A Day of Celebration
The day began with a unique and thrilling early morning adventure as guests embarked on a boat journey from Tofino to Hot Springs Cove. The hour-and-a-half trip, the only means of reaching the destination besides a float plane, was not without its challenges. Navigating the rough, turbulent waters along the coast, the water taxis braved the thick fog that reduced visibility to almost zero. This added an element of anticipation and excitement to the day’s events. Despite these conditions, approximately 30 guests arrived safely, their spirits high and ready to celebrate this significant milestone.
Upon arrival, all guests, dignitaries, funders, and a few of the Barkley Project Group team were greeted by Hesquiaht citizens. Everyone was then shuttled to the Hesquiaht school, where they were warmly welcomed by Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson and approximately 40 Hesquiaht citizens. The school became a hub of community, where guests mingled with community members, sharing stories and building connections. The atmosphere was one of inclusivity and camaraderie, making everyone feel like a part of the Hesquiaht community and setting the tone for the rest of the day’s celebrations.
Following the warm welcome and an introduction from Chief Charleson, Hesquiaht citizens offered a prayer and then made their way outside of the school to view the solar project, followed by gathering for a group photo; they hopped back into the citizen trucks and embarked on a thirty-minute drive for a comprehensive site tour of the hydro project. The tour took them from the Ahtaapq Creek headpond to the powerhouse, providing a firsthand look at the intricate engineering and careful planning that went into the project. The tour was guided by the Project Manager, Kass Harbottle, along with many who were directly involved in the project, shared their insights and experiences, offering a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that made this project a reality.
As the tour concluded, everyone made their way back to the school. Upon returning from the site visit, the community prepared the large open foyer with tables and chairs; each seat was gifted a lovely black Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Project-designed ball cap. The Hesquiaht people performed some cultural drumming and singing to set the day off in a good way, followed by a traditional Hesquiaht feast, a true highlight of the day. The meal featured fresh seafood, salmon and prawns, all locally sourced and prepared with care. Accompanying the seafood were homemade salads and bannock, offering a delicious taste of the region’s culinary traditions. The feast was not only a celebration of the project’s completion but a celebration of the community’s connection to the land and the waters that sustain them.
Heartfelt Speeches and Tributes
After the feast, the speeches and tributes marked the official opening of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project. The speeches were a blend of pride, gratitude, and hope, with each speaker acknowledging the collective effort that made the project possible. Many citizens reflected on the late Chief Richard Lucas, who was a big part of this hydro project. Many of his family members attended, including his son, to bear witness to “his work and dream come to fruition.” “Richard was a visionary, and this project was his legacy” were some of the key comments made.
A respected elder of the Hesquiaht First Nation and cousin to the late Richard Lucas opened the speeches with a traditional prayer, invoking blessings for the land, the water, and the people who will benefit from the hydro project. The elder’s words resonated deeply with all present, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the project to the Hesquiaht people, and offered thanks to all involved in the hydro project and wanted to give them all protection from here on out, so they performed a ceremonial “brushing”. With the assistance of two teen youths, both with small tree branches in hand, shook them over each person in unison from top to bottom while the Elder drummed and sang.
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director of Clean Energy BC and a member of the Hupacasath Nation, spoke passionately about the behind-the-scenes efforts required for projects like the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project. He highlighted the relentless advocacy and lobbying involved, emphasizing the importance of making sure bureaucrats and politicians understand the significance of these initiatives and not giving up until they become a reality.
Government officials and representatives from funding organizations also shared their perspectives. MLA Josie Osborne, representing the province of British Columbia, spoke passionately about the broader impact of the Project. She said, “My journey to the place that I am today started here in this community. When I started as a fisheries biologist for Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, this was one of the first places I came to in February 1999. It was pretty stormy – the ride was kind of similar to the boat ride this morning. When we went into the community, I remember walking past these big drums of fuel and these big throbbing generators. That was 1999, and I know that the community had been living with them since well before that. But knowing that a vision could be born for energy independence for something that is as clean and beautiful as this incredible place around us, it is our responsibility as humanity to care for it and steward it and to pass it on to our children and our grandchildren in a way that’s even better than we find it now. That is what this vision for clean energy in this village means to me. You have so much to be proud of. There are about 44 communities across BC that are remote and dependent on fossil fuels. Slowly, one by one, they are weaning off of fossil fuels, and you are showing them the path and way forward, and you are inspiring communities across this province. A 100% Indigenous-owned and led clean energy project. I want to, on behalf of the province of British Columbia, say thank you for your energy, your vision for your commitment, and for following in the footsteps of the late Richard Lucas.”
