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.

The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe will explore a partnership with the proponent of the Frosst Creek Hydro project thanks to a $43,854 investment through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

The British Columbia government is investing $2.2 million to support greater Indigenous participation in the province’s vibrant and growing technology sector.

British Columbia and the McLeod Lake Indian Band celebrated an agreement to strengthen their government-to-government relationship while supporting economic development opportunities.

Treaties provide First Nations the authority and tools to take control of their future.