A First Nation on Vancouver Island has approved a proposed liquefied natural gas export facility on its traditional territories.
Members of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation voted 70 per cent in favour of the development planned by Steelhead LNG at Sarita Bay, near Port Alberni.
The First Nation says in a news release that it is the first in British Columbia to approve the co-management of the development of a liquefied natural gas facility.
In October 2015, Chief Robert Dennis said the Huu-ay-aht had been talking with the Vancouver-based company about the export plant, and those negotiations had covered environmental, cultural and economic issues but had not yet included a financial offer.
The vote on Saturday also gave unanimous support of the Huu-ay-aht's executive council and its council of hereditary chiefs.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nation has 750 members.