The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society (NKDF) board of directors has approved the distribution of $158,094 to six First Nations across Northern BC. The funds will be allocated to projects in Haisla, Fraser Lake, and Burns Lake.
Haisla Nation will receive $50,000 to assist with the construction of an in-vessel composting unit. Organic waste will be processed within the community, and the output will be used for community gardens, producing fruits and vegetables for the Nation’s food share program.
The Village of Burns Lake has been granted $50,000 towards the installation of a solar energy system. The system, consisting of 300 solar panels, will be installed on the roof of the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena to help offset the electrical demand of the facility.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) will receive $25,000 to purchase furniture for the new Foundry Burns Lake. The Foundry is a province-wide network providing integrated health and wellness services for individuals aged 12 to 24. These services include physical and sexual health care, mental health care, substance use services, youth and family peer support, and social services, all in one location.
Carrier Sekani is committed to combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with leading Western practices to create effective care models for youth.
“Community is more important than ever, and NKDF is proud to support these important projects that help generate self-reliance, sustainable energy, support our youth, and protect our resources,” said NKDF Chair Cindy Shelford.
Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society has been granted $18,347 to purchase a second Structure Protection Unit (SPU) trailer. The current SPU trailer is a provincial asset and will likely be deployed by BC Wildfire across the province. The new trailer will have additional storage capacity to support both deployment and training activities.
"The Fraser Lake Fire Rescue Training Society is thrilled to partner with NKDF on this project," said Dave Christie, president of the society. "NKDF's values and our values align. Protecting structures and people's livelihoods from wildfires in the RDBN is critical to enhancing the region's economic development goals. We are thrilled to have NKDF's Board and staff standing with us as we move forward on this project."
Eagle Creek Recreation Commission will receive $10,072 to replace the pit toilets at the Eagle Creek Fairgrounds. These fairgrounds host the annual Lakes District Fair, as well as numerous other events throughout the year.
Lastly, the Lakes District Fair Association has been granted $4,675 to install electrical power in the sheep and swine barn. This will provide lighting and electrical outlets for fans during heatwaves and to prevent animal injury during periods of dense wildfire smoke.
For interested parties, the next grant application deadlines are March 31 and July 31. For more information, visit http://www.nkdf.org. For information on past projects funded throughout the NKDF investment area, visit http://www.nkdf.org/projects.
