Williams Lake, B.C.- A big honour for a B.C. First Nations woman based in the Cariboo.

Xeni Gwet’in councillor and former chief Marilyn Baptiste has won the $175,000 Goldman Environmental Prize – the largest international award for grassroots environmental activism.

Xeni Gwe’tin councillor Marilyn Baptiste – photo courtesy Goldman Environmental Foundation

Baptiste is one of six winners – one from each inhabited continent – who will formally receive the award in San Francisco tonight.

She was chosen for her work in leading her community in twice defeating the Prosperity/New Prosperity mine proposal by Taseko Mines which would have threatened Fish Lake and Little Fish Lake.

“I am thrilled that the Goldman Environmental Foundation has chosen to acknowledge the importance of our successful battle against the Prosperity/New Prosperity proposal and our contribution to the changing face of mining versus the environment and First Nations rights in BC,” said Ms. Baptiste.

“It is also a recognition of the incredible work that the Xeni Gwe’tin and Tsilqot’in National Government (TNG) put into this fight, and the invaluable support we received from First Nations Woman Advocating Responsible Mining, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit, the Assembly of First Nations, individual First Nations across BC and Canada, and many environmental groups,” she said.

TNG Tribal Chair Chief Joe Alphonse also weighed in.

“This reminder is very timely and helpful as, despite twice defeating the proposed Prosperity mine and following that up with up with a Supreme Court Ruling that for the first time declared Aboriginal title, the mine company continues grabbing at straws to force their proposal through – demonstrating poor leadership and how not to work with First Nations.”