Shows
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCDoes Regulation Delay Mines? w/ Rosemary Collard and Jessica DempseyEpisode NotesIn this episode, we’re joined by geographers Rosemary Collard and Jessica Dempsey to discuss their groundbreaking audit of mining projects in British Columbia. Are environmental regulations really the bottleneck the mining industry claims they are? What happens when the promised economic benefits of mining—like jobs, tax revenue, and production—fall drastically short? Rosemary and Jessica walk us through their research, revealing surprising insights about delays, care-and-maintenance loopholes, and the underperformance of mines. You can find Rosemary and Jessica's audit here: https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2024-0083Rosemary and Jessic...
2024-12-2330 min54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCChallenging the KSM Mine w/ Rachel GutmanEpisode NotesThis episode of Beneath the Surface features a discussion about the proposed Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell (KSM) mine in northern British Columbia. If completed, the KSM mine would become one of the world’s largest gold-copper mines, threatening critical river systems and the communities that depend on them.Joining us is Rachel Gutman, a lawyer with Ecojustice, who is part of the legal team challenging the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office’s decision to classify the KSM mine as “substantially started.” This designation allows the mine to move forward under an environmental assessment conducted over a decade a...
2024-12-1018 min
Beneath the Surface: A Podcast by the BC Mining Law Reform NetworkReforming the Mineral Tenure Act w/ Nikki SkuceEpisode Notes
In this episode of Beneath the Surface, we sit down with Nikki Skuce, Director of the Northern Confluence Initiative and co-chair of BC Mining Law Reform, to dive deep into the reform process for British Columbia’s Mineral Tenure Act (MTA). Nikki brings to light the historical context of the MTA, its longstanding impact on Indigenous rights and land use, and why comprehensive reform is not just necessary but urgent.
Listeners will also hear about the active role of the BC Mining Law Reform network in advocating for mineral staking reform and the sp...
2024-05-1723 minBeneath the Surface: A Podcast by the BC Mining Law Reform NetworkThe BC Mining Law Reform network w/ Nikki Skuce & Jamie KneenEpisode Notes
The inaugural episode of Beneath the Surface features a discussion with BCMLR co-chairs Nikki Skuce and Jamie Kneen. We chat about the reasons for the creation of BCMLR, the gaps that currently exist in BC's mining laws, and strategy and vision for reforming these laws.
Nikki Skuce is the Director of the Northern Confluence Initiative. Jamie Kneen is the Outreach Coordinator and Canada Program Lead at Mining Watch Canada.
Learn more about BCMLR (and join our network) here: https://reformbcmining.ca/join/
2024-03-1526 min
RedeyeMining industry sets its sights on BC's critical minerals in new gold rushBritish Columbia is preparing a strategy to supply critical used in electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. The Mining Association of BC is promoting the expansion of over a dozen mines to produce the minerals, and is pushing the province for regulatory and other changes to facilitate mine expansion. Nikki Skuce is co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform Network and author of report called Critical Minerals: A Critical Look. We speak with Nikki Skuce in this episode.
2024-01-2112 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCSalmon resilience in the Taku regionAs part of our salmon connections and resilience series, we go further north to Taku River Tlingit territory to learn about the work and research being done to protect salmon and adapt to changing conditions from climate impacts. Thanks for the interviews and insights from Mark Connor and Chris Sergeant.Music thanks to the late Telkwa Ted Turner, and to Facundo Gastiazoro for the art.This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between July and October 2022. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) from the Northern Confluence Initiative (a project of...
2022-12-0242 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCSkeena Estuary - critical salmon habitatThe Skeena River is the second largest salmon producing watershed in Canada and a critical part of it is the unique and highly productive estuary. The area deserves protection from future threats and is essential to the survival and resilience of salmon and cultures in this region. In this episode of 54 Degrees North, we learn more about this critical habitat as part of a series exploring salmon connections and resilience.Interviews and insights from Yahaan (Don Wesley) and Dr. Jonathon Moore.Music thanks to the regionally talented Los Gringos Salvajes, and art work thanks to...
