Sechelt, BC: Shíshálh Nation Chief Garry Feschuk announced the signing of an agreement January 31 between the First Nation and the Western Tidal company. The two organizations will co-operate to investigate the feasibility of a tidal power project in Agamemnon Channel, on the coast of British Columbia.
“This agreement is a prime example of how shíshálh stewards its land,” said the Chief. “Through our Lands and Resources Decision-Making Policy, we are ensuring that our resources are protected and that development occurs in a sustainable manner. Western Tidal engaged with the Nation early with the goal of creating collaboration. We applaud them and expect all proponents to follow their example.”
The agreement signified a new phase in the working relationship between Western Tidal and the shíshálh Nation. The Nation and Western Tidal will jointly decide, after due diligence, if the project will proceed to the development stage. The agreement also allows for Western Tidal to hold an investigative use license for tidal power at Skookumchuck; however, any investigative work or development must be expressly approved by the shíshálh Chief and Council.
Shíshálh Council has championed the benefits of IPPs on behalf of the shíshálh Nation for the past ten years and in doing so made green energy power sources a top priority for First Nations throughout BC, eclipsing forestry and fishing as major sources for financial revenue for Nations that are willing to co-venture.