Lac Seul First Nation has purchased a 25 per cent stake in the 12.5 MW Lac Seul Generating Station, which is set to go onstream in early 2009.
“This is a proud day for my people, and myself,” said Lac Seul chief Clifford Bull, after signing the historic partnership deal on Dec. 19 with Ontario Power Generation in Toronto. “It marks the end of an era when our rights and our history were ignored and launches an era where we’re treated as equals.”
The partnership developed after a past grievance settlement was reached in 2006, which addressed the impact of hydroelectric facilities that were built on Lac Seul’s traditional lands along the English River system between 1930 and 1948.
Lac Seul purchased the 25 per cent share through funds earmarked in the 2006 settlement for possible investment in the generating station and through a bank loan.
“Today we made history,” said OPG Chairman Jake Epp, noting this type of partnership was a first for OPG. “OPG will use this approach to develop similar projects with other First Nations and we’ve created a new way of growing our business. We’re moving towards a future where development of clean, renewable hydroelectric projects proceeds in a way that is fair to all parties and is based on trust and respect.”
The station, which is situated next to the existing Ear Falls Generating Station, will generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 5,000 homes, with all future profits and risks being shared by OPG and Lac Seul.
“This is a valuable partnership and a significant step forward to ensuring Ontario’s First Nations can fully participate in responsibly developing our shared resources,” said George Smitherman, deputy premier and minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “In addition to providing clean, green power for our province, this new generating station will benefit the Lac Seul First Nation through revenues that will help to enhance the future sustainability of their community. I look forward to a future where First Nations partnerships with energy generators are considered the norm and not historic.”
The new station will also have an Anishinabe name: Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig, which means White Pine Narrows electricity generating building.