New committee to broaden Aboriginal engagement at BC Hydro
VANCOUVER — BC Hydro is pleased to announce the newly created Strategic Aboriginal Engagement Committee.
The committee's mandate is to provide advice and input, identify barriers and solutions, and generate innovative concepts and approaches to support the design and delivery of BC Hydro's planning and operations as well as its Aboriginal Relations Strategy. The committee will be responsible for providing recommendations to which BC Hydro will respond publicly in writing.
The committee consists of 12 members. The eight non-BC Hydro members are:
- Carl Archie, Secwepemc Nation,
- Kim Baird, Tsawwassen First Nation,
- Robin Billy, Adams Lake Indian Band,
- Willie Charlie, Sts'ailes Nation,
- Michelle Corfield, Ucluelet First Nation,
- Bruce Dumont, Métis Nation B.C.,
- Dan George, Wet'suwet'en First Nation, and
- Annita McPhee, Tahltan Nation.
Members have been appointed for a one-year term and were chosen from 43 applicants by an all-Aboriginal selection committee. Four senior BC Hydro representatives will also serve on the committee but will not have the voting rights held by the non-BC Hydro members.
BC Hydro strives to achieve direct relationships with Aboriginal communities. The committee will not replace or impact these direct relationships or BC Hydro's consultation and accommodation obligations.
Further information on the committee can be found at: bchydro.com/saec.
Quotes
Kim Baird, Committee Member:
"As a former BC Hydro board member and member of the Tsawwassen First Nation, I am very pleased that BC Hydro has taken this progressive step. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with this group of extremely capable individuals and I look forward to meaningful dialogue and input."
Charles Reid, President & CEO, BC Hydro:
"Building collaborative relationships with First Nations throughout the province is critical to ensuring BC Hydro can continue to deliver on its capital and operating plans. This is one piece of our overall engagement strategy and I am excited about the value this committee will bring to help us improve our relationships and our operations overall."
Donia Snow, Executive Director, Aboriginal Relations, BC Hydro:
"I am very grateful for the efforts of the selection committee, who worked diligently to achieve broad diversity on the committee. I am looking forward to working with the committee members who have generously agreed to share their knowledge and perspectives with BC Hydro."
For more information please contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
604 928 6468