The St. Mary’s Indian Band is receiving $40,000 in funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund to assess biomass potential in regional forests and the economic feasibility of turning that biomass into bioenergy.

“This funding will help the Ktunuxa people lead our region towards the development of viable bio-energy projects. I congratulate the Ktunuxa for their vision and their work towards a wiser use of wood waste in the East Kootenay. I also applaud the Cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley for their work on this important project and commend all parties for their collaboration,” stated Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett.

The funding will be used for a range of activities from business planning and project management with the goal of helping develop sustainable communities. This funding will support First Nation communities looking to transition from diesel power by promoting clean energy projects, including hydro, biomass and wind power, explained a B.C. Government Caucus communications release.

“We value the province’s commitments to investing in First Nations-driven clean energy projects. We are proud to be leading bioenergy initiatives within the province and see much potential for this industry to bring sustainable economic growth to our community and the region as a whole, “ said Chief Cheryl Casimer.

“This project is about developing business knowledge so that we can fully engage in the creation of a bioenergy industry locally and regionally. The St. Mary’s Band, or ʔaq’am community, would like to be leaders in both sustainable energy use and creation. The First Nations Clean Energy Fund is providing us the opportunity to take our bioenergy strategy to the next level,” said Becky Pelkonen, Director of Community & Economic Development.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund promotes increased First Nation participation in the clean energy sector through: Revenue sharing from eligible clean energy projects; and equity funding of up to $500,000 for First Nations to invest in clean energy projects.

Capacity development funding of up to $50,000, to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement with private sector proponents of clean energy projects.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund was created to support First Nations and new power projects, with an initial contribution of $5 million from the province. The fund is expected to grow, with further investments based on revenues the government receives from power projects as the clean energy industry grows.

For more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund and the related application process, please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/arr.

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