This panel will explore two landmark legal challenges shaping the future of mining in British Columbia. Panellists will examine the Gitxaała Nation’s case against the province’s mineral tenure regime and the Xatśūll First Nation’s judicial review of decisions related to the Mount Polley mine disaster. Together, these cases highlight how First Nations are using the courts to assert jurisdiction, demand accountability, and redefine the legal landscape of resource governance in BC.
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Speakers
Chief Linda Innes is serving her second term as Chief Councillor of the Gitxaała Nation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Political Science from the University of Northern British Columbia and brings over 30 years of experience in health, social work, and business administration to her leadership role.
Chief Rhonda Phillips is Kukpi7 (Chief) of Xatśūll First Nation. She holds a Business Administration diploma from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and a degree in Business and Aboriginal Economic Development from Simon Fraser University. She has served her community in leadership and administrative roles, including as Band Administrator (2009–2013), and most recently as Child and Family Transition Manager with the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (2020–2023).
Bev Sellars is a former Chief of the Xatśūll First Nation, serving from 1987–1993 and 2009–2015. She holds a history degree from the University of Victoria and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. She is Chair of First Nation Women Advocating for Responsible Mining (FNWARM) and author of They Called Me Number One and Price Paid: The Fight for First Nations Survival.
Jessica Clogg is Executive Director and Senior Counsel at West Coast Environmental Law. She holds a joint Masters in Environmental Studies and law degree from Osgoode Hall, York University, and is an Ashoka Fellow recognizing her work bridging between Canadian and Indigenous legal traditions. Named one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers in 2020, Jessica co-founded WCEL’s RELAW Program, which supports Indigenous Nations in revitalizing and applying their laws to care for their territories.’
Facilitator
Learn more at the Peter A Allard School of Law website.