2022-10-1126 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCMining risks to salmon watershedsAs part of our salmon connections and resilience series, we explore the potential impacts of mining on salmon watersheds. The episode features some of the authors who collaborated on a science and policy paper published in Science Advances in July 2022 that reviewed the ecological complexities of rivers and some of the risks mines can have on salmon watersheds. We also hear from those facing impacts from mining on the Fraser River. Thanks for the interviews and insights from Chief Laceese, JP Lapointe, Jonathan Moore, Chris Sergeant, and Nuskmata.Music thanks to the regionally talented Los...
2022-10-1129 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCSalmon connections - the heart of it allAs part of the salmon connections and resilience series for 54 Degrees North, we reached out to a number of people who have defended salmon in some way against the myriad of threats they face. We hear about their connectedness to this critical species that is so intertwined with cultures and communities of the Skeena region and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Interviews and insights from Yahaan, Chief Namoks, Nuskmata, Jonathon Moore and Chris Sergeant who share their salmon love stories and connections.Music thanks to the regionally talented Telkwa Ted T...
2022-10-1116 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCHealthy WatershedsAfter a challenging year, we're exploring positive stories from the Skeena Region. In this episode of 54 degrees North, we explore the Healthy Watersheds Initiative projects taking place in this region. Learn more about the restoration economy and reconciliation in action. Thanks to Tara Marsden, Sarah Railton and Jeff Anderson for the interviews. Thanks to Facundo Gastiazoro for the artwork and Los Gringos Salvajes for the music. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in June and July 2021. 54 Degrees North was produced and edited by Nikki Skuce. Contact us at 54De...
2021-08-1131 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCTea Creek Farm and Training FacilityThis is a follow-up episode of 54 degrees North with Jacob Beaton from Tea Creek Farms about how their training program and food sovereignty initiative managed to operate through a year in a pandemic. Thanks to regionally based Saltwater Hank for the music and Facundo Gastiazoro for the artwork. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in April 2021. 54 Degrees North was produced and edited by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce). Contact us at 54DegreesNorthPodcast@gmail.com.
2021-07-0332 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCFood preservation - Digging deeper into food securityIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear tips and preferences for putting food away that avoids spoilage and extends local food security through the year. Interviews and insights from Shannon McPhail, Laurie Gallant, Gwininit (Yvonne Lattie), Jennifer Zyp, and Emily Bulmer. Music thanks to the regionally talented Saltwater Hank and artwork thanks to Facundo Gastiazoro. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in May and June 2020. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us at 54Degree...
2020-07-0709 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCFood Security in the Northwest - Digging deeper into barriers and solutionsIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear directly from food producers in the wider Bulkley Valley region about their farms and businesses, and their suggestions for overcoming barriers to be a more food secure region. Interviews and insights from Jacob Beaton, Laurie Gallant, Mark Fisher, Crystal Nelligan and Shannon McPhail. Music thanks to the regionally talented Saltwater Hank and Los Gringos Salvajes. Artwork by Facundo Gastiazoro. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in May and June 2020. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edite...
2020-07-0441 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCOrigin Stories - Digging deeper into how food producers got startedIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear origin stories of how food producers from the Bulkley Valley region got started - their motivations behind where and what they grow. Interviews with Laurie Gallant, Jacob Beaton, Crystal Nelligan and Mark Fisher. Music thanks to the regionally talented Saltwater Hank and artwork by Facundo Gastiazoro.This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in May and June 2020. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us at 54DegreesNorthPodcast@gmail.com...
2020-06-3023 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCGardening in the North - Digging deeper into food securityIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear tips and tricks from gardeners and harvesters in the Bulkley Valley region. Interviews with Gwininit (Yvonne Lattie), Jennifer Zyp, Shannon McPhail, Emily Bulmer, Crystal Nelligan, Mark Fisher, Felix and Lucia Gastiazoro. Music thanks to the regionally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Saltwater Hank. Thanks to Facundo Gastiazoro for the artwork. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in May and June 2020. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us a...
