VICTORIA — Members of the Tsimshian First Nation on British Columbia's northwest coast will be getting $9 million in provincial funding to job skills.
Premier Christy Clark announced the agreement, which must still be drafted.
The Tsimshian will get the money over three years through a deal with the Tsimshian Roundtable, which includes six First Nations, the B.C. and federal governments, and proponents of the liquefied natural gas industry.
Chief Clifford White of the Gitxaala Nation says the agreement focuses the socio-economic well-being of members through access to employment.
Hosted fellow premiers for a lunch served by Chef @nedbell. Great food & great discussion about sustainable seafood. pic.twitter.com/nMD2o41b5k
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) March 3, 2016
He says part of the roundtable's goal is to provide kindergarten to Grade 12 education.
Malaysian-owned oil and gas giant Petronas plans to develop a liquefied natural gas plant near Prince Rupert, and White says First Nations need long-term benefits from any such project on their territory.