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OPG's Relationship with Aboriginal Peoples

Working toward a positive future

Building positive, community-minded relationships with First Nation and Métis is important to OPG. Whether managing current operations or planning new projects, close consultation with community members and leaders is an essential part of the process.

In 2005, OPG was given the mandate from the Government of Ontario to expand, develop and/or improve our hydroelectric generation capacity. We knew that good relationships with Aboriginal Peoples would be essential if OPG was to be successful with is mandate. The work began to resolve past grievances and listed below are some past grievance settlements. Once these are settled we can move forward together to pursue prospective hydroelectric developments with Aboriginal communities that can provide the basis for long-term mutually beneficial commercial arrangements.

  • Akwasasne settlement – In October 2008, over 15 years of consultation with community members culminated in the signing of a settlement agreement with the Mohawks of Akwesasne. Included in the agreement was a formal apology for past wrongs associated with building the R.H. Saunders Station, and a commitment to work toward a positive relationship in the future.

  • Whitedog settlement – In July of 2008, an agreement was reached between OPG and Ochiichagwe’babigo’ining Ojibway Nation. This agreement recognizes past wrongs associated with building the Whitedog Generating Station.

  • November 2007, The Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) signed an agreement that resolves impacts of OPG operations in the Taykwa Tagamou Nation traditional territory and establishes the foundation for a positive relationship between the Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Ontario Power Generation. TTN and OPG have also established the framework for a mutually beneficial commercial relationship for hydro development on sites within TTN's Traditional Territory.

  • The Long Lake #58 – First Nation and OPG signed a settlement agreement that resolves past grievances. The settlement is an important step forward in exploring the potential for an ongoing relationship between OPG and the Long Lake #58 First nation.

  • Moose Cree settlement – OPG is currently negotiating a settlement with the Moose Cree First Nations to settle past wrongs and cooperate on new developments for the Lower Mattagami Projects.

  • Mattagami Lake Dam – March 2006 OPG and Mattagami First Nation signed a Mattagami Lake Dam memorandum of understanding setting out the objectives and a path forward towards a partnership for future hydroelectric development at OPG’s Mattagami Lake control dam.

  • Abitibi River hydroelectric projects – May 2006 OPG and The Taykwa Tagamou Nation announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that could lead to a commercial relationship between the parties to pursue the development of new hydroelectric generation on the Abitibi River.

  • Little Jackfish Protocol Agreement – During the fall of 2008, OPG announced the signing of a protocol agreement for the participation of six First Nations in the Little Jackfish hydroelectric development.

  • Lac Seul First Nation – November 2006 OPG and LSFN signed an agreement that resolves past impacts in the LSFN traditional territory. The agreement also provides the opportunity for a commercial relationship with LSF that will benefit both parties.

  • Lac Seul Generating Station – December 2008 OPG and Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN) signed a partnership agreement giving the LSFN 25 per cent of the station and shares in the risks that go together with operating hydro stations. . The station has dual names – Ojibway and English. The Ojibway name will be Obishikokaang Waasiganikewigamig. (White Pine Narrows Electricity Generating Building) The English name will be Lac Seul Generating Station.



Aboriginal Relations Department

The mandate of the OPG Aboriginal Relations Department is to work with First Nations and Métis communities in an environment of openness, transparency and respect.

For more information call:
Joel Heil, Director
905-357-0322 ext 3991

Patricia Oakes, Senior Advisor
905-357-0322 ext 6001


Aboriginal Relations Brochure



OPG Hydroelectric Generating Station and First Nation Reserve locations


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