Communities announce future waterpower project

Three Lake Nipigon Lake First Nations have signed on to work together to develop a waterpower project that will economically benefit the region.
Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinabek (AZA), Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (BZA), and Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (BNA) signed an Impact Management and Benefit Agreement with AXOR Group and Namewaminikan Hydro for the development of a 10 megawatt waterpower project on the Namewaminikan River.
The agreement which recognizes the First Nations’ stewardship of the land, the duty to act to safeguard their spiritual and cultural values, and the need to increase the skills and abilities of their members and create opportunities for increasing the communal wealth of their First Nations, should now pave the way for the construction of the project to begin later this year.
“We are proud to be working together with our neighbouring First Nations on this great initiative,” said Chief Theresa Nelson of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek.
According to a press release, the project will generate numerous opportunities for the First Nations for training and employment, business initiatives, and much needed revenue for community development. The project is a great example of how the collaboration between the three communities can foster sustainable economic development for the eastern Nipigon Lake region.
“Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek works very well with its neighbouring First Nation communities on resource developments throughout the region. I am thrilled that we are moving ahead with this initiative. We look forward to working with AZA, BZA, and our partner, AXOR, on this exciting Project,” said Chief Laura Airns of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek.