The first-ever First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Forum took place May 27-28 at the Prince George Civic Centre, drawing more than 100 in-person and virtual participants.
The open forum focused on the transportation challenges faced by First Nations in BC and explored solutions to improve access to safe and reliable low-carbon transportation.
The event builds on the work of the First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Project, launched in 2022 and set to conclude in 2027. The project aims to address the lack of viable transportation networks in BC that limit Indigenous access to essential services. It also seeks to mitigate climate impacts by developing alternatives to car-based travel.
The forum showcased the efforts of several First Nations communities working to develop self-determined low-carbon transportation plans. A pilot program launched by the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has provided $65,000 in flexible funding and staff support to five First Nations to help close transportation gaps. BCAFN is currently seeking four more communities to join the initiative.
Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BCAFN attended the forum and emphasized the critical need for transportation infrastructure.
“First and foremost, it's more resourcing,” Teegee told The Citizen. “Every time we talk about transportation, it's always more resourcing — whether it's provincial, federal or our own avenues to support initiatives like shuttle systems, charging stations for rural communities, or improved ferry systems for Coastal First Nations. The goal is the same. Transportation is a right, and it’s also about safety.”
Teegee noted that transportation challenges are intensified by the remote nature of many First Nations.
“For First Nations communities, about 80 to 85 per cent are considered remote,” he said. “It’s a challenge getting to places like Kamloops, Prince George or Vancouver for services — especially for higher education or health care. Transportation to access health services in Prince George is a major issue, as is accessing general resources. We need resources to address this.”
The forum also included a panel on how various levels of government, NGOs and the private sector can work in partnership with First Nations on transportation solutions.
Paula Cousins, associate deputy minister of transportation and transit, said such partnerships are unique to each community.
“Partnership looks different in every relationship,” Cousins said. “It depends on the community’s priorities. Sometimes it’s art in the project, sometimes it’s environmental or cultural considerations, or employment. The key is coming to the table with a suite of tools, listening, and working together. In our ministry, we see ourselves as learners.”
In an interview with The Citizen following the panel, Cousins highlighted current projects her ministry is working on in northern BC.
“We’ve done a lot of work already — such as BC Bus North in collaboration with the Northern Development Initiative Trust — and we’re continuing to explore rural transit options that go beyond just cars or walking,” she said. “We’ve heard loud and clear from northern communities that they face unique challenges and opportunities, and we need to show up differently.”
Projects in the works include an active transportation pathway in Skidegate on Haida Gwaii, bus stop construction at Stellat’en First Nation, a bus shelter near Highway 16, and a 12.5-kilometre bike and pedestrian route in Skidegate along Highway 16.
Cousins said her time at the ministry has brought to light the serious impacts of transportation gaps in Indigenous communities.
“We’ve heard many heartbreaking stories,” she said. “One of our ministers told of a mother walking along a snowy highway shoulder with her stroller, with no safe path. And, of course, there are the devastating cases along Highway 16 of women going missing or being murdered. We take these stories seriously and they guide us in working with communities to build meaningful solutions.”
