RC125 JulyAug 2026 - Magazine - Page 4
EDITOR’S NOTE
FIRST UP
by John Tenpenny
JULY/AUGUST 2026
VOLUME 24, NUMBER 4
ACTIONS speak louder than words.
When it comes to reconciliation, governments 昀椀nally seem to be paying attention.
In Ontario, two recent announcements stand out when it comes to illustrating how meaningful
participation and partnership are now part of the planning and execution of large infrastructure
projects.
At $700 million, the investment from the Williams Treaties First Nations in Ontario Power
Generation’s Darlington New Nuclear Project, is the largest collective First Nations investment
in nuclear generation in Canada’s history. It also highlights the growing role Indigenous
communities are playing in the 昀椀nancing, development and long-term success of major
infrastructure projects across Canada.
Through a jointly held investment limited partnership, the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa
Anishinaabeg Nations of the Williams Treaties are establishing a pathway to long-term project
ownership and creating a strong foundation for further Indigenous economic participation in
major infrastructure projects. The transaction is also supported by a loan guarantee from the
Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, with the Province of Ontario serving as a
50 per cent participating guarantor through Building Ontario Fund’s Indigenous Opportunities
Financing Program.
“Through this investment, we are not only creating opportunities for our own communities—
we are helping advance a project that will play an important role in meeting Ontario’s growing
energy needs,” said the Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations. “This investment
demonstrates what is possible when First Nations are able to participate meaningfully in
projects taking place within their territories, not only as rights holders, but as investors,
partners, and participants in the long-term success of the project.”
A little further north, the Ontario government and Webequie First Nation celebrated the
start of construction on the Webequie Supply Road, with the approval of the Environmental
Assessment.
The 107-kilometre all-season road will connect Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire
region and serve as a vital link for future mineral development projects and will improve yearround access to goods and services and connect the community members to essential health and
social services, something that is vitally important, as Webequie is currently accessible only by
air or winter roads, which means food, fuel and construction supplies must be 昀氀own in.
“This work is about ensuring Webequie is in a stronger position for the future,” said Chief
Lorraine Whitehead. “We want decisions a昀昀ecting our territory to create lasting bene昀椀ts for our
people while protecting the land and waters that have sustained us for generations. We will
continue to move forward carefully and deliberately, on our own terms, with a focus on building
a better future for our community.”
These investments establish a foundation and model for future Indigenous participation in
major infrastructure opportunities.
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