chief and council and the band community.

“Heaven’s Gate, or as we know it, Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem, has a very strong cultural and profound spiritual and significance for our community,” said Whitefish River 91���˵��� Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow. “It’s because it’s an area we know is home to very sacred eagles, the golden eagle and all. I know that there’s a lot of fur bearing animals, such as river otters and endangered species like Blanding’s turtles.”

“There is no question in our mind that we’re going to oppose any mining involvement, because there’s a lot of things going on there,” said Chief Nahwegahbow. “I know there is an un-remediated mine that’s on the site there, and the old MacMillan mine, and we’ve already seen the warning about the drinking water.”