Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation project will strengthen energy reliability at nationally significant destination while advancing economic self-sufficiency
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, Nootka Island, B.C.– Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) is constructing a renewable-diesel hybrid microgrid at Yuquot (Friendly Cove) on Nootka Island to provide clean, reliable energy for community and visitor facilities, supporting long-term economic self-sufficiency, tourism growth, and cultural revitalization.
The $2.4 million project will establish a powerhouse, distribution system, and diesel/fuel infrastructure to support a centralized renewable-diesel hybrid microgrid serving cabins, campsites, and cultural facilities at Yuquot. The new system will reduce reliance on portable generators and introduce a more consistent and efficient energy source, helping unlock year-round tourism and community use.
Yuquot, located within MMFN’s traditional territory, is a place of profound cultural significance and a National Historic Site of Canada. Despite its importance as a cultural and tourism destination, unreliable power infrastructure has constrained operations, limited visitor capacity, and created barriers to future growth.
“Yuquot is the heart of our Nation and a place of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual importance,” said Chief Mike Maquinna, Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation. “This project is about creating the infrastructure needed to support our vision for Yuquot as a place where our citizens can gather, our culture can be shared, and visitors can experience the significance of this place in a way that is sustainable and grounded in our values.”
Reliable electricity will support tourism infrastructure and cultural programming while creating opportunities to expand use of the site for community gatherings, educational experiences, and visitor stays. The microgrid is also being designed to support future integration of solar power and battery storage technologies, further reducing diesel consumption and strengthening long-term environmental sustainability.
“Building reliable power infrastructure at Yuquot is foundational to unlocking the site’s economic and cultural potential,” said Azar Kamran, MMFN Band Administrator and CEO. “This project will help create a more resilient and self-sufficient tourism operation while supporting our Nation’s long-term stewardship of a place that holds immense importance for our people.”
“Extending stability of electrical supply is important for the Yuquot region on Nootka Island,” said Anna Kindy, North Island MLA. “It is encouraging to see initiatives that will increase accessibility for First Nations gatherings as well as tourists.”
The project represents an important step in MMFN’s efforts to diversify its economy through tourism while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting reconciliation-based cultural revitalization in the Nation’s place of origin. It is expected to create two permanent full-time jobs, two seasonal jobs, and 10 temporary jobs, while prioritizing employment and training opportunities for Nation members.
In addition to supporting economic development, the microgrid will reduce diesel consumption by approximately 95 per cent and provide infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather events. By improving access to power, the project will also increase opportunities for Elders and other Nation members to spend time on ancestral lands and participate in cultural activities at Yuquot.
“Climate-resilient infrastructure is the foundation of strong coastal economies — especially in remote communities where extreme weather and unreliable power put cultural and tourism assets at risk,” said Brodie Guy, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust. “By cutting diesel use by roughly 95 per cent and building infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather, Mowachaht/Muchalaht are showing how clean energy, Indigenous-led tourism, and long-term resilience advance together at Yuquot.”
Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing $200,000 toward the project through its Capital and Innovation program, under the Cultural and Nature-Based Tourism priority area.
For more information visit: Constructing a Renewable Microgrid at Yuquot
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About Island Coastal Economic Trust
Island Coastal Economic Trust is the regional development organization founded by the Province of British Columbia under the North Island-Coast Development Initiative Trust Act to serve Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. We partner with First Nations, local governments, businesses, and non-profits to drive prosperity and diversify the coastal economy through strategic economic investments. Over $406.5 million in direct new investment has been attracted to coastal B.C. through our partnerships since 2006. We believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships that unite people, communities, sectors, and resources. As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda’xw, Pəntl’áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
The Trust’s mandate has been to support economic diversification and growth across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and islands and inlets from the Salish Sea to Cape Caution (see Our Region). Serving more than half a million residents, the Trust partners with communities in the development and financing of their economic infrastructure and diversification efforts through a unique structure that is led by and accountable to communities.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Wells
Manager, Communications and Impact
Island Coastal Economic Trust
kyle@islandcoastaltrust.ca
250-871-7797
Azar Kamran
Band Administrator/CEO
Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation
azar.kamran@yuquot.ca
250-283-2015
