Kwiakah receives funding through BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

Excerpts from Pacific Economic Development Canada on May 23, 2024

Thirty-five First Nations throughout B.C. are receiving $9.8 million in federal and provincial funding to develop clean energy projects that will help them meet their energy needs efficiently and sustainably while creating more jobs for people in their communities.

The projects are receiving funding through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, and New Relationship Trust (NRT). This round of BCICEI support includes $7.5 million from PacifiCan and Indigenous Services Canada and approximately $2.3 million from the government of B.C through its CleanBC plan. The funding will help First Nations develop and implement clean energy generation, energy efficiency and energy storage projects, creating employment and business opportunities in their communities. 

The clean energy projects differ in size and scope: from installing Air Source Heat Pumps in 70 homes for Sik-E-Dakh Band; installation of a solar PV system on a former fish farm that is being redeveloped into a research centre for regenerative forestry practices for Kwiakah First Nation; to conducting a feasibility study for a 40 mega-watt wind project for Metlakatla First Nation.

"The support from the New Relationship Trust through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative has been invaluable for our project. It aligns with our priority objective of conserving and protecting our ancestral lands and waters while transitioning towards a stewardship economy. With their assistance, we are transforming a former fish farm into a Centre of Excellence for the research of regenerative forestry practices. The centre is powered by eco-friendly solar energy, ensuring our operations harmonize with the majestic wilderness surrounding us."
– Frank Voelker, Band Manager and Economic Development Officer of Kwiakah First Nation

Read the full release on canada.ca