Wuikinuxv Nation is leading a community-driven geothermal energy exploration project within their traditional territory near Rivers Inlet, BC—one of the most remote and ecologically significant regions in Canada, nestled in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This initiative is grounded in community-held knowledge and local stewardship, aiming to harness geothermal energy to support economic revitalization, energy sovereignty, and long-term environmental sustainability.
Barkley Project Group, in collaboration with Wuikinuxv Nation, conducted field-based geoscientific exploration in late 2024. This included a helicopter-borne thermal imaging survey, water sampling, and geological mapping. The helicopter-borne thermal imaging survey revealed over 20 previously unmapped geothermal surface features, showing the immense geothermal potential of the area.
Proposed activities for this project include geophysical surveys, 3D subsurface modelling, community engagement, and geothermal energy use feasibility studies. Potential geothermal applications include hot springs eco-tourism, fish drying and processing, and lumber drying. These opportunities align with Wuikinuxv’s cultural values and economic aspirations.
This project positions Wuikinuxv as a leader in Indigenous-led climate action and renewable energy innovation, creating opportunities that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and deeply connected to place and people.
This project has received funding from Natural Resources Canada through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) Program.