The Province of British Columbia and the Tsartlip First Nation have reached an interim reconciliation agreement, setting the stage for comprehensive reconciliation negotiations over the next two years.

New government-to-government and mineral tax revenue-sharing agreements provide for economic benefits and collaboration opportunities for First Nations in northern B.C., related to the proposed Kemess Underground mine.

Provincial land purchases on southern Vancouver Island will protect the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail while advancing reconciliation with Pacheedaht First Nation.

The Province, the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and seven Carrier Sekani First Nations have completed an agreement that will increase the First Nations’ participation in the forest economy, while setting the stage to advance reconciliation.

B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund is providing more than $750,000 to nine First Nation clean-energy projects that will explore alternative energy sources and help remote Aboriginal communities reduce their reliance on diesel power generation.

More than 600 members of the Tsimshian First Nations are benefitting from courses ranging from driver’s training and essential skills upgrading to environmental monitoring, trades training and other job-related education programs delivered close to home.

The Province is using its First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund to provide more than $500,000 for five clean-energy projects on the central coast and north Vancouver Island that will explore alternative clean-energy sources and help remote Aboriginal communities reduce their reliance on diesel power generation.

The Lhtako Dene Nation will increase its stake in the Castle Mountain Independent power project thanks to a $100,000 investment through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

Westbank First Nation will explore the possibility of installing rooftop solar panels to heat a portion of its community school and building centre thanks to a $20,380 investment from B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

Semiahmoo First Nation will develop a community clean-energy plan to reduce its environmental footprint thanks to a $30,000 investment from B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.