NAN Congratulates First Nation-Led Energy Partnership

Press Releases

August 27, 2015

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, on behalf of the Executive Council, expressed congratulations following the signing of a First Nation-led energy partnership today between Wataynikaneyap Power, FortisOntario Inc. and Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (Fortis-RES Partnership) to expand grid connection for remote First Nations.

“On behalf of Nishnawbe Aski Nation I am pleased to congratulate this partnership which will lead to the connection of 16 remote First Nations to the provincial energy gird. Too many of our communities still rely on diesel generation for electricity that does not meet their power requirements and places the health of community members and the environment at risk. The cost of electrical power generated by diesel is considerably greater than energy costs in cities across Ontario, and this partnership will significantly reduce this financial burden for many First Nations while eliminating the health, safety and environmental impacts of diesel generation.”

Wataynikaneyap Power is a transmission company owned by 20 First Nations including: Bearskin Lake First Nation, Cat Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Keewaywin First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Lac Seul First Nation, McDowell Lake First Nation, Muskrat Dam First Nation, North Caribou Lake First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Poplar Hill First Nation, Sachigo Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, Slate Falls First Nation, Wabigoon Lake First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wawakapewin First Nation and Wunnumin Lake First Nation.

For more information please contact: Michael Heintzman, Director of Communications – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (807) 625-4965 or (807) 621-2790 mobile or by email mheintzman@nan.on.ca

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