Renewable energy sparking hope for First Nations: several hydroelectric projects already underway.

• Author: Stewart, Nick
• Position: ABORIGINAL BUSINESS

As the provincial government pushes renewable energy as an answer to Ontario's dependency on coal, First Nations communities across the North are looking to position themselves as a key part of the solution.

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"It's a win-win situation for Ontario if the First Nations become key players in energy development projects," says Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

"It's something we're very definitely interested in, and if we're not in a position to oppose them or create conflict, it creates certainty for these projects in Ontario. In turn, that improves their ability to raise capital and move those projects ahead."

In recent months and years, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has spelled out renewable energy as the province's strategy for moving away from coal-fired facilities within the next five to ten years.

With its many waterways, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on Northern Ontario by the OPA as a place where hydroelectric development can and should take place.

In northeastern Ontario alone, 135 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric potential have been identified along the Moose River, with 745 MW on the Abitibi River and 652 MW on the Mattagami River.

Beardy, who represents 49 First Nation communities spread across two-thirds of the province, says energy project partnerships will allow Aboriginal people to benefit from access to their resources.

In the short term, this may represent community revenues through equity shares; in the long term, it will allow them to develop the capacity to participate in greater economic opportunities.

The move to energy represents a logical step for First Nations, says Beardy, as 65 per cent of NAN member communities are already involved in mining projects, whether at the discussion stage or as full partners.

Being a partner in power generation projects could potentially have additional benefits for First Nations, as 26 NAN communities are still running on diesel generators.

Having the ability to draw upon some of the power projects as a local resource for community improvement would further enhance economic development opportunities...