03 April 2012
- Ownership in a bioheat business to heat Gitsegukla and beyond
- Partner with a world leader in sustainable forestry
- A new communications/engagement protocol with the Chiefs
- Energy opportunities in the northwest
- A potential wood pellet plant at the old Kispiox Forest Products Mill
Those were just some of the opportunities the Simgiigyet heard at the Gimlitxwit meeting in Gitsegukla March 27th. The meeting was the first chance for the newly created Gitxsan Development Corporation (GDC) to update its shareholders – the Chiefs – on their activities to date.
GDC was launched June 22, 2011 to act as a holding company for Gitxsan business opportunities.. “It was designed to implement your rights defined in the landmark 1997 Delgamuukw ruling”, said President and CEO Rick Connors, while presenting an overview on GDC.
The presenters were asked a number of excellent questions throughout the day and a healthy discussion ensued. Through it all, the main focus remained - putting the 1997 victory in the Supreme Court of Canada to use - GDC will bring those benefits from the land to the Chiefs.
Connors discussed how GDC is unique in the world in which it operates. “The Gitxsan Ayookw - our laws - guide the Corporation’s philosophy, connecting it with the authority of the Chiefs. GDC is the ultimate implementation tool for Delgamuukw, bringing benefits from the land to the Chiefs and the Gitxsan people”.
Gitxsan Forest Enterprises Inc. (GFEI) and Gitxsan Energy Inc. (GEI), two wholly owned subsidiaries of GDC were also part of the presentation. GFEI is responsible for forest operations in Gitxsan Country and holds a 386,000m3 licence while GEI is exploring renewable power projects and innovative community heating systems.
GFEI announced an exciting partnership with a global leader in sustainable forestry, Brinkman Forest Ltd (Brinkman). Brinkman provides comprehensive resource management services to First Nation communities in northwestern and coastal British Columbia. Owner and visionary, Dirk Brinkman spoke with the Chiefs about his company's history in the industry and his philosophy on sustainable forestry. Catherine Craig, General Manager with Brinkman, spoke specifically about creating a development strategy for GFEI to move the company forward sustainably for present and future generations.
Andrew Davis, Community and Lands Liaison for GFEI presented a new Communications and Engagement Protocol to the Chiefs. Davis said, “he is confident the new protocol will create an atmosphere of trust that will foster respectful relationships with the house groups”.
After the lunch break, Jako Krushnisky, CEO of Gitxsan Energy Inc. discussed a number of initiatives undertaken by GEI since its inception. A recently completed energy inventory revealed a number of potential hydro opportunities within Gitxsan Country. Wind energy was also considered and Krushnisky indicated that he was surprised with the number of good potential sites that were identified.
In considering power development, including hydro, wind and biomass, and forecasted energy demand growth in the northwest for mining and other resource activities, Krushnisky indicated that the next logical step is to complete a Gitxsan Energy Plan to help better understand strategic options around energy development.
Next Krushnisky told the meeting that Gitxsan Energy has acquired a 25% equity stake in Evergreen Bioheat. Evergreen holds distribution rights across Canada for Fröling products – a world leader in bio heat energy systems. The bioheat business is estimated to be worth $1 Billion in BC alone and an independent evaluator has valued the investment at $4.4 Million. Krushnisky said “there is tremendous potential in Gitxsan Country for this business to succeed and there is a natural synergy with GFEI, a wood centred business focused on sustainability”. The Company expects to turn a profit in 2012.
O’Yee, Cliff Sampare then gave a presentation on his visit to Austria where he looked at the Fröling technology proposed for the village of Gitsegukla. Sampare explained that Gitsegukla will be the first Native community in North America to install a Fröling system. The installation will heat the school, fire hall, 7 duplexes, and band administration buildings. It's estimated that by using bioheat over propane, the Band will save over $600,000 over twenty years.
In Closing Rick Connors discussed the future of GDC:
- Execute on its strategic goals
- Provide mentoring for Gitxsan people
- Pursue economic activities to generate wealth
- Promote and protect Gitxsan language, traditions and culture
Special thanks to the chiefs in attendance, the presenters, Sight and Sound, The Gitsegukla Band, and the fabulous cooks who fed the gathering.
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