Last year, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs called for a "moratorium on all private power facility development on rivers and streams." And, as recently as February, union president Stewart Phillip told The Tyee's Colleen Kimmett such development "flies in the face of everything we consider important." But it looks like BC Hydro Corp. is trying to soften those hard feelings. In an letter sent last month to aboriginal leaders, the corporation invites them to attend a "Clean Power Call information session that is specifically for First Nations on July 10, 2008 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel." And BC Hydro must really want those leaders to attend. Because the corporation "will cover travel and accommodation costs for one participant from a First Nations community to reduce the expenses associated with attending this meeting so that First Nations representatives from across the Province are able to participate." The following is a complete copy of that invite.

Joanne McKenna
Manager, IPP Engagement
Power Acquisitions

Re: Clean Power Call RFP - Information Session & First Nations only Information Session

Dear

Bc Hydro is planning a Clean Power Call to ensure that the province has sufficient clean electricity to meet its needs. The new call aligns with the BC Energy Pla: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership, released February 27, 2007, which directs that at least 90 per cent of all electricity generated in the province must continue to come from clean or renewable sources and all new electricity generation projects will have zero net greenhouse gas emissions.

The Clean Power Call Request for Proposals (RFP) will target up to 5,000 gigawatt hours of clean energy per year from larger projects using proven technologies, such as hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal energy, among others. The RFP will be a competitive process involving independent power producers across the province. Our first information session for the Clean Power Call was held on November 27th, 2007 and the design of the Clean Power Call RFP reflects stakeholder and First Nations engagemnt from this earlier session.

Clean Power Call RFP - Information Session

On July 8, 2008, BC Hydro will be hosting an information session to learn more about the Clean Power Call RFP and we are inviting First Nations to attend. This information session is a general First Nation and stakeholder session and will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the call and network with BC Hydro staff and developers. For more information on the Clean Power call and to register for this ession, please visit www.bchydro.com/cleanpowercall.

Clean Power Call RFP - First Nations only Information Session

In addition, you are invited to attend a Clean Power Call information session that is specifically for First Nations on July 10, 2008 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Princess Louisa Suite, 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver. BC Hydro will cover travel and accomodation costs for one participant from a First Nations community to reduce the expenses associated with attending this meeting so that First Nations representatives from across the Province are able to participate. The purpose of the BC Hydro information session is to provide you with information about the Clean Power Call. In addition, this is another opportunity to meet BC Hydro staff involved in the project, network with other developers or possibly meet other independent power producers in your community.

Please consider this letter your invitation to attend. To register for this Invitation only session and to arrange for the coverage of associated travel costs please contact Urlke Baumart at 604-623-4015, fax 604-623-4335, or email: ulrlke.baumert@bchydro.com. On the day of the session registration will commence at 9:00 am with the session starting at 9:30 until noon. Lunch will be provided after this session.

We look forward to seeing you at both of these sessions. If you have any questions please contact Sandra Witt, Senior Aboriginal Relations Coordinator (604) 528-2827 or Jim Scouras, CPC Program Manager (604) 623-3860.

Best regards,

Joanne McKenna
Manager, IPP Engagement