Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. has signed a partnership agreement with the In-SHUCK-ch Nation for the development of six hydroelectric projects in British Columbia.
The agreement calls for a 50-50 partnership in the development of six run-of-river hydroelectric projects on six creeks – Rogers Creek, Snowcap Creek, Gowan Creek, Kakila Creek, Tuwasus Creek and Billygoat Creek – located in the In-SHUCK-ch’s traditional territories. Both parties are in now in talks with the provincial government to evaluate the possibility of long-term power purchase agreements with BC Hydro.
The In-SHUCK-ch signed a letter of understanding regarding the terms of a treaty with both the provincial and federal governments in April 2013, which referred to the transfer of Rogers Creek lands where the first run-of-river project is expected to be developed. This treaty is in the process of being finalized.
“It’s no accident that we’re finalizing our partnership arrangement with Innergex at the same time as we are concluding the treaty,” saidGerard Peters, In-SHUCK-ch’s chief negotiator.
“A successful treaty means we must begin to pay our own way, and our green energy projects will make that possible. For the In-SHUCK-ch Nation, this means moving away from dependency and taking our proper place within Canada.”
The In-SHUCK-ch consists of the Samahquam Nation and Skatin Nations, whose territories are located between Harrison and Lillooet Lakes.
@EmmaHampelBIV
