Skeetchestn Indian Band plugs into clean energy options

Press Release

November 17, 2016

KAMLOOPS – The Skeetchestn Indian Band will explore clean energy generation and turning compost into income with support from British Columbia’s First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

Skeetchestn will receive $30,000 to develop a community energy plan. The plan will raise awareness about energy consumption in the community and study a range of opportunities toward energy efficiency and independence.

Benefits include seeking options on clean energy generation, such as using solar and wind; improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings; improving waste facilities to reduce greenhouse gases while creating a composting business; and working with industry and post-secondary institutions to improve capacity within the community for skills such as home energy audits.

Capacity funding provided through the B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund assists with project feasibility studies, community energy planning, or engaging with project proponents.

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:

Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola –

“Skeetchestn’s community energy plan has great potential for local collaboration between the band, industry and educators, and is an excellent example of how the Province is supporting sustainability and wellbeing in First Nations communities.”

Chief Ronald Ignace, Skeetchestn Indian Band –

“Our community energy plan reflects the importance the Skeetchestn people place on reducing our carbon footprint, living sustainably and using the renewable natural resources within our territory. Our people set the priorities of this plan and ensured it aligns with our traditions, laws and culture, and will continue to guide what comes next to achieve energy independence.”

Quick Facts:

• Skeetchestn Indian Band is a member of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, and its communities are located in south-central B.C., about 40 km northwest of Kamloops.
• The B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides equity funding of up to $500,000 and capacity development funding of 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.
• B.C. has 42 clean energy revenue-sharing agreements with 33 First Nations.

Learn More:

Skeetchestn Indian Band: www.skeetchestn.ca/home
B.C. First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: ow.ly/3OE9304R4xS

Media Contact:

Sharon Pocock
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 357-1253
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

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