MP Gord Johns, representing the Government of Canada, also spoke at the ceremony and reflected on “the relentless dedication of Richard Lucas, a
community leader whose vision was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.” Gord recalled, “Richard Lucas talked to everybody and worked everybody. He was relentless and so determined. I met with three ministers on this project. I see my job as the messenger, and I was delivering late Richard’s message.” This tribute to Lucas resonated with all who knew him and served as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and unwavering commitment that made the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project a reality.
A Vision Realized
This Project is a significant achievement for the Hesquiaht First Nation. This run-of-river hydroelectric project, which harnesses the power of the Ahtaapq Creek, is designed to provide clean, renewable energy to the community, significantly reducing its reliance on diesel generators. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power the entire community, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The journey to this point was not without its challenges. The project required careful planning, significant financial investment, and a strong commitment from
all involved to ensure its success. The Hesquiaht First Nation worked closely with engineers, environmental consultants, and financial advisors to navigate the complex process of designing and implementing the hydro project. Their efforts were supported by a range of funders, including Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the BC First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), the BC Rural Dividend Fund, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Rural and Northern Communities (RNC) stream, the Fraser Basin Council’s Remote and Indigenous Communities Clean Energy Program (RERC), and Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program.
Each of these funders played a crucial role in bringing the project to life, providing the necessary financial resources and technical support to overcome obstacles and push the project forward. Their contributions were acknowledged throughout the day, with many speakers expressing their deep appreciation for the partnerships that made the project possible.
A Step Towards Sustainability
The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project is more than just an energy project; it represents a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by the Hesquiaht First Nation. By choosing to invest in clean, renewable energy, the community is taking an important step towards reducing its carbon footprint and protecting the natural environment for future generations.
The project also has significant economic and social benefits for the Hesquiaht community. By reducing reliance on diesel fuel, already saving over $375,000 in diesel bills in the first year, the community can lower its energy costs and redirect resources toward other vital areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Additionally, the project has created local jobs during the construction phase and in the ongoing operation and maintenance of the hydro facility.
Looking to the Future
As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of hope and optimism for the future. This Project is seen as a catalyst for further development and progress within the Hesquiaht First Nation. The community is already exploring additional clean energy initiatives and other projects that will build on the success of the hydro project.
Preston Campbell, a Council member of Hesquiaht First Nation, expressed deep gratitude to the funders in attendance, saying, “I want to acknowledge what you’ve done for our community and our lands. You may not realize how much this means to us fishermen. This project has saved countless trips throughout the year of hauling diesel from Tofino and Ucluelet. You all experienced the journey around that point today; imagine what it’s like in December or January. There were times we couldn’t get fuel. Times when three houses were powered by a single generator in winter. Thank you for investing in our children and their future. Because of your support, they will have power, warmth in their school, and won’t be left sitting in the dark. You’ve given us hope for our future. We’re all here on borrowed time, so thank you for spending yours with us in this community. Thank you for your investment, your time, and for coming to see what you’ve helped create.”
Before the group prepared to return to the water taxis to travel back to Tofino, Chief Mariah Charleson shared a powerful reflection on Hesquiaht’s history with the guests. “Hundreds of years ago, when Canada began to colonize, we were confined to small plots of land they called ‘reserves,’ and our names were changed. In the late 1800s, Canada made it illegal for us to harvest salmon in the traditional way we had for thousands of years. That’s why we moved here to this cove—it’s the only place where you can anchor a vessel 365 days a year. Canada said, ‘You need to have a commercial fishing vessel if you want to catch fish, or we’re throwing you in jail.’ Historically, our people have always relied on the ocean, but when we were displaced from our traditional territories to these reserves, given English names, and placed in the cold, it changed everything. Everyone in this community knows what happened in 1964—there was a massive tidal wave from an earthquake in Alaska that displaced our people once again. We have a history of being displaced, of being negatively impacted by the decisions of Canada and B.C.
But now, we are turning a new leaf. With federal legislation, UNDRIP, and provincial legislation like DRIPA, we have the tools to make real change. This project is an example of that change at work. When you help a small community like Hot Springs Cove or Hesquiaht First Nation, you’re actually guiding the way. This is a blueprint for other First Nations across Canada. It’s because of everyone in this room, all the different partners who believed in this positive initiative, that we are moving in the right direction. This is what true reconciliation looks like. So, I want to say klecko klecko to every single person who made this possible.”
The project’s opening is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and a clear vision. It is a shining example of the power of collaboration, the importance of cultural and environmental stewardship, and the enduring strength of the Hesquiaht First Nation. As the community looks forward to clean, renewable energy benefits, the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other communities pursuing sustainable energy solutions.
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