The shishálh Nation, formerly Sechelt Indian Band, will benefit from the most recent round of funding under the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF).

$500,000 in funding is being given to the First Nation to support shishálh Nation's equity investment in the Narrows Inlet Hydro Project.

Funding will assist toward an investment from shishálh Nation into the construction of the Narrows Inlet Hydro Project. The project is comprised of three smaller projects - Chickwat, Upper Romona and Lower Romona. The Renewable Power Corporation will be developing the 33-megawatt project located in the interior of the Sunshine Coast within the shishálh Nation Traditional Territory. Partnerships for the project consist of the Renewable Power Corp., Connor Clark & Lunn and the First Nation. shishálh Nation will be a minority owner of the project.

Since 2011, the provincial government has invested more than $5.1 million to support clean-energy opportunities in over 80 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass and run-of-river hydroelectric power. The clean-energy technology industry is one of the fastest growing industries in B.C., with more than 200 organizations, 68 per cent of which were formed in the past decade.

Twelve new FNCEBF projects are being announced today. Two will receive equity funding and 10 will be funded to assist in capacity building.

Quote:

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad -

"I cannot overestimate the importance of building strong, innovative and respectful partnerships with First Nations around clean-energy projects and capacity building. Clean-energy projects, like those announced today, will help power British Columbia's economy in the future and will help to support sustainable economies at the community level."

Learn More:

For more information about FNCEBF, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html

Contact:

Nina Chiarelli
Communications Director
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211