Tahltan First Nation, B.C., sign run-of-river power agreements

VICTORIA – First Nations in B.C. continue to make progress outside the treaty process with two clean-energy deals signed between the government and the Tahltan First Nation.

The Tahltan is the same northern B.C. band that has banned the Fortune Minerals Ltd. (TSX:FT) from its land in an angry dispute over the firm’s proposed coal mine on Mount Klappan, in the band’s traditional territory.

The revenue-sharing energy agreements involve two run-or-the-river projects on creeks in Tahltan territory and would see the proceeds reinvested back into the community.

John Rustad, the minister for aboriginal relations and reconciliation, says the success of such agreements helps create an economic climate that provides opportunities for all British Columbians.

Tahltan Central Council president Annita McPhee says their nation is committed to resource development that respects the environment and Tahltan rights, while providing tangible benefits to the community.

The projects, on the McLymont and Volcano creeks in northwestern B.C., would provide renewable energy and be sold to BC Hydro for distribution to the provincial power grid.