First Nations

T’Sou-ke First Nation Innovation and Demonstration Solar Project:
Harnessing the Sun to Produce Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Self-Sufficiency, Sooke, BC

In a spectacular marriage of traditional values and state of the art technology, the T’Sou-ke First Nation on Vancouver Island has already become BC’s most-solar-powered intensive community. As the first phase of a five-year plan designed to end the community’s dependence on fossil fuels, the T’Sou-ke Nation is installing solar panels to pre heat hot water and photovoltaic panels to create clean electricity to power potentially large savings as hydro prices spike. In the process the Nation is creating much-needed skills in a new fast growing industry.

T’Sou-ke is truly a Solar Community. The whole community has contributed to the vision and is participating in the implementation; much of the work is being done by community members who are training as solar technicians. The innovative, culturally appropriate training program has produced 9 certified solar installers. The installation of solar hot water panels on the first 25 houses will be complete by the end of March. Then there is BC’s largest photovoltaic solar array demonstrating three models most likely to be needed by on and off grid First Nations.

T’Sou-ke Nation leaders intend that the project, named “Sum-SHA-Thut”, the Sencoten term for “sunshine”, will lead to many benefits for First Nations:

* Provide a demonstration site to inspire remote and diesel dependent communities to “kick the tire” and learn about solar power, First Nation to Nation.

* Bring about a drastic reduction in fossil fuel emissions and improve the health of First Nations people by reducing particulates that cause asthma and other pollution-linked diseases

* Create sustainable “green-collar” jobs in communities hard-hit by the loss of job in forestry, fisheries and building trades

*Help set the stage for Canadian First Nations to become leaders in renewable energy solutions.

“For most of our history, First Nations were rooted in the traditions of sustainable living and respect for the land,” says T’Sou-ke Chief Gordon Planes, “and the Sum-SHA-Thut project is the first step in achieving energy self-sufficiency once again.”