The Ktunaxa Nation and the federal government have co-developed a plan to allocate $58 million towards delivering fish and habitat projects in the Kootenays that stem from a fine levied against Teck for violating federal fisheries regulations in the Elk Valley.
The approach includes non-competitive, project-based funding of up to $30 million for Ktunaxa First Nations and Ktunaxa Nation Council, as well as up to $6 million each available for other Kootenay Region First Nations, namely, Shuswap Band and Okanagan Nation Alliance.
It will also be used to carry out research and development to improve the understanding of issues related to the enhancement, conservation, or restoration of fish or fish habitat.
Further, $16 million will be available to fund projects through an open, competitive call for applications co-developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ktunaxa Nation.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations through meaningful collaboration rooted in the spirit of partnership and principles of reconciliation," said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
"This partnership with Ktunaxa is a significant and novel milestone, showcasing federal collaboration with an Indigenous Nation to distribute funding through the Environmental Damages Fund. This collaboration recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and expertise in caring for the interconnected ecosystem of Qukin ʔamakʔis.”
In 2021, Teck pleaded guilty to Fisheries Act violations and was fined $60 million — the largest environmental penalty levied under the Fisheries Act in Canadian history — for selenium and calcite discharges from mining operations into Elk Valley waterways.
Of that fine, $58 million was directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, which is now being used to fund the co-developed fish and fish habitat projects.
“This partnership recognizes the Ktunaxa Nation’s stewardship of Qukin ʔamakʔis," said Kathryn Teneese, Chair, Ktunaxa Nation Council. "It’s a first, and it brings the spirit of reconciliation alive in action. We value being able to work together as true partners to protect the land, water, and all living beings in our territory.”
According to a news release, the call for applications will be administered through the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund.
Applications will be jointly reviewed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Ktunaxa representatives to ensure that projects chosen to receive funding maximize environmental benefits and align with Ktunaxa stewardship values and principles.
First Nations may choose to advance projects independently or in collaboration with partners.
“We have the opportunity now to guide the direction, to lead, and to collaborate with all of those who want to be a part of the solution to fix our waterways and heal what has been damaged," said Nasuʔkin Heidi Gravelle, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it.
"As ʔakanuxunik’, we have an inherent responsibility to be a part of the process that's going to heal our water and to heal our lands.”
To support the Ktunaxa Nation’s full participation in the joint review of the call for applications, and to advance the development of Ktunaxa-led projects, up to $3.25 million of the $30-million allocation will be made available to Ktunaxa First Nations and the Ktunaxa Nation Council to support administrative and technical capacity within their organizations.
