A regulatory filing on Wednesday advanced a project that would add aboriginal content to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export proposals on the Pacific coast of British Columbia (BC).

Vancouver, BC-based Steelhead LNG filed the formal project description, on behalf of its Kwispaa LNG venture with Huu-ay-aht First Nations, with the BC Environmental Assessment Office and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

A joint statement by the partners described the filing as “a major milestone” that advances “a new model for economic success” by setting an example of cooperation between industry and natives.

The project descriptions also kick off federal and provincial regulatory processes by providing overviews that enable the authorities and project sponsors to define issues, procedures and details needed for reviews and approvals.

On the industrial front, Kwispaa LNG last summer awarded Hyundai Heavy Industries a contract to design two hulls for floating gas liquefaction and storage vessels at the project site on Vancouver Island. Huu-ay-aht First Nations is providing the terminal site and is co-managing the project.

Steelhead late last year scrapped one export project for Vancouver Island to reduce costs and joined with Huu-ay-aht First Nation to advance Kwisspa LNG. The original proposed terminal by Steelhead was formerly known as Sarita LNG, after the name on conventional maps for its home ocean front bay.