K’uul Power

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K’UUL POWER AND COLLABORATING FIRST NATIONS SIGN HISTORIC AGREEMENT WITH BRITISH COLUMBIA AND BC HYDRO ON NORTH COAST TRANSMISSION LINE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vancouver, BC (July 23, 2025) — Leaders from Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla, Witset, Ts’il Kaz Koh, Wet’suwet’en First Nations, Nee Tahi Buhn Band, and Wet’suwet’en House Group Hereditary Chiefs, signed non-binding Term Sheets with the Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro on Monday, July 21st, in a ceremony facilitated by Squamish Nation Elders and leaders on Squamish traditional territory.

A number of youth were on hand to formally participate in the ceremony, and in the traditional manner, four of these youth were called to be witnesses at the event. When asked to share his version of the event, one of the youth witnesses said that he was very proud to be part of this historical event. and that it really hit home for him the value of Nations working together. He went on to say how he was happy that K’uul Power and the participating Nations saw the value in this type of collaboration, and that he has a new level of confidence in his own future after observing an event of this magnitude.

The 150 plus pages of agreement terms enable a partnership between BC Hydro and the NCTL Nations in building and owning the line, while also protecting the environment and safe-guarding communities.

Once the final Project Agreement is executed, the financial benefits available to the participating NCTL Nations have the potential to exceed $1.4 billion, without counting the benefits of the commitment to maximize the participation of First Nation businesses in construction within a framework of Best Total Value with a minimum threshold of $450 million in First Nations direct construction opportunities.

“This is just the beginning” said Ts’il Kaz Koh Chief and K’uul Power Chair Wes Sam. “There are many more projects to come. K’uul Power and the collaborating Nations are demonstrating what First Nations can achieve by working together”. “The K’uul Power team, alongside BC and BC Hydro, spent thousands of hours getting this deal to where it is — And there is a lot more work to do.”

K’uul Power Nations led the negotiation in collaboration with non-K’uul Nations such as Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams. Some affected Nations are still reviewing the agreement to decide whether they will sign on but all of them are committed to collaborating to improve the deal moving forward.

“This is a groundbreaking agreement between British Columbia, BC Hydro, First Nations, and Hereditary Chiefs,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “I see this as a foundation for how we will build the North Coast Transmission Line together and provide training and good job opportunities for Nation members. My sincere thanks to K’uul Power and all the participating First Nations for their commitment to this important project that will open up clean power to industry throughout the Northwest.”

“This agreement is a major step forward for First Nations in building the new decarbonized Canadian economy which will have First Nations as central actors and a critical foundation.” Said Lax Kw’alaams Councillor Joey Wesley.

“This is an historic opportunity for our people” said Wet’suwet’en First Nation Chief Maureen Luggi. “We are committed to achieving economic reconciliation through collaboration on sustainable energy projects in our territories. There is much left to do in finalizing the project terms, but we believe the Term Sheets as executed provide the sound basis for a fair development that will benefit the environment and all British Columbians.”

Nee Tahi Buhn Chief Marcella Morris agreed. “We are proud to move forward on this project in our territories. The future of our members depends on benefiting from projects like this. The collaboration between first nations on these term sheets was history in the making. The execution on the term sheets sets a precedent for how business should be carried out in British Columbia”

Metlakatla Chief Robert Nelson emphasized that "This is a great demonstration of what we can achieve if we work together and we need to continue to do so."

“This expansion is about preparing for what’s next – new demand, new partnerships, and a new energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We’re seeing strong interest in industrial development across the North Coast, and we need the infrastructure to support it. Just as important is the opportunity to work alongside First Nations in a way that reflects a new model of collaboration—one that includes co-ownership.”

“Alh’ku ts’eltus (Together Stronger) is more than a slogan for the Wet’suwet’en. It has become a guiding reminder of what’s possible when we work together. True strength is reflected when the elected Chief and Council stand alongside our Hereditary Chiefs in unity and mutual respect. We continue to heal and rebuild for future generations by standing strong as stewards of the land and protectors of our culture. This signing is powerful. It calls back to the leadership shown in the Delgamuukw-Gisday’wa court case where our rights and title were clearly affirmed. This agreement builds on that unity and gives our people a real voice in action and in decision-making. I’m honoured to represent my people, and even more moved to have our youth witness and participate in this historic moment — a future shaped by our values. I’m excited, optimistic and remain focused on the important work ahead of us. Alh’ku ts’eltus (Together stronger)”. Elgin Cutler- Witset Elected Chief 

This collaboration sets a precedent for how infrastructure can, and should, be developed in full partnership with Indigenous leadership.

For further information contact:

Alex Grzybowski – CEO, K’uul Power alex@pacificresolutions.com

 

Backgrounder

  • British Columbia’s North Coast is positioned along the Pacific Rim and is fast becoming a powerhouse of resource and trade development because of its strategic location, natural resources, and rapidly modernizing infrastructure.  There are over 60 billion in near-term project investments in the northwest, all of which will be made more sustainable by the NCTL while contributing to Canada diversifying export markets.

  • The term sheets provide key terms for the legal agreements between First Nations BC and BC Hydro, which will include: environmental enhancement measures, project development conditions; First Nation economic participation through procurement opportunities, contracting, training and employment; project benefit payments and an opportunity to acquire up to 50 per cent equity in the line and to earn returns on their investment over the economic life of the project.   

  • Having First Nations involved in every aspect of this project brings vital local traditional values and knowledge to the project which in turn brings more certainty, will expedite the development, increase local economic activity and help ensure environmental sustainability.  

  • There is recognition that through this partnership we will end up with much stronger and more thoughtful decisions made due to First Nations being at the boardroom table - this is not just about reconciliation, but also a great business decision.  

  • First Nations are increasingly taking a leadership role in moving forward new, large scale infrastructure projects that will be a major part of our future decarbonized economy.   

  • Once the North Coast Transmission Line is built, BC Hydro will lease the transmission line from the co-owners and operate it as part of the integrated system. 

  • These term sheets mark another important milestone in advancing the project toward construction, which is expected to begin in 2026.  In the meantime, we will continue to work collaboratively to reach final agreements before the end of this year. 

Photo courtesy of BC Hydro