Compensation payments of C$65 million ($52 million) will save 195 shale gas and forestry projects affected by a June 29 Indigenous rights court verdict in northern British Columbia (BC), in an agreement between the tribal case winner and the provincial government.

To salvage projects approved before the verdict, the deal announced Thursday (Oct. 7) commits the province to give Blueberry First Nations C$35 million ($28 million) for environmental restoration and C$30 million ($24 million) for culture and education programs.

Another 20 previously approved projects deemed to be sensitive would be reviewed again, using a revised regulatory regime now under negotiation by Blueberry and provincial representatives. The court decision allows six months to craft improved rules.

In the...