BC Hydro reaches agreements with Doig River First Nation

FORT ST. JOHN – BC Hydro and the Doig River First Nation (Tsááʔ ché ne dane) have reached agreements that will establish a forward-looking relationship between BC Hydro and the Tsááʔ ché ne dane people, as well as provide economic opportunities and other benefits related to the construction and operation of the Site C Clean Energy Project.

The Environmental Impact Statement and the Joint Review Panel for Site C found the project would have residual, adverse effects on the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes by Doig River members that cannot be mitigated.

The agreements related to Site C include an Impact and Benefits Agreement, a Contracting Agreement and a Tripartite Land Agreement, to which the Province of British Columbia is also a party. Benefits under the agreements include cash payments, procurement opportunities, the selection and transfer of provincial Crown lands and commitments to develop recommendations for enhanced land management initiatives within the Tsááʔ ché ne dane declared K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park.

Parcels of land for potential transfer have not been selected at this point in time. Stakeholder engagement will occur prior to any Crown lands being transferred to Doig River. Engagement will also occur on the development of the land management recommendations.

BC Hydro and Doig River First Nation have agreed to establish a renewed relationship, acknowledging the shared history and future together through a mutually beneficial Renewal Agreement. This agreement recognizes Doig River’s rich history, language and culture, and on-going presence in the Peace River valley as descendants of the original Fort St. John Beaver Band.

Contact

BC Hydro Media Relations
604 928 6468