Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation holds concert to raise awareness about heap leach mining in the Yukon

Monday, 26 August 2024 at 15:14

Ryan McNally and Lina Halimi take the stage in Carmacks at Cyanide in the Water (Photo: S. Bonell)

Local talent and headliners performed at the Carmacks Recreational Complex on August 24.

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation hosted a concert in support of First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.

Cyanide in the Water was put on to raise awareness in the Yukon about the risks of heap leach mining. The concert was unintentionally scheduled exactly two months following the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine, resulting in cyanide in both surface and ground water near the site.

Holistic rock band Love and a .38 was the featured act at the concert. Drummer Clark Skelton says that the band is always happy to perform for a good cause.

“Well, I live here, so I’ve been hearing about [the heap leach failure] nonstop,” said Skelton. “It’s just awful; what’s happening. And I have kids, so, we want to keep everything for generations to come. I’m all for stuff like that, especially with music. Because I think music just kind of heals and helps everybody, and brings people together, so it’s a win-win.”

But the concert was more than just music. CPAWS Yukon Executive Director Chris Pinkerton was in attendance as well, helping answer questions that audience members had regarding the incident at Eagle Gold mine, and heap leach mining in general.

“People are interested in what heap leaches are, how they work, what exactly happened at the Eagle Gold mine,” said Pinkerton. “And, I mean, some of that, as you said, I still being worked out as the disaster unfolds and as mitigations happen. And there will be an investigation later.”

“But in general, how the rocks came down, what the consequences are, how it will impact on fish and wildlife, the landscape, and the people as well.”

The Government of Yukon continues to provide weekly updates regarding the heap leach failure, including the latest information on the levels of cyanide present in Haggart Creek.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

City to install accessible parking stalls downtown

Eight new accessible parking stalls are expected to be complete by November 20
YG, City of Whitehorse to double mutual aid protocol

New agreement will double the amount of electricity demand that can be removed from the grid.
Report identifies challenges and opportunities for Mayo's food system

19 indicators identified across six pillars to establish progress tracking baseline.
YG releases Connected Health Strategy

Multi-year framework to outline a more connected and accessible health care system.
YG launches Power Potential Portal

Government calling on proponents with projects that could contribute to the territory's future electricity supply.
Whitehorse hosts international broomball tournament

Teams from India, France, Switzerland, Australia, the United States, and Canada compete in Whitehorse this week.
YG expands Peak Smart incentives

Yukoners can receive up to $1600 in their first year, and another $100 each following year.
YG calls for Building UP project proposals

Deadline for proposals November 13
RRDC signs Stewardship Authority agreement with YG

Agreement the first of its kind in the Yukon outside of treaty agreements.
Yukon Party reflects on one year of strong stewardship

Minister of Environment looking forward to future progress.
RCMP begins search and rescue activities for missing Whitehorse man

Takhini River Subdivision residents may notice members of RCMP, Yukon Search and Rescue in the area.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizens start podcast

The podcast is receiving funding through the Arramat Project for its first year.
Independent review panel publishes first status report in Department of Education review

First Nations School Board and former educator share their thoughts on the findings.
ATCO Electric Yukon Gets $7.5M to Fix Billing Issues with Smart Meters

The utility acknowledged it has faced issues with inaccurate meter readings since 2023, leading to widespread estimated billing and unexpectedly high charges for Yukoners, especially during extreme cold when meters were inaccessible.
Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.

Search

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation holds concert to raise awareness about heap leach mining in the Yukon

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News