Six months after ratifying its treaty, the Tla’amin Nation is moving to the next stage in developing a hydroelectric plan that could provide sustainable energy for the community in addition to jobs and training opportunities for its members.

Initial studies indicate potential for a three-megawatt hydroelectric development on Tla’amin River and Tla’amin Lake. The nation is now moving forward with a full feasibility study using $40,000 from the B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund to study fish habitats in the project area and carry out geotechnical, archeological and water-quality assessments.

If the project proceeds, it will include important upgrades to aging water pipes and the potential to replace an existing weir dam to help ease flooding that affects community infrastructure, including a salmon hatchery downstream of the dam.

The nation aims to generate an income stream by selling power from the project through the BC Hydro Standing Offer Program which encourages the development of new small and clean or renewable energy projects by developers throughout British Columbia and streamlines the process for selling electricity to BC Hydro.

Initial project studies have involved direct employment of Tla’amin members. There will be further employment opportunities during the feasibility study stage in areas such as data collection, geotechnical and archeological related work, and logistical and administrative support for the project. Further opportunities will become available if the project is deemed economically and technically feasible.

Funding for this project and other agreements is part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation and ensuring First Nations are involved in economic opportunities that make their communities and the rest of the province stronger.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“Being part of Tla’amin’s treaty celebrations was an unforgettable experience and they now have the opportunity to steer their own course. This proposed hydro project is a demonstration of their drive and focus to create a strong economic and environmentally responsible base for the community.”

Hegus Clint Williams, Tla’amin Nation –

“Being a self-governing nation provides us the capability to decide how we want to move forward as a nation. The end point of this project is to have a clean-energy power source that will provide sustainable revenue and jobs and training opportunities for our community. This is one step on a long journey, but it is a journey that we are choosing to take together.”

Quick Facts:

• Tla’amin Nation is located north of Powell River on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The Tla’amin treaty came into effect on April 5, 2016.
• The proposed hydroelectric project is being developed by Tla’amin Capital Asset Incorporated.
• The B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides equity funding up to $500,000 and capacity development funding up to $50,000 to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement with private sector proponents of clean-energy projects.
• Since the fund was introduced in 2010, more than 110 First Nations communities have benefited from nearly $8.2 million in capacity and equity funding for participation in ocean and wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power, clean-energy planning and related projects.
• The fund also allows First Nations with revenue-sharing agreements to receive a portion of water and land rents charged by the Province for new clean-energy projects.
• British Columbia has 42 clean-energy revenue-sharing agreements with 33 First Nations.

Learn More:

Tla’amin Nation: sliammonfirstnation.com/

B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: ow.ly/3OE9304R4xS