OLIVER, B.C. / THUNDER BAY — September 18, 2025 | NetNewsLedger National Indigenous News — The Osoyoos (Swiw̓s) Indian Band (OIB) is calling for formal Indigenous consultation on the proposed Teck Resources–Anglo American merger, warning that large-scale corporate decisions and smelter expansion plans cannot proceed without title holders at the table. Chief Clarence Louie says any deal that affects Sylix lands and facilities—such as Teck’s Trail operations—must honour free, prior and informed consent.
The demand comes as Ottawa confirms multiple review tracks for the transaction, including Competition Bureau scrutiny and Investment Canada Act considerations, while public materials from Teck highlight potential critical-minerals processing expansions in Trail—elements that directly intersect with OIB rights and interests.
“Deals of this scale have the possibility of significant impacts on Indigenous Nations… The Sylix peoples expect the federal and provincial governments and the leadership of these companies to honour FPIC,” Chief Louie said, noting a century of impacts near Trail with limited benefit to title holders.
What’s on the table: the merger and Trail expansion
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The deal: Teck and Anglo propose a “merger of equals” to form a global critical-minerals company with a head office in Vancouver, now under federal review. Analysts say approvals could take 12–18 months.
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Why Trail matters: Company materials reference additional copper processing and critical-minerals initiatives at the Trail, B.C. smelter/complex—plans the OIB says require direct engagement with affected First Nations before decisions are made.
The legal and policy frame: FPIC isn’t optional rhetoric
Canada’s UNDRIP Act (2021) commits the federal government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which centres FPIC and meaningful participation in decisions affecting Indigenous lands, resources, and communities. Departments have published roadmaps and guidance emphasizing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples through impact assessment and regulatory processes.
Who is Chief Clarence Louie? A record of economic development—and a Thunder Bay connection
Chief Clarence Louie has led OIB for decades, building a diversified development corporation and advocating for self-reliance and business partnerships aligned with Indigenous rights. His straight-talk approach has made him a sought-after speaker in Northwestern Ontario where the Chief has visited several times:
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2013 — Aroland Vision Quest, Thunder Bay: Louie addressed youth on work, education, and moving beyond dependency; NetNewsLedger covered his remarks and local reaction. netnewsledger.com
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2015 — APEX (Aboriginal Partnership Exchange), Thunder Bay: NNL previewed his keynote visit; video from the Thunder Bay sessions continues to circulate. netnewsledger.com
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2021 — “Rez Rules” interview: NNL profiled Louie’s book and philosophy on culture, responsibility, and economic growth. netnewsledger.com
Those visits reflected a consistent message: build prosperity while protecting title and jurisdiction—the same theme he’s pressing now in the Teck–Anglo file.
What consultation would look like
OIB’s position aligns with UNDRIP’s FPIC standard: early, transparent engagement, direct dialogue with title holders, sharing of project details (including smelter upgrades), and negotiated benefit frameworks that address environmental safeguards, jobs/training, revenue sharing, and monitoring. The Band is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, and B.C. Premier David Eby to ensure Indigenous Nations are involved before approvals are granted.
Why this story matters in Northwestern Ontario
Northern communities—First Nations and municipalities alike—track national resource deals closely. Whether it’s critical-minerals processing in B.C. or mining corridors in Ontario, the precedent set on consultation and benefits will resonate across regions, including the Ring of Fire and supply-chain opportunities that could touch Thunder Bay.
