Two clean energy agreements with the B.C. government will allow the Squamish Nation and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to share provincial revenue from the Culliton Creek run-of-river hydroelectric project.

The provincial revenue-sharing agreements are enabled by B.C.'s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which aims to promote increased First Nations participation in the clean energy sector.

Under development by BluEarth Renewables Inc., the Culliton Creek Hydro Project is a 15-megawatt run-of-river hydro facility located approximately 15 kilometres north of Squamish. The facility is estimated to produce 69 gigawatt hours of emissions-free electricity annually, enough to power more than 6,000 homes. The project received an electricity purchase agreement from BC Hydro in 2010.

The signing of these agreements means that the provincial government now has reached 42 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.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

“As a government, we’re committed to working in partnership with First Nations — to stimulate investment, create jobs and provide economic benefits. A key goal is to support a thriving clean energy sector in which B.C. First Nations are full participants. The revenue-sharing agreements announced today are examples of that commitment in action.”      

Chief Maureen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh 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.” 

Chief Gibby Jacob, Squamish Nation -

“The Squamish Nation is pleased to see the responsible use of clean energy projects within its traditional territory. Revenue sharing is an important component in building relations and sharing in benefits derived from projects that lie within the Squamish Nation’s territory.”

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale -

“I’m very pleased to see this clean energy project move forward. It’s proof that we can work together to support economic development while remaining committed to protecting the environment.”

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.”

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.”

Kent Brown, president & CEO of BluEarth Renewables Inc. -

“BluEarth believes deeply in developing renewable energy projects in partnership with First Nations in a manner that balances social value and environmental protection. Engagement with the Squamish Nation started early in the development cycle, and the project has received considerable value from the Nation’s involvement and knowledge of the project area.”

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.

Learn More:

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/arr/economic/fncebf.html

Media Contacts:

Corinna Filion
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211
250 882-0918 (cell)