Funds for clean energy

Photo: Contributed

The Skeetchestn Indian Band will be plugging into clean energy options and turning trash into cash.

The band, west of Kamloops, will explore clean energy generation and turning compost into income with support from British Columbia's First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.

Skeetchestn will receive $30,000 to develop a community energy plan that will raise awareness about energy consumption in the community and study a range of opportunities toward energy efficiency and independence.

Benefits include seeking options on clean energy generation, such as using solar and wind, improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings, improving waste facilities to reduce greenhouse gases while creating a composting business, and working with industry and post-secondary institutions to improve capacity within the community for skills such as home energy audits.

Funding for this project and other agreements is part of the Province's commitment to reconciliation, and ensuring First Nations are involved in economic opportunities that make their communities and the rest of the province stronger.

"Our community energy plan reflects the importance the Skeetchestn people place on reducing our carbon footprint, living sustainably and using the renewable natural resources within our territory," said Chief Ronald Ignace of the Skeetchestn Indian Band. "Our people set the priorities of this plan and ensured it aligns with our traditions, laws and culture, and will continue to guide what comes next to achieve energy independence."