First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining (FNWARM) is co hosting a public educational event with the Environmental Law Club at the University of Victoria on the evening on October 6, 2011.

The theme of the forum is “The Future of Mining in British Columbia: Cooperation not Conflict” The evening is intended to be a discussion involving leaders from First Nations, the mining industry, and the government of British Columbia.

The goal is to explore through dialogue and a collegial exchange of views and ideas the issues, challenges and areas of common ground that might lead to the development of possible solutions for a more productive and positive way forward for mining in British Columbia.

Mr. Andrew Bell, the TV host of “Commodities and Market Call” on BNN, Canada’s only all business and financial news channel news network, has agreed to be our moderator for the evening.

Confirmed panelists include, Grand Chief Ed John from the BC First Nations Summit, Mr. Gavin Dirom, President and CEO of the Association of Mineral Exploration of British Columbia (AME BC), Ms Zoe Younger Vice President of Corporate Affairs for the Mining Association of BC (MABC), Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nation Chief Bev Sellars - Chair of FNWARM, and Ms. Bonnie Docherty, author of the 2010 study of the Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic titled "Bearing the burden: the effects of mining on First Nations in British Columbia.”, TBA Representative from the Government of BC

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with an introduction by ELC President Calvin Sanborn followed by comments from each panel member and a discussion among the group. There will then be a Q&A session with the audience, and closing remarks from the panelists. A reception will follow at 8:00 PM

The public is warmly invited to attend along with First Nations leaders, politicians, public servants, business representatives, the conservation and environmental community and students and faculty of the University of Victoria. We look forward to a full house and a lively and informative discussion on this very important topic.