The Nisga'a Nation has entered into a benefits agreement with B.C. Hydro for the construction or a portion of the $404-million Northwest Transmission Line.
Agreements that accommodate First Nations' interest along the 335-kilometre power line are considered critical to getting the project off the ground.
The power line is touted as a catalyst to opening up northwest British Columbia to mining, as well as providing a connection for hydro-power projects.
The projects, if they get off the ground, are expected to have benefits for Prince George.
The transmission line contemplated two routes on its southern portion, the preferred western route through Nisga'a lands.
The benefits agreement endorses a right of way through Nisga'a lands and the establishment of a corridor through the Niga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park.
"Our executive is recommending that the Nisga'a legislature, Wilp Si'ayuukhl Nisga'a, give its consent and approval to the proposed rights of way and the proposed corridor through the Park," said Nisga'a Lisims government president Mitchell Stevens.
He said the executive was satisfied the benefits and obligations of the agreement will mitigate the potential adverse effects of the Northwest transmission line may have on Nisga'a interests.
The agreement provides for financial benefits, contracting and economic opportunities, and a process for continuing consultation on the power line.
"We must be involved in all major developments in the Nass Area," said Stevens.
The Nisga'a settled a modern-day treaty in 2000 that gave the First Nation 2,000 square kilometres of land in the Nass Valley near Terrace, 400 kilometres west of Prince George.
The $404-million power line was approved by the B.C. government last week following an environmental assessment.
The project still requires federal approval.
The federal government has already committed $130 million to the project, and Alberta-based AltaGas Income Trust is providing $180 million towards the power line.
