One year later: First Nations life at the proposed Sisson mine site

One year after members of New Brunswick First Nations movedinto the proposed site of theSissonMine, there's just one man living on the site full-time and he says isolation is both the best and most challenging part of his existence.

"Before the dog, it was being alone completely," said NickPolchies, 32. "She's a new addition, we only got her about three or four weeks ago. So, she's company."

Threemembersof theWulustukyikNation Grandmothers and Mothers group spent the winter in the camp, but Polchies and his one-year-old German shepherd Arizona are now the only ones living on the site full-time.

During his time there he hasn't seen any project developers, and believes the project is at a standstill.

Building a solitary existence

Polchies is building his life there, despite being alone most of the time.

"On the weekend is usually when there is somebody else out here," said Polchies in an interview. "Either with me or I go and take a break to take a shower or do laundry. You know, the stuff I can't do out here just yet."

The formerwoodsman says the campon the land has matured in the last year.

Last July the camp was made up mostly of tents and a camper. The living arrangements were makeshift and temporary.

"Rightnowit's a bit more stable," saidPolchies. "Less tents. We used to have moretrailersaround that really weren't that good. They were pop-ups now we have a home that's livable. But it'snot finished yet."

There's nowa small two-storey cabin powered by a series of eight solarpanelsused to chargePolchies'cell phone and tablet computer.

Asecondcabin stands half completednext door.

Everything is built where thetailings pond would be dug for the proposed $579million tungsten mine.

Mine status unknown

CBC News contacted the developer of the mine,NorthcliffResources, for an update on the status of the project but did not immediately receive a reply.

Polchieshas been involved at the camp since day one, butwasn't able to stay for the winter.

"Therewasn't the space," he said."The ladies wanted to spend the winter out here and I just complied."

For the first few months those living deep in theNapadoganforest lived in a pair of donated RV campers.

The first cabin was built in February. Its wood stove and solid walls allowed for more than just getting by at the site.

NowPolchiessays it's his turn to furtherdevelop the camp.

Deep woods living

The trip to the camp is about a 20-minute drive on a logging road. Once the roadway turns to pavement the closest community, Juniper, is another 20 minutes on top of that.

Inthe run of a typical day,Polchiesbattlesfrost and the rabbits that threaten his garden.

He also knows a bear lives nearby. Although the two have never crossed paths, he says each knows the other is there.

"He leaves a pretty big mark, and right in the middle of the road," saidPolchies. "SoI think it's a pretty big bear judging by that."

While things have been quiet this spring, Polchiessays that if that changes and construction does start, those who oppose it will know where to come.