The Metlakatla First Nation plans to explore pot production, and it’s getting help from the provincial government to study the idea.
The province has awarded the Metlakatla Development Corporation a $10,000 BC Rural Dividend grant which it will use to develop a preliminary business case for cannabis production and becoming a licensed provider.
Metlakatla Communications Manager Shaun Thomas says in the coming months the development corporation plans to explore the market for cannabis, costs associated with developing a production facility, and the potential for partners to grow the venture.
Thomas says it’s a preliminary step, but MDC sees a tremendous opportunity in the production and distribution of licensed cannabis as the federal government moves toward regulation and legalization.
The Lax Kw’alaams Business Development is also getting a $10,000 grant to complete a feasibility plan and conduct a survey of the Lax Kw’alaams Coastal Trail which connects to the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail.
The grants are geared toward helping rural communities develop projects to stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment.
