First Nations communities on Vancouver Island are leading clean-energy projects with B.C. government funding to empower community members with access to more efficient and sustainable sources of energy.

Through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), the Province is providing three communities in the region with more than $792,000. The Nations are partnering with the Province to develop projects that champion innovation and align with the CleanBC plan to reduce emissions that cause climate change.

The FNCEBF supports clean-energy projects led by First Nations communities, such as installing heat pumps and solar roofs, as well as improving insulation in homes, energy-efficiency planning and educational events. Six First Nations partners provincewide received more than $1.8 million through the fund in this round of funding.

New projects on Vancouver Island include:  

• T’Sou-ke Nation will power its community with clean energy by building and installing a solar photovoltaic system – $492,910.
• Pacheedaht First Nation will strengthen energy-efficient households by installing surge protectors, improving insulation and holding engagement events in the community – $149,961.
• Malahat Nation will install heat pumps in priority homes, conduct a band office energy assessment and conduct a rooftop solar photovoltaic system screening to help build a greener community future – $149,646.

By participating in the province’s clean-energy sector and the FNCEBF program, First Nations communities are creating economic opportunities and cleaner futures in their territories. The next intake closes April 30, 2024.

Quotes:

Murray Rankin, Minster of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“The B.C. government is working in partnership with First Nations to support resilient communities on Vancouver Island and the coast. Supported by the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, projects like the Malahat Nation’s heat pump installation program will power remote communities and create economic opportunities.”

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation –

“The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund supports our government’s CleanBC plan by fostering economic development while pushing back against climate change. We are partnering with First Nations throughout the province, empowering communities to move forward with projects that will create local jobs while curbing air pollution.”

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

“Collaborating with First Nations to address climate change and climate adaptation is important to all of us and is a key aspect of lasting reconciliation. Working together we create jobs, protect against future climate disasters, and support First Nations in their work to safeguard and steward the environment and their communities.”

Chief Larry Underwood, T'Sou-ke First Nation –

“As a leader in sustainable development, T'Sou-ke First Nation is deeply committed to sustainable energy sources that minimize our impact on Mother Earth. Through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, we were able to access funding for a solar installation to power our new Community Complex and Health Centre. We are grateful for the support we received through this grant, which enabled us to build a resilient and sustainable community space that reflects the values held by our people since time immemorial.”

Chief Jeffery Jones, Pacheedaht First Nation –

“The Pacheedaht First Nation is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund to improve the energy efficiencies of our homes on reserve. We look forward to working with our partners and members to successfully implement this project.”

Chief George Harry, Malahat First Nation –

“FNCEBF enables Malahat Nation to persist in its collaboration with various organizations and businesses, fostering the provision of energy-related services. Malahat Nation is poised for a positive future thanks to FNCEBF, allowing us to confidently look forward to the future of our Nation’s ambitions. With collective wisdom and a sharp focus on progress, we the Malahat Nation aim to make informed choices that ensure a vibrant and enduring legacy.”

Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca –

“People in the T’Sou-ke, Pacheedaht and Malahat Nations will see real results from this investment in clean energy in their communities. These projects will help people to utilize more clean energy and new cleaner technologies like heat pumps and solar roofing, and support community-led education and resources to make homes and neighbourhoods more energy efficient.”

Quick Facts:

• Since the FNCEBF began, more than 150 First Nations communities have benefited from more than $20 million in capacity and equity funding for projects focused on clean energy, energy efficiency, fuel switching and feasibility studies. 
• Currently, 46 First Nations benefit from 71 clean-energy revenue-sharing agreements with B.C. that are based on new incremental revenues to government derived from water and land rents.
• The Province is also funding small, grid-connected, First Nations-led power projects to contribute to B.C.’s electricity needs through the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative.

Learn More:

To learn about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-clean-energy-business-fund

To learn about Clean Energy BC, visit: www.cleanenergybc.org