Three local First Nations are set to receive significant funding as they strive to meet their needs for clean energy projects.
In an announcement Thursday (May 23) the Seabird Island Band, Moytelexw (Sts’ailes Development Corporation) and Squiala First Nation were among those selected to receive funding from the federal and provincial governments, with a total of over $650,000 being given to the three First Nations.
$109,065 will be going to the Seabird Island Band to design assessments to evaluate the potential for solar energy generation throughout the community.
$258,200 will be going to Moytelexw (Sts’ailes Development Corporation) for the installation of a rooftop solar system for the Sasquatch Eco Lodge as part of a new solar heating system, with some of the funds also being used to upgrade hydro plant equipment.
The remaining $295,000 will be used to install more solar systems on 33 homes in the Squiala First Nation.
The three local communities are among the 35 total First Nations throughout the province that were selected to receive over $9 million in federal and provincial funding towards developing clean-energy projects in their communities more sustainably and efficiently, while also creating more jobs.
The announcement came from NDP MLAs Dan Coulter, Chilliwack, and Kelli Paddon, Chilliwack-Kent.
“Indigenous communities have shown leadership in stewarding the land and natural resources,” said Paddon. “This funding will support the work to bring cleaner energy and new economic opportunities to Indigenous communities here in the Fraser Valley and across the province.”
“First Nations are key partners as we work together to build cleaner, more resilient communities and power B.C.’s growing economy with renewable electricity,” said B.C. Minister of Energy Josie Osborne. “From roof-top solar panels to residential heat pumps and large-scale wind generation, the projects receiving funding today will advance Indigenous clean energy and create new opportunities across the province.”
The projects are receiving their funding through the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, consisting of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments.
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