Malahat LNG deal increases feasibility of Sarita project

Huu-ay-aht First Nations is encouraged by the Mutual Benefits Agreement announced this morning by Steelhead LNG and the Malahat Nation.

Through working with the Malahat Nation, Steelhead LNG continues to show its commitment to including input from First Nations communities from the onset of their projects.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations remains committed to proceeding with the project as long as the 11 conditions outlined by Ḥaw̓iiḥ Council are met by Steelhead LNG.

Since Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Steelhead LNG first announced their Opportunity Development Agreement, the biggest challenge for the LNG project at Sarita Bay is the expense of the pipeline route. While the route is still being investigated, the floating liquefied natural gas project at Bamberton will make pipeline development more feasible for both the Sarita and Malahat LNG projects. The development of the Malahat LNG project also enables Steelhead to market LNG and attract potential customers for Sarita LNG earlier than would otherwise be possible, which also increases the project’s viability.

“We support what our partners are doing and stress that it does not take away from what is happening between Steelhead and our Tribe,” explains Huu-ay-aht’s Elected Chief Councillor Robert Dennis. “Both projects will continue moving forward, with the Sarita Bay project now in the feasibility phase.”

Huu-ay-aht continues to work closely with Steelhead LNG and is committed to keeping its ḥaw̓iiḥ and citizens informed throughout the process. Huu-ay-aht’s elected chief stresses how committed the Nation is to moving forward in the direction given by the citizens at the People’s Assembly in 2014.

“We are in the process of building a strategy for our community that will help us continue to build a strong and bright future for our Tribe,” Dennis says. “Throughout this process, we will continue to focus on what will benefit Huu-ay-aht citizens.”