The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG), located in the Williams Lake area of the BC interior, is comprised of 6 individual First Nations communities. TNG’s 6 communities are: Tl’etinqox (Anaham), Tŝi Deldel (Redstone), Yuneŝit’in (Stone), Xeni Gwet’in (Nemiah), ʔEsdilagh (Alexandria) and Tl’esqox (Toosey).
In 2019 Barkley Project Group worked with TNG and the Tŝilhqot’in Nations to create a Clean Energy Plan that reflected, synthesized, and built upon a significant body of prior studies, knowledge and experiences to chart a path forward towards energy sovereignty and sustainable development for the Tŝilhqot’in people. Notably, the CEP process followed the successful completion of the 1.25 MW Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm, is the first project of its kind in Canada to be 100% First Nation-owned, constructed, and operated.
“Energy and electricity has been lacking in the territory for a long time, despite one of the longest stretches of hydro in Canada, so we welcome the opportunity for business and to improve the well-being of our people,” Tŝilhqot’in National Government Tribal Chairman Chief Joe Alphonse said in a news release about the solar project.
A comprehensive approach to community engagement was central to the CEP process because of the diversity of perspectives and opportunities to be considered. In addition to community meetings and targeted events for youth and Elders, the hiring and mentorship of TNG citizens to support the CEP process provided an important capacity-building opportunity that will benefit future TNG energy initiatives. BPG continues to work with TNG to support follow-up initiatives and is committed to mentoring the next generation of Tsilhqot’in clean energy leaders.
This project has received support from the Province of BC.
