Doig River First Nation is a very progressive, forward-looking community that aspires to achieve self-sufficiency through business and economic development while retaining treaty rights, as well as protecting the environment as well as their culture and language.
As such, the community is always involved in a number of projects and initiatives as well as partnerships to advance the well-being of their members. Their pro-active approach and actions are often recognized through various accolades and awards.
FSJ Women’s Resource Society thanks DRFN for food donations
July 7, 2021
“A huge thank you to the wonderful folks from Doig River First Nations as well as Blueberry River First Nations for the amazing donations!! We are so grateful for your continued support!” FSJ Women’s Resource Society
DRFN builds North America’s most northern passive house
As you approach the top of the hill leading towards our Administrative Centre and Cultural Grounds, you’ll see an impressive building with solar panels on the roof. This is our new Doig River Cultural Centre. We developed this unique, energy efficient building to meet a number of community needs. The structure will house our Elders’ program, Headstart Program for youth, a daycare, after school programming and will also serve as a spiritual gathering space.
The centre is 2 floors and can accommodate up to 150 people in the 2nd story sanctuary with additional seating in the upper mezzanine.
“The building is to be Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified, which will result in 90% less energy usage over a conventional building. It will also become the most northern PHIUS certified building in North America as well as the first passive house community building on First Nations land, making it a truly unique structure on this continent.” (Source)
Tse ‘K’wa Cave (Charlie Lake Cave) designated a national historic site
An ancient cave in Charlie Lake home to thousands of years of indigenous history has been designated a national historic site by Parks Canada.
The cave, known formally as Tse’K’wa, was one of seven designations announced on Friday to mark the 100th anniversary of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
Read more here.
Doig River awarded for orphan well project
Doig River First Nation has been awarded for its work with industry and the province to clean up orphan wells in its traditional territory.
The Environmental Managers Association of B.C. presented Doig River with an Indigenous Project Award on June 13 for its innovative orphan well restoration pilot project. The project includes Doig River, industry contractors, and the BC Oil and Gas Commission to tackle the long-term job of restoring hundreds of orphan well sites.
Read the full story here.
Doig River eyes expansion, new protections for K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park
The Doig River First Nation has submitted a proposal for federal funding to develop the K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park into an indigenous protected and conserved area.
Officials from the First Nation gave Fort St. John city council an overview of its proposed four-year work plan on April 8, noting its proposal to the Canada Nature Fund was submitted on March 29.
Read more here.
September 2017 Aboriginal Community Excellence Award, MNP & AOFA Canada
Doig River First Nation earned a national award recognizing its achievements in leadership.
The First Nation received the first-ever Aboriginal Community Excellence Award from MNP and AFOA Canada at banquet in Vancouver in September 2017. The award recognizes excellence in aboriginal finance, management, and leadership. More on this award here.