October 28, 2013 - 2:31 PM
VANCOUVER - A dozen British Columbia First Nations will share $1.3 million in provincial funding to develop clean energy.
The B.C. government has announced up to $40,000 is available for bands to develop the capacity for clean energy and as much as $500,000 is available in equity funding to invest in clean energy projects.
Among the recipients, the Lake Babine Nation will look at using wood chips for a biomass heating system, and the Shishalh (Sechelt) Nation will invest in the 33-megawatt Narrows Inlet hydro project.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Rustad told a B.C. Clean Energy conference in Vancouver that clean energy offers an evolution in the relationship between government, business and First Nations.
Rustad says B.C. has immense potential in the sector, with wind, hydro, biomass, tidal and solar options.
Judith Sayers, a former Hupacasath (who-patch-eh-set) chief and board member of Clean Energy Association of B.C., says First Nations are keen to develop clean energy in the province, but fear government interest is cooling in the shadow of its plans for liquefied natural gas.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013