Tla’amin Nation has sent a letter of intent to Paper Excellence in accordance with the company’s deadline for parties interested in purchasing the 300-acre Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill site, and all of its industrial assets.
According to a media release from the Tla’amin government, the letter of intent is the first step in the process leading to a conditional offer to purchase the now shuttered mill.
“More than one hundred years ago, our people were forced from our ancient village at Tis’kwat,” stated Tla’amin hegus John Hackett. “Our people have never benefited in any way from the many millions of dollars extracted from the mill that was built over our village. We have never relinquished our claim to what was once a beautiful place, with a thriving sockeye salmon run.
“Our letter of intent is an important step to reclaiming our land and demonstrating the important benefit that local ownership can offer the region. As we move toward an offer to purchase the site and reacquire our traditional lands and waters, we celebrate the resilience, strength and determination of our people.”
The release stated that positive discussions with Pacific Hydrogen Canada Corp. are ongoing, further to a memorandum of understanding announced on August 17, with regard to a possible clean, green energy project at Tis’kwat. The release stated that Tla’amin continues to work closely with its treaty partners at the federal and provincial governments on initiatives related to land reclamation, habitat restoration and economic development opportunities at the site.
The nation stated that it will have more detailed information to share regarding all of these matters in the coming days.
According to a media release from Tla’amin dated August 17, the nation has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Pacific Hydrogen Canada Corp., committing the parties to reach a respectful and mutually beneficial business partnership for development and operation of the green energy project. The project will use renewable electricity in various forms to produce a low carbon, renewable methanol for export to global e-methanol users, according to the release. As part of the memorandum of understanding, Tla’amin has signaled its intention to acquire a meaningful equity position in Pacific Hydrogen Canada Corp.
“This agreement is a positive step in Tla’amin’s continued efforts to reacquire and reestablish stewardship of our historic village site at Tis’kwat, while at the same time contributing to the local economy,” stated Hackett. “This is a winning solution for all parties and ensures local involvement and leadership in the next steps for this exciting project on this critical site within the qathet region.”
The release stated that Tla’amin Nation’s executive council looks forward to continuing to work with Pacific Hydrogen Canada and other potential partners to realize its vision for an environmentally sustainable and reconciliation-oriented economy.
