The traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation can be found on the west coast of central Vancouver Island and includes the town of Tofino. It has natural boundaries of mountains and ocean, and is home to about 1,000 members. The territory is also a perfect location for the development of small, clean energy projects.

“Our traditional territory has a natural abundance of rainfall and mountainous terrain, enabling us to develop small hydropower facilities as a central component of our sustainable economy,” says Saya Masso, natural resource director for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. “Working with our partners in clean energy, tourism and other industries, we are in the process of implementing our vision of a sustainable economy.”

The First Nations first run-of-river hydro project was at Canoe Creek near the highway to Tofino. It’s an award-winning, six megawatt facility developed with the assistance of the Barkley Project Group, a project management consulting firm specializing in renewable energy projects. Today, the Canoe Creek hydro project supplies enough electricity to power more than 2,000 Vancouver Island homes.

Run-of-river hydro relies on the flow of water in a river or creek for generating power by using drops in elevation that produce the pressure needed to turn electricity-generating turbines. A second Tla-o-qui-aht project, the six megawatt Haa-ak-suuk Creek run-of-river hydro facility, commenced operations in May 2014. Located on northern Vancouver Island, it can also provide enough electricity to power more than 2,000 Vancouver Island homes when operating at full capacity.

“We take great pride in our hydro power projects, which are planned, constructed and operated in a manner that is respectful of our cultural heritage, the natural environment and the species who inhabit it,” says Masso.

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The Haa-ak-suuk Creek project was supported by monies from B.C.’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, providing $40,000 in capacity funding, and $500,000 in equity funding to finance construction. B.C. has also entered into a revenue sharing agreement with the First Nation for this project. As a result, the Tla-o-qui-aht is forecast to receive approximately $38,000 annually over the life of the project. That’s in addition to monies the First Nation now receives from the sale of electricity to BC Hydro – money that’s invested back into the community.

Today, the Tla-o-qui-aht own 85% of the Haa-ak-suuk Creek power facility and more than half of the revenues from energy sales to BC Hydro now go directly to the First Nation.

“Our clean energy development will continue for many years to come, providing our community and other local communities with renewable energy, employment and the foundation for a sustainable economy,” says Masso.

What began as a feasibility study and later moved to revenue sharing and an equity investment, the Haa-ak-suuk Creek project is a great example of how the B.C. government is supporting successful clean, green energy development among First Nations.

Supporting First Nations participation in the clean energy sector and other economic opportunities is an important part of government’s commitment to reconciliation.