Ms. Rhonda Phillips of Xatll First Nation
reports
XATLL FIRST NATION ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF ALL AGREEMENTS WITH SPANISH
MOUNTAIN GOLD
Xatll First Nation
and Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. previously entered into agreements in 2012 and
2021 to support negotiations toward a relationship agreement regarding the proposed
mine at Spanish Mountain. A relationship agreement was never finalized.
Since that time, the project has undergone significant and fundamental changes. As a
result, the prior agreements no longer reflect the proposed project or provide the
framework necessary to support a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship
between Xatll and Spanish Mountain Gold.
In April, 2026, Xatll provided formal notice to Spanish Mountain Gold that it was immediately terminating
the 2021 engagement protocol. In September, 2026, Xatll provided notice to Spanish Mountain Gold that
it was also terminating the 2012 protocol agreement.
There are no other agreements in place between Spanish Mountain Gold and Xatll.
"Spanish Mountain is a place where Xatll members continue to gather foods and
medicines, camp with family, access the land for recreation and cultural well-being, and
maintain living connections to spiritually and culturally significant places," said Kukwpi7
(Chief) Rhonda Phillips. "Xatll supports sustainable resource development that upholds
first nations rights and protects the lands and waters that our people have stewarded
since time immemorial. We will be intentional about how industrial activity proceeds in an
area that holds such significant cultural, spiritual and ecological importance to our nation."
Xatll First Nation is a first nations government and part of the larger Secwepemc
(Shuswap) Nation, located in the Cariboo region of British Columbia near Williams Lake.
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