Steelhead LNG supports First Nations

Steelhead LNG will support the Huu-ay-aht First Nation through a new multi-year ‘generations fund’, which will provide training, education and community programme funding.

The initial contribution to the fund, provided by Steelhead LNG over the course of the feasibility phase of the proposed project, includes immediate funding for a community food truck programme, a walking trail between Anacla and Bamfield, and the initial stages of development of a new programme for Huu-ay-aht Children in Care. As the proposed LNG project progresses, the fund will grow to provide resources for additional Huu-ay-aht programmes and initiatives.

Important funding

Commenting on the news, Jeff Cook, Elected Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations, said: “We’re pleased to have secured this important funding for our people through our participation in the proposed LNG project. Through significant community consultation, Huu-ay-aht citizens have identified issues and initiatives that are important to our people. Through this funding, we can have a real and immediate positive impact on the lives of our children and families, and can free up much-needed resources to better support our […] Hereditary Chiefs.”

The major projects to receive funding from Steelhead LNG are:

• Huu-ay-aht child protective services programme.
• Huu-ay-aht fresh food programme.
• Anacla-Bamfield walking trail.
• Employment for Huu-ay-aht citizens.
• Trades training for Huu-ay-aht citizens.
• Support for the Hereditary Chiefs.

Training and education

Cook added: “Through Treaty, we now have the freedom as a Nation to decide how best to manage our lands and derive economic benefits from them. At this critical time, it is important for us to provide the training, education and funding our citizens need so they can develop their own individual capacity, pursue the careers they want, and support themselves and their families wherever they choose to live. The Generations Fund is an important part of that process.”

Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Steelhead LNG are working together to develop an LNG project at Sarita Bay, 75 km southwest of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.

Community events

“Over the past few months, the Huu-ay-aht government and Huu-ay-aht citizens clearly identified the conditions that must guide the proposed project for it to proceed. The Generations Fund will help us address many of those conditions together and will help provide the Huu-ay-aht with the funding and internal resources they need to carry out their Nation’s strategic plan,” explained Nigel Kuzemko, CEO of Steelhead LNG.

“In addition, as our relationship has developed, Huu-ay-aht citizens continue to honour us by inviting us into their homes and community events and sharing their traditions and culture with us. The Generations Fund will help support the development of community infrastructure and programs to ensure Huu-ay-aht cultural practices and events are recognised, respected and encouraged.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/12052015/community-funding-for-lng-first-nation-732/