Lower Similkameen Indian Band wind power project completed
By Contributor
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) are celebrating the completion of their wind power project located at the LSIB Elementary School.
The recently installed small wind turbine will generate electricity for the school, act as a demonstration and educational tool for students and LSIB community members.
“This is the first step down the road to meeting sustainable green power initiatives for LSIB. The students will learn about renewable energy and how we can harness power from natural resources” said Chief Rob Edward of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
In partnership with TWN Wind Power and FortisBC, the 5kW S-343 Endurance Wind Power turbine is the first installation of its kind in the region.
“I want to congratulate the Lower Similkameen Chief, Council and everyone who worked to make this project a reality,” said Chief Justin George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. TWN Wind Power is a wholly owned company by Tsleil-Waututh. “We see the wind power business as an entry point into our goals to partner with First Nations communities in Renewable Energy projects.”
The 5kW S-343 turbine sits atop a 120′ tower, which can be lowered for annual maintenance. The project started in late August, 2011, and was completed in mid-October of the same year. The turbine is connected to the electrical grid, and generating electricity for the LSIB Elementary School.
“This is an excellent example of First Nations working together in renewable energy”, said Marc Soulliere, CEO of TWN Wind Power. “We are delighted to have worked on this project. As communities work together, jobs are created and economic opportunities are realized.”
A Grand Opening Day and Celebration are planned for Nov. 17 at the LSIB Band School, to commemorate the accomplishment and learn more about the LSIB initiatives.
About Lower Similkameen Indian Band – www.lsib.net
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) is a small, geographically isolated community in the Similkameen Valley, located in the South Central Interior of British Columbia.
The Lower Similkameen Indian Reserve covers 15,276.4 hectares and services a total of 11 reserves, divided into pockets of land stretching over 90 kilometers. The Bands current membership is 459 members, half of which reside on reserve.
Located in the Similkameen Valley, the land base of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band is a combination of distinctive desert lands, luscious valley lands, mountainous alpine and fertile wetlands.
The mountainous region contains various streams, creeks, rivers and lakes. The pristine back country offers the beauty of nature as it should exist. The area is known for its diversity in agriculture through ranching, farming and orchards. Natural resource development in logging, restoration and forest management is also important in this area.
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