Four First Nations open Ncha Koh Industrial Park near Vanderhoof

Chief Robert Michell of Stellat’en First Nation said the purchase shows what the Nations can achieve when they work together.

“I think the thing that we did, and I think we’re proud of, is the fact that we did it on our own. We didn’t have government involved. We didn’t have many other industries involved. We did it on our own,” Michell said.

He mentioned that outside groups are already interested in the park.

“Give us an opportunity, give us some time, and this is the result of it. We have an industrial park that’s available for all B.C. to use,” Michell said.

The property covers over 1,000 acres and has rail and highway access, buildings, and a rock quarry. It will help support industrial growth, jobs, and partnerships in the area.

Chief Beverly Ketlo of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation said the site’s size and easy access make it valuable.

“This area is just under 1,200 acres. And we communities came together and purchased it to create opportunities for our Nations and surrounding communities,” Ketlo said.

She said some companies are already interested, but the Nations are taking their time before deciding who will use the site.

“We’re going to make sure that the companies that come out here will work together with us. And so we’re being very cautious on people coming in right now,” Ketlo said.

Chief Priscilla Mueller of Saikuz First Nation explained that the four Nations will manage the park through a partnership that has lasted nearly 10 years.

“So the four communities have a partnership. And we’ve had that partnership for almost ten years. And so we have a board of directors, and that’s how we’re going to be managing the park,” Mueller said.

Mueller added that the site is especially meaningful to families affected when the mill closed.

“This mill shut down, and we lost a lot of people, lost their jobs and had to move on. You still have to pay your mortgages and feed your families. And I think this will be a good opportunity for those families,” she said.

BC Hydro is the park’s first commercial tenant and will use part of the site as a laydown yard for the North Coast Transmission Line.

Chief Dolleen Logan of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation said the park can create long-term opportunities for future generations.

“I hope to see it full. There are endless possibilities here. There are three wells. There’s the power source. There are endless possibilities,” Logan said.

She said the project is also focused on children, grandchildren, education, and training.

“I have my grandchildren with me; I have five of them. And you see them, and you see their future,” Logan said.

by Dave Branco

Four First Nations open Ncha Koh Industrial Park near Vanderhoof

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