June 13, 2006
Lac LaCroix First Nation

Chief Leon Jourdain led the Lac LaCroix Community of the Anishinaabe Nation in a spiritual ceremony that formally establishes both the “Nagaquon Lake Hydro Development Limited Partnership” and the “Ojibway Power and Energy Group General Partnership” (OPEG) with Chant Construction Limited, of Aurora Ontario.

Bob Ottertail was the Officiating Elder for the ceremony allows for developing the hydroelectric potential of the Namakan River within the lands co-managed by the Lac LaCroix Community and the Province of Ontario. Spiritual Advisor, Kalvin Ottertail directed the ceremony, marking what Chief Jourdain called “a great day for the children of our community!”

The ceremony was conducted in the community’s roundhouse and was attended by residents including many children who were released early from school to attend the special event.

The project, estimated to cost approximately $40 million will develop an estimated 9.6 MW at two of three potential hydro sites on the Namakan River south-west of Atikokan, Ontario. OPEG was awarded the status of “Applicant of Record” for the sites by the Ministry of Natural Resources in January of this year.  According to Chief Jourdain, the hydroelectric development of High Falls and Hay Rapids “represents the first step to the economic independence of our people”and the “goal to be self sustaining, with reduced reliance on governments or government funding. It is a community driven project that will change the social and spiritual fabric of our community.”

The partnership with Chant Construction provides a unique opportunity for the Lac LaCroix community.  One which overcomes the “uncertainty of a First Nation to the investment community” and “provides for 90% of the proceeds of the development to flow into the community”, according to Chief Jourdain.   Ted Chant, President of Chant Constructions calls this “A partnership built on trust and a respect for each other’s values”   

The partnership is one that matches the goals, needs and capabilities of the community with those of Chant Construction, a company that has worked with other First Nations to develop their economic potential through projects such as this.

 Ojibway Power and Energy Group will shortly initiate the environmental approval process for the development and plans are to begin energy production by the end of 2008.  The development of these resources will provide both short term and long term employment. The project will facilitate training in construction trades, engineering and hydroelectric operations for community members and will ultimately provide the foundation for economic stability that the Lac LaCroix community currently lacks.  Chief Jourdain responded to questions from the community and reminded them that “We must keep in our minds and hearts that the most significant benefits will not come quickly, but that this is truly an investment for our children”

Two members of the OPEG project team, Lawrence Norwegian of the Lac LaCroix community and Tim Saville of Chant Construction provided answers to questions from those who attended the ceremony. They identified the future opportunities for the community to be involved in the decision making process for the development. Chief Jourdain encouraged community involvement in the project and identified to all in attendance that “This will be a process of engaging and dialogue with our people as we advance the agenda” of the development.