A group of northwest B.C. First Nations says it wants to help the world ween itself off coal.
The Lax Kw’alaams Band, Metlakatla, Haisla, and Nisga’a Nations have signed a memorandum of understanding forming what they call the Northwest Coast First Nations Collaborative Climate Initiative.
The initiative aims to replace coal-powered energy with B.C.-supplied natural gas, which the partners say would lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The MOU outlines management, construction, and ownership of what it calls a new energy supply infrastructure, including pipelines and export terminals.
A statement from the group says B.C. gas would be delivered through First Nations territories and businesses with the highest environmental standards while contributing to First Nations economic self-determination and alleviating poverty.
The MOU was announced Wednesday at the World Indigenous Business Forum in Vancouver.
