FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 15-52

Contact: Claire Richardson (907) 465-3520

Walker Administration Brings Focus to Transboundary Water Issues
Lt. Governor traveling to Canada to meet with British Columbia Government Officials,
Mining Industry, and First Nations Leaders
Friday, May 1, 2015 JUNEAU - In an effort to build on a positive working relationship that will
expand a meaningful, responsible collaboration on transboundary resource issues, Lieutenant
Governor Byron Mallott announced today that the Walker Administration will reach out to the
provincial government of British Columbia, the Canadian mining industry and First Nation
leaders during a visit to the region May 46, 2015.
As neighbors, we have many things in common and I want to strengthen the relationships we
Alaskans have with British Columbia, said Lieutenant Governor Mallott. I look forward to this
trip and seeing first-hand the Canadian side of the transboundary issues.
While in Victoria, Lieutenant Governor Mallott plans on meeting with British Columbias
Ministries of Environment, Energy and Mining, and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.
In Vancouver, the Lieutenant Governor will attend the Vancouver Board of Trades annual
luncheon for BC Mining Week, keynoted by the President and CEO of the Mining Association of
British Columbia. He also plans to meet with representatives of the First Nations Energy and
Mining Council, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations.
There are currently over 630 recognized First Nations governments or bands across Canada and
they represent the various Aboriginal peoples. At the invitation of the Xatsull (hat-shall)
Nation, Mallott will also travel to Williams Lake to tour the area around the recent Mt. Polley
mining dam breach.
Three of Alaskas most important salmon rivers: the Taku, the Stikine, and the Unuk are in
watersheds that could be impacted by Canadian mines during the life of the mine, and through
closure and reclamation.

These rivers are key to Southeast Alaskas way of life including Native cultures, community
economies, recreation and subsistence, and, of course, its profitable seafood and tourism
industries that employ thousands of people, Mallott noted.
Gov. Bill Walker designated Mallott to lead an internal transboundary waters working group
earlier this year. The group includes the Alaska Commissioners of the Departments of
Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, and Natural Resources. The administration is
committed to bringing new focus and energy in reaching out to affected Alaskans and their
organizations as well as to Provincial and Canadian counterparts to continue to find ways to
foster constructive working relationships that can protect Alaskas interests.
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Editors Note: For more information on the BC trip, please contact Claire Richardson 907-4653520 or Claire.richardson@alaska.gov.