Green Energy Award Confirms Chief Feschuk as a National Leader in Sustainable Development
SECHELT, BC, Oct. 31, 2013 – On Monday October 28th, 2013 shíshálh Nation, Regional Power, and Capstone Infrastructure Corporation were awarded the CEBC Environmental Stewardship Award for the Sechelt Creek Project. shíshálh Nation Chief Garry Feschuk at the Clean Energy BC Generate 2013 Conference awards ceremony stated, “If First Nations in this country are to achieve financial independence it is an absolute necessity that government get out of the way on Independent Power development,” Minister Bill Bennett stated, “First Nations leaders have been instrumental in helping us develop the Clean Energy sector here in BC and that’s going to continue”.
Chief Feschuk said, “These projects can have significant benefits to our Nation not only financially, but environmentally.” This is only the third time that the Stewardship Award has been given by CEBC. In 2005, the Sechelt Creek Project was also awarded the UNSECO Blue Planet Award. This year a record 25,000 salmon returned to the Sechelt Creek Project man made spawning channel.
Minister Rustad of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation announced Monday that shíshálh will receive a $500,000 grant for an investment in a clean energy project within shíshálh territory. Chief Feschuk said, “This is an exciting opportunity for shíshálh. This fund and this grant are an example of how First Nations and the Province can work together to create opportunities for First Nations development. It is important that clean energy opportunities for First Nations are robust and continue long into the future.”
Chief Feschuk has directed professionals within his organization to develop policies and protocols on Clean Energy to ensure sustainable development and the production of power at a reasonable rate. Chief Feschuk said, “Sale of electricity is the future not only for BC, but for our Nation. In constructing clean energy projects, we will steward our land as responsibly as our ancestors”. Chief Feschuk candidly says, “It is our great grandchildren who have yet to be born who will stand in review of these projects.”
Chief Feschuk makes the point that First Nations have a long and shared legacy of proper and sustainable stewardship of their land. It is with this confidence that Nations like shíshálh will take care of sensitive environmental projects, like Independent Power Projects, with a clear view of preserving the resource for generations to come.
For further information:
Chief Garry Feschuk at 604-230-3415; gfeschuk@secheltnation.net
