A new revenue-sharing agreement will enable the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation to share provincial revenue from the Skookum Creek Power Project.

The revenue-sharing agreement is made possible by B.C.'s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which aims to promote increased First Nations participation in the clean-energy sector.

The Skookum Creek Hydroelectric Project is a 25-megawatt run-of-the-river power project developed by the Skookum Creek Power Partnership, which is a joint venture between Concord Green Energy and Run of River Power Inc. The project, which commenced commercial operations in May, will generate enough energy to power approximately 8,400 homes and offset up to 71,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide when compared with coal-fired turbine generation.

The revenues shared to Tsleil-Waututh First Nation are forecast to be approximately $17,000 per year over the life of the project.

The signing of this agreement means that the provincial government has now reached 36 non-treaty agreements with First Nations since the BC Jobs Plan was launched in 2011, supporting economic opportunities for both First Nations and neighbouring communities.

Last year, the Squamish Nation also signed an agreement to share provincial revenue from the Skookum Creek Power Project.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“First Nations are showing real leadership in the development of clean energy projects in their traditional territories. These revenue-sharing agreements are designed to ensure that First Nations receive additional socio-economic benefits from the development of these clean energy projects.” 

Chief Maureen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation -

“Sharing resource revenues from sustainable, clean energy development on our traditional territory is a positive step forward and these projects will provide economic benefits to our communities for many years to come.” 

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines -

“First Nations and their partners continue to support the clean-energy sector in their traditional territories. These agreements provide jobs, and show what can be accomplished through collaboration. By demonstrating leadership in the growing clean energy sector, First Nations are bringing economic benefits to their communities.”

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour -­

“We were the first jurisdiction in Canada that committed to sharing revenue from the resource industry with First nations, and this agreement continues that commitment. This new project will greatly benefit the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and encourage other bands to participate and help grow the clean energy sector.”

Peter Zell, owners representative, Skookum Creek Power Partnership -

“We were proud to work with the Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish First Nations on the Skookum Creek Power Project to create clean, renewable power and a wide range of economic opportunities and benefits for these communities.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia is the first province to share revenue from mining, forestry and other resources with First Nations.
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and invest in clean-energy infrastructure.
• Through the revenue-sharing agreements, participating First Nations will receive a share of water rentals and land rents charged by the Province for licences issued to the power developer for the life of a project.
• Since 2011, the provincial government has invested approximately $5.1 million in capacity and equity funding to support clean energy opportunities in 80 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power and clean energy planning.
• The clean energy technology industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in B.C., with more than 200 organizations, 68% of which were formed in the past decade.

Media Contacts:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 213-6451 (cell)