Marie Quock, Chief of the Iskut Band
The Tahltan Nation – located in Northwest British Columbia and comprising the communities of Iskut, Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek – has made the largest clean energy investment by a First Nation in British Columbia’s history, and one of the largest clean energy investments by a First Nation in Canadian history.
The Tahltan Nation announced recently that it has purchased five per cent – from Axium and Manulife – of the Northwest British Columbia Hydro Electric Facilities, comprising three run-of-the-river projects: Forrest Kerr, McLymont Creek and Volcano Creek, located in Tahltan Territory.
The announcement marks an important milestone for the Tahltan Nation as it continues to move towards its goal of becoming an economically independent and self-sufficient First Nation. In partnering with Axium Infrastructure Canada, Manulife Financial Corporation and AltaGas Canada Inc., the Tahltan Nation is now part owner of a clean energy asset that is valued well over $2.5 billion.
“This clean energy deal is another of several recent examples of how the Tahltan Nation continues to carefully use our collective title and rights to empower our people and move towards economic independence. Our continued unity and strength within the Tahltan Nation have paved the way for this historic economic achievement and we are extremely excited to have this significant asset and revenue stream for generations to come,” says Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government
“I am excited about the opportunities that come with the establishment of a strong partnership with Axium Infrastructure Canada, Manulife Financial Corporation and AltaGas Canada, including vast capacity building for our Nation and communities,” says Marie Quock, Chief of the Iskut Band.
“This clean energy deal is a game-changer and will provide our Nation with an asset that will give back for over 100 years.”
The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) is the administrative governing body of the Tahltan Nation. The Iskut Band and the Tahltan Band continue to govern Tahltan interests with respect to the Indian Act. The TCG is the representative government of the Tahltan Nation with respect to inherent Aboriginal title and rights.
The Tahltan Nation’s Territory spans 95,933 square km of Northwest British Columbia or the equivalent of 11 per cent of the province. Tahltan Territory includes 70 per cent of BC’s Golden Triangle – a world-class mining jurisdiction with a thriving mineral exploration sector. Tahltan Territory is home to three of BC’s 19 operating mines or their shared footprint, and to approximately 25 per cent of BC’s exploration activities by expenditure. For more information, visit: www.tahltan.org.
