Each week, the Indigenous Health department highlights good news stories from the North and from across the country.
Tahltan Central Government and Province of BC enter into first of its kind agreement under Declaration Act
A new agreement has been reached between the Tahltan Central Government and the Province of BC that focuses on consent-based decision making related to the environmental assessment of the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project in Northern BC. The overall intent of the agreement is to create a model for sustainable mining standards while advancing reconciliation.
Chad Norman Day, President of the Tahltan Central Government highlights the foundation of the agreement, "For the Tahltan people, strengthening and preserving our culture, values and independence is why we keep pushing forward on this journey. The Tahltan Central Government has been clear on behalf of all Tahltan people that there will be no world-class mining jurisdiction in Tahltan Territory without robust Tahltan stewardship."
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, articulates the importance of the agreement between governments and knowledge systems, “Through this consent agreement, we are weaving together the processes of two governments with both Tahltan knowledge and western science informing our shared environmental assessment decision-making and supporting collaborative and ecologically sound economic development. We are breaking new ground in how the provincial government, First Nations and companies can work together – recognizing jurisdiction for decisions in a Nation’s territory.”
Read more about this historic agreement on the Government of BC website.
Groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for new housing in Terrace
Partners will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for a supportive housing project on June 22, 2022 on the 4800 block of Lazelle Avenue in Terrace. The project will offer critical social support for people in this Northern hub community.
The housing project will be built and owned by BC Housing and operated by Ksan Society, a non-profit social service agency with deep roots in the community. The housing initiative will offer safe accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Lengths of stay will typically range from six and eighteen months but may vary with different circumstances. Aside from safe shelter, support offered at this location will include personal support, referrals, and advocacy.
Learn more about this exciting housing project from the Terrace Standard.
Northern Indigenous-owned hydroelectric project will supply power beyond provincial borders
Construction work will soon begin on an $80 million hydroelectric expansion project in the Atlin area to supply power into the Yukon. The Canada Infrastructure Bank-funded project will consist of a new 9.2 megawatt hydroelectric facility as well as a new 93-kilometer transmission line.
The hydroelectric expansion will be built, owned, and operated by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, whose territory covers over 40,000 square kilometers in Northwestern BC. This expansion will offer benefit to locals and community members through the creation of nearly 200 jobs.
While providing economic benefit for the community, the project will also support residents in the Yukon and offer environmental benefit. Over the winter months, diesel generators are often required to generate power. This expansion will offer a cleaner alternative.
Read more about this economic and sustainable project on the Windspeaker website.