Tahltan Nation approves payments tied to Eskay Creek mine

Members of the Tahltan Nation voted earlier this month to approve an agreement with Skeena Resources to advance the Eskay Creek gold and silver mine in northwest British Columbia, according to Northern Journal. The deal includes an upfront payment of $7,250 to each Tahltan citizen and guarantees benefits valued at more than $1 billion over the life of the mine, largely through cash, contracts and wages, Tahltan officials said. More than 77% of voters supported the agreement, according to the Tahltan Central Government.

The mine is located above the Unuk River, which flows into Southeast Alaska near Ketchikan, raising concerns among some downstream residents and Alaska Native leaders, according to Northern Journal. Tahltan President Kerry Carlick said the agreement embeds the Nation in environmental governance. Critics within the community cited transparency and environmental risks tied to open-pit mining and waste storage. Payments are expected to be distributed in 2026.