Two local First Nation communities have officially become 20 per cent equity owners of the Chatham to Lakeshore Hydro One Transmission Line.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Janelle Nahmabin and Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (KSPFN) Chief Kimberly Bressette announced the partnership in a joint media release posted to Facebook.
The release said the two communities have spent several years working on a collaborative approach with Hydro One to address growing energy needs, while raising the expectation of First Nations to be involved in these types of projects.
"Through the development of the Chatham to Lakeshore Hydro One Transmission Line, Aamjiwnaang and KSPFN, as well as other nations within our treaty territory, became 50 per cent equity owners," read the release. "This is the first of five projects that will allow us to pursue equity ownership with Hydro One transmission lines within our territory."
The low-risk investment was highlighted as an opportunity for future economic sovereignty and prosperity.
"For generations, infrastructure has happened within our territories without our consent, and without our voices," continued the release. "This is a turning point and going forward, we must be included in all development for the economic benefits that will affect our future generations."
Aamjiwnaang and KSPFN purchased equity shares by accessing financing through RBC and did not need to utilize community dollars, read the release.
The Chatham to Lakeshore Hydro One Transmission Line was completed last year.
Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce said the line will be a big benefit in the future as energy demands are expected to surge.
A new St. Clair Transmission Line also broke ground last year. Five First Nation communities, including Aamjiwnaang and KSPFN, were included in the project as part of a 50-50 first equity model.
