The Ministry of Environment is inviting the Nicola Valley First Nations bands to the table when it comes to monitoring biosolids activity in their area.

A caravan of protesters led by the five chiefs of the local bands rallied outside the legislature building in Victoria last Monday.

They delivered a bag containing soil, water and a moratorium issued by the chiefs that prohibits biosolids being brought into their territory to Environment Minister Mary Polak.

Upon accepting the delivery, the ministry and the chiefs, along with a representative from the Premier’s office and Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart engaged in some brief talks.

The possibility of involving the First Nations with the Ministry of Environment in some type of monitoring and testing model to assure them biosolids manufacturing is being carried out in a safe way has been the general approach taken by the ministry, Polak said.

Lower Nicola Band Chief Aaron Sam said that option sounds like “movement in the right direction” and expects to be in contact with the province this week on a possible agreement on how to move forward.

Sam also said he doesn’t expect the government to recognize and abide by the moratorium they delivered.

“We wanted to let them know that this moratorium is serious, and we’re serious about enforcing it both through the courts or through our own indigenous laws,” Sam said.

Polak said the acceptance of the delivery was to show respect for the First Nations concerns.

“In terms of some type of a moratorium, there is no legal basis on which the province could enact some kind of a moratorium,” Polak said, noting that continues to be a challenge in talks.

Polak said there’s no evidence to suggest there are biosolids proponents engaging in unsafe practices or not meeting provincial standards for biosolids.

Sam said they’ve discussed how to structure a dialogue with the ministry over the last few weeks, but haven’t come to any agreement.

Although the moratorium was signed more than a month ago, the chiefs are still reviewing their options for enforcing their moratorium, including court action, Sam said.

Polak said the Ministry of Environment is continuing to explores ways in which it can provide First Nations with evidence that they can feel confident with regarding the safety of biosolids.

“Everyone has a desire to find a resolution,” Polak said.