Building strong working-relationships with the seven bands and two nations in the southern interior is the core of our Aboriginal relations program. FortisBC has many power facilities and lines located in traditional First Nations territories.

FortisBC engages First Nations Groups at the first stages of all major infrastructure projects on traditional lands and consults with these groups about technical, environmental, historical and public consultation. Mutual understanding, respect, open communication, and trust continue to be FortisBC’s aim when working with First Nations groups in the southern interior of BC.

FortisBC has been consulting with both the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Penticton Indian Band for the Okanagan Transmission Reinforcement project. The new Bentley Substation, which has been proposed as part of the project, will be constructed on Osoyoos Indian Band land.

FortisBC also supports First Nations community, environmental and educational initiatives throughout the southern interior, including sponsorship of a language DVD for the Lower Kootenay Band, language preservation initiative of the Okanagan Indian Band, the Penticton Indian Band pre-school, and a donation to the Okanagan Nation Alliance Spotted Lake Preservation Initiative.