January 6, 2014 – Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. and the Saik’uz First Nation have signed agreements for the development of a wind energy project at Nulki Hills near Vanderhoof, B.C.

The Nulki Hills prospective wind project, representing up to 210MW of renewable power, is currently undergoing a B.C. Environmental Assessment. The partners will work together to obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the province and an electricity purchase agreement from BC Hydro for this project, which could deliver power to the grid by late 2018, it said.

In the agreements, Saik’uz and Innergex “highlight their commitment to meaningful consultation during all stages of project development and to establish and determine the terms for a long-term cooperative and mutually respectful relationship throughout the life cycle of the project”. The parties also announced an agreement to “gather, document and preserve Saik’uz traditional knowledge and to address the ownership, protection and integration of traditional knowledge in the development of the project”.

“We are extremely pleased to have entered into these agreements with the Saik’uz First Nation,” said Richard Blanchet, senior vice president – Western Region of Innergex. “They provide a foundation for a strong relationship that reflects the commitment between Innergex and Saik’uz to work together, respectfully and collaboratively. The announcement today emphasizes our intention to bring sustainable economic development opportunities to Saik’uz and the District of Vanderhoof.”

“We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Innergex,” added Saik’uz First Nations Chief Stanley Thomas. “We trust that Innergex will work within our traditional territory in a manner respectful of the environment, our culture and our constitutional aboriginal rights, titles and interest.”