to the
Alternative Energy for BC First Nations Gathering
Sheraton Wall Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia
February 18, 2011
Check against delivery
Let me begin by saying how pleased I am to be here on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples of British Columbia. Jeff Loucks – thanks for your kind introduction and also thank you to the BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould and to Plutonic Power CEO Don McGuiness for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us here today.
I am glad to be here with you today and to take part in an event that supports BC First Nations and helps them to identify and make the most of opportunities in the renewable-energy sector. First Nations in British Columbia are some of the most active participants in the field of renewable energy – they're involved in wind projects, solar projects, biomass and hydro projects across the province.
This sector is very robust and presents real economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people. In fact, just yesterday the Tseil-Waututh Nation announced an exciting new partnership with BC-based Endurance Power – a manufacturer of community-based small wind turbines. This new business partnership diversifies the First Nation's economic development activities and increases its self-sufficiency.
In recent years, several First Nations have also developed projects in this field that benefit their members and all Canadians.
For example take the Hupacasath's China Creek Run of the River Project. It was one of the first majority-owned First Nation hydro projects in BC and has been in operation since December 2005. Thanks to communities like Hupacasath, many BC First Nations are taking a leadership role in this growing field of business.
Consider also the case of T'Sou-ke First Nation. Located on Vancouver Island, this First Nation now relies on the sun for its electricity, thanks to a project completed 18 months ago. And not only is the First Nation benefiting from this project in terms of renewable-energy, but members have also acquired the skills needed to maintain the system. Given the demand for these skills, the people of T'Sou-ke First Nation will be reaping the benefits of this project for many years to come.
I could go on, because these are just a few examples of the exciting projects that are taking place right across the province, and indeed across the country. But of course the most important element of these successful initiatives is partnership – collaborative and productive partnerships that are a cornerstone of our Government's Aboriginal Economic Development Framework.
It is these partnerships that open the door to a wealth of opportunities for First Nations across the province and throughout Canada. The principal goal of this week's conference is to foster these kinds of mutually beneficial partnerships in the renewable-energy sector. This gathering provides BC First Nations an opportunity to learn more about the sector and to establish contacts with potential partners. All of the key players are here.
Now is the time for First Nations to have a leadership role in this sector. My department has several programs and initiatives that support First Nations interested in developing renewable-energy projects. In recent months, several First Nations have accessed funds through the Community Economic Opportunities Program to explore and develop opportunities in the sector: hydro generation for We Wai Kai Nation, bioenergy for the Nak'azdili Band, geothermal and wind for West Moberly First Nations.
Since April 2007, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's ecoENERGY program has provided over $4 million in funding for 47 projects in this region alone. And elsewhere in Canada, the Ojibways of the Pic River hydro projects in Ontario and the Cowessess First Nation wind project in Saskatchewan were also funded under the ecoENERGY program.
Our government is committed to supporting First Nations in achieving their goals of economic and energy self sufficiency through the renewable energy sector. In the past three years Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, through the Major Resource and Energy Development Initiative, known as MRED, has also invested $1.6 million in funding for 11 projects here in BC. This investment has helped to secure solid business partnerships with the private and public sectors.
Across Canada, MRED investments have contributed to the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Hydroelectric project in Northern Manitoba, and the Granules LG international Inc. wood pellet pilot plant in Mashteuiatsh, Quebec.
The bottom line is that now is the time for First Nations to explore their options and to pursue projects that satisfy their members' needs and aspirations. Gatherings such as this one help by showcasing the successes and opportunities while at the same time building on First Nations' skills and knowledge in this innovative and growing sector. Delegates can learn not only what can be achieved but also how to achieve it.
Our children and grandchildren all stand to benefit from the work being done today. I encourage all of you to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this week's event: learn more about renewable energy. Share ideas. Network. Explore your options. All Canadians prosper when First Nations prosper.
Thank you.
