A new biofuel facility is expected to open in Prince George next year.
The new Arbios Biotech facility has been given the name ‘Chuntoh Ghuna,’ which means “The Forest Lives” in the Dakelh language.
“Having a plant name in Lheidli T’enneh’s dialect, Dakelh, has great significance for our Nation members,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan.
“It demonstrates an observance of our ancestral lands and culture, and shows that it is possible for Indigenous communities and industry to work in harmony towards environmentally sound and mutually beneficial objectives.”
Logan added Arbios came to Lheidli T’enneh.
“We didn’t have to go them, they came to us, and said, “What do you think of this? We would be honoured if you joined us”, she said.
According to Logan, that meeting took place just over one year ago.
“It’s an exciting time for all of associated with Arbios,” said President Alan Nicholl.
“This plant, will be the first of what we hope will be several phases, and in our first phase we expect to hire 20 employees.”
However, Nicholl added at the full capacity of the plant he expects that number to be closer to 70-80 people.
“Those are direct jobs, that does not include the indirect impacts on the community, and that excludes the resources that would be used to construct the facility,” he said.
Arbios Biotech is a joint venture between Licella Holdings Ltd and Canfor.
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