Ahtaapq Creek Hydro: Hesquiaht’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Hesquiaht First Nation hosted an opening ceremony for the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project at Hot Springs Cove, BC. This significant event marks a major step towards energy independence and environmental sustainability by transitioning from diesel to clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
The ceremony featured a traditional welcome, speeches from distinguished guests, including Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, and highlighted the collaborative effort that made this project possible.
The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project exemplifies Hesquiaht’s commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
PRESS RELEASE
Opening Ceremony for Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project Hot Springs Cove, BC – August 9, 2024:
Yesterday, Hesquiaht First Nation held their Opening Ceremony of the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project at Hot Springs Cove. This momentous event celebrated the community’s achievement in reducing reliance on diesel power through the adoption of clean and renewable energy.
The ceremony commenced at 10 a.m. with a traditional welcome and opening prayer, followed by speeches from distinguished guests, including government representatives and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation.
The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project was made possible with support from various 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.
The Hesquiaht First Nation has a rich history and a deep connection to the land. The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project marked a significant advancement in the community’s efforts to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability by utilizing clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
Quotes:
Hesquiaht First Nation Chief Councillor Mariah Charleson “The Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project marks a significant advancement for the Hesquiaht First Nations community’s efforts to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability by utilizing clean, renewable hydroelectric power. Thank you to everyone who has made the Ahtaapq Creek Hydropower Project a success. Hot Springs Cove's future is warm and bright.”
Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation “I am thrilled to join the Hesquiaht First Nation in Hot Springs Cove to celebrate their Ah’ta’apq Creek hydro project,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “This project is an important milestone for the community that will help them reduce diesel use and switch to clean power, ensure the protection of the Clayoquot Sound, and create jobs for people in the community. Our government is committed to reducing 80% of the diesel consumption in BC remote communities by 2030. That’s why we provided $5.5 million to help make the Ah’ta’apq Creek hydro project a reality. I congratulate the Hesquiaht First Nation for taking action to create this clean energy project that is helping to shape a cleaner, healthier future for all of us.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services “I applaud Chief Mariah Charleson (łučinƛcuta), the late Chief Richard Lucas, and past leadership for their dedication and hard work in bringing power to their community. The Ah’ta’apq Creek Hydro Project will create good, stable jobs and improve economic opportunities for generations to come.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources “The Government of Canada is pleased to have supported the Hesquiaht First Nation’s 350 kilowatt Ah’ta’apq Creek Hydro Power Project. Switching to hydro is generating reliable and clean power for the Nation, reducing emissions, and powering British Columbia’s growing green economy. Indigenous leadership in renewable energy is critical to Canada’s ambitious climate and economic goals. I want to congratulate the Hesquiaht First Nation on their achievement and for their commitment to sustainability for a better future.”
About Hesquiaht First Nation: The Hesquiaht First Nation is dedicated to the preservation of its cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable development. Through projects like the Ahtaapq Creek Hydro Power Project, the community continues to lead by example in adopting innovative and environmentally friendly practices.