The Leq'a:mel and Matsqui First Nations will receive $57,740 in provincial funding to kick-start their plans for clean energy projects.
The $28,560 to be received by the Leq'a:mel First Nation will be earmarked for the creation of a community energy profile that will identify potential clean energy projects, including run-of-river hydro power, wind, solar, and bioenergy power.
Meanwhile, the Matsqui First Nation will put their share of the funding, $29,180, towards conducting a preliminary assessment of clean energy opportunities, including hydro, wind solar, geothermal, and bioenergy power.
The Leq'a:mel and Matsqui First Nations are two of eight aboriginal communities across the province to receive this investment from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund.
"The Clean Energy Business Fund is a great program. It helps communities pursue sustainable energy opportunities and ensures that First Nations benefit from clean energy resource development through revenue sharing agreements," said Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson in a press release.
Since 2011, the B.C. government has invested $3.8 million in clean energy projects in 70 aboriginal communities across the province.