2020-06-3030 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BCTraining and Gardening Programs: Digging deeper into food securityIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear about training and gardening programs in the wider Bulkley Valley region that help make growing food more accessible. Interviews with Helene Fleury, Gwininit (Yvonne Lattie), Jennifer Zyp, Jacob Beaton, Dmitri Cody, Scott McMillan, and Lucia Gastiazoro. Music thanks to the regionally talented Saltwater Hank and artwork by Facundo Gastiazoro. This episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory during COVID-19 via Zoom in May and June 2020. 54 Degrees North is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us at 54De...
2020-06-3029 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC3. Up in Smoke: Wildfires and extreme weatherIt has always been predicted that climate change would bring more extreme and less predictable weather events. In this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear the science and stories behind wildfires and other extreme weather events in the Bulkley Valley. These impact not only our ecology, but our psyche as smoky days feel apocalyptic. Interviews with Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale), Dr. Jim Pojar, Vanessa Foord, Rachelle van Zanten, and Taylor Bachrach. Thanks to CBC public radio for news clips. Music thanks to the locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis...
2019-11-2016 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC4. Critters in the crisis: Insect impactsIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we learn about bugs in the Bulkley Valley. Listen to the stories and science about insect impacts to our environment and potentially our health as a result of a warming world. Interviews with Jim Pojar, Ken White, Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale), Nick Meyer, Felix Gastiazoro, and Amanda Follett Hosgood. Music thanks to locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between August and October 2019 and is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam...
2019-11-2021 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC5. Uprooted: Climate impacts to forests and their role in mitigationIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear how forests around the Bulkley Valley have been impacted by pathogens and droughts (bugs and wildfires are in another episode), and stories on how these changes are affecting the people and ecology. We also hear how trees suck, in a good way. Interviews with Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale), Will MacKenzie, Alex Woods, Richard Wright, Alana Clason, and Jim Pojar. Music thanks to the locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between August and October 2019 and...
2019-11-2035 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC6. Act and Adapt: Ideas and initiatives during the climate crisisIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear politics and policies, and initiatives and ideas for taking action and adapting to the climate crisis in the Bulkley Valley. Interviews with Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale), Gladys Atrill, Taylor Bachrach, Tina Portman, Kevin Pegg, Nathan Cullen, and Smithers Secondary Student climate strikers. Music thanks to the locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between August and October 2019 and is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us...
2019-11-2033 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC1. Unpacking Snow: Glaciers and groundwaterIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear about how the climate has changed in the last 120 years in the Bulkley Valley, and hear more science and stories behind the melting glaciers and disappearing groundwater. Interviews with Vanessa Foord, Christoph Dietzfelbinger, Chief Namoks, Shannon McPhail and Sheena Miller. Music by the locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between August and October 2019 and is produced by Nikki Skuce (@nikkiskuce) and edited with the help of Pam Haasen (@hampaasen). Contact us at 54DegreesNorthPodcast@gm...
2019-11-2017 min
54 Degrees North - Podcast series about issues around Northwest BC2. Off the hook: Salmon and steelheadIn this episode of 54 degrees North, we hear how salmon and steelhead are being impacted by climate change. Salmon often unite people across the Skeena watershed and this time should be no different. Listen to the stories and science behind our declining wild salmon. Interviews with Chief Namoks (John Ridsdale), Lucia Gastiazoro, Michael Price, Richard Wright, Freda Huson, Shannon McPhail and Carrie Collingwood. Music thanks to the locally talented Los Gringos Salvajes and Rachelle van ZantenThis episode was recorded on unceded Witsuwit’en territory between August and October 2019 and is produced by Ni...
2019-11-2030 min