The Da’naxda’xw (Awaetlala) First Nation of Knight Inlet is among 11 nations that will share in $291,030 through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) to pursue clean-power projects.
The Da’naxda’xw have been approved for $40,000 to support a feasibility study for an integrated wind/diesel/battery Hybrid Energy System that would increase efficiency, enhance reliability, and significantly reduce diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The FNCEBF provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and to invest in clean-energy infrastructure. The fund helps to generate jobs for families and provides opportunities that benefit First Nations and non-First Nations’ communities alike. It also helps to foster economic independence for First Nations.
“As part of the BC Jobs Plan, we are firmly committed to supporting opportunities for First Nations to benefit from and participate in resource activities within their traditional territory,” said Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. “First Nations have taken a strong role in B.C.’s clean-energy sector, and this latest round of funding will support new opportunities in communities across the province.”
Since 2011, the provincial government has invested more than $3.5 million to support clean-energy opportunities in 72 Aboriginal communities throughout B.C., including wind energy, biomass and run-of-river hydroelectric power.
Applications to the fund are reviewed and decisions made based on the strength of each application and its viability relative to other applications.
