The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board of Directors has approved $46,000 for two new projects.
The Village of Fraser Lake was granted $20,000 for the Drone Transport Initiative Phase 2 project. In the previous phase, over 1,200 flights to Stellaquo took place over a 12-month period, making it one of Canada’s longest-running drone healthcare projects. In this phase 2, permanent drone launchpad infrastructure will be installed in the community and local residents will be trained to operate the drones. This project is a collaboration between the Village of Fraser Lake, Stellat’en First Nation and the University of British Columbia.
The 6 Nations Driving School Association received $26,000 to purchase a second vehicle in order to expand services. The Driving School is a non-profit society formed by the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation that delivers certified driver education courses. Members of the 6 Nations can access driver training free of charge. This project is designed to enhance community self-sufficiency and economic well-being in the Lakes District by expanding access to essential driver training, thereby increasing employment opportunities and improving access to vital services for local residents.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth:
"The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society continues to make investments that are helping empower rural and First Nations communities. These projects are improving access to healthcare and essential services, expanding employment opportunities, and boosting economic growth that are crucial to building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone in the region."
Rio Tinto Superintendent, Power Operations | Watershed Quinten Beach:
“Rio Tinto is proud to partner in grassroots socioeconomic initiatives that drive lasting change for First Nations and local communities through the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund. Projects such as the Drone Transport Initiative and the Six Nations Driving School highlight the power of collaboration in building stronger, more resilient communities”
Cindy Shelford, NKDF Chair
“We are pleased to invest in these two projects that strengthen our communities and innovate opportunities to navigate our unique geographical landscape of the north.”
The next grant application deadlines is October 31, 2025. For more information, please visit http://www.nkdf.org/ For requests under $7,500 applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
For more information on past projects funded throughout the NKDF investment area please visit http://www.nkdf.org/projects or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NKDFS
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society was jointly established in 1997 with a combined contribution of $15 million by the government of British Columbia and the former Alcan Inc., now Rio Tinto. The Fund’s investment area includes lands impacted by the original Kemano project and focuses on the communities in the Ootsa, Lakes, Nechako and Haisla regions of the north.
The Society encourages applications from local governments, local First Nations governments and legally incorporated non-profit organizations. NKDF invests in projects that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy, and improve the basic infrastructure needed for community stability, quality of life and growth.
Well, this success story throws back a little bit. We started planning for the expansion at the Burns Lake Public Library in the early 2000's. It was an ambitious project - double the size of the library!! The board...