It is one of two energy projects in B.C. that First Nations are pursuing, not as partners, but as majority owners, the other being the Clarke Lake geothermal energy project, which will be owned by the Fort Nelson First Nation.
Although provincial and federal environmental reviews are ostensibly about assessing and trying to mitigate environmental impacts, resource project proponents can tick all the right environmental boxes and still fail if there is strong opposition from local First Nations.
“It is definitely a huge asset to the projects to be owned by First Nations,” Haisla Chief Coun. Crystal Smith told BIV, adding that the Haisla have developed significant capacity and knowledge of the LNG industry over the years.