Mnidoo Mnising Power and Northland Power Enter Partnership on Northern Ontario Wind Energy Project

‘The United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising are committed to the thoughtful and responsible development of our natural resources, where our families’ needs are addressed and that provides a better future for our young people,’ said UCCMM Tribal Chair Chief Shining Turtle. ‘Our shared ownership with Northland Power is an important model of how First Nations can work closely with the private sector and government on something that both benefits our people and supports the Province of Ontario’s leadership in renewable energy.’

‘Northland is proud to continue to expand its relationships with First Nations,’ said Northland CEO John Brace. ‘We see First Nations and community partnerships as central to our growing portfolio of clean and renewable energy projects. McLean’s Mountain and future projects will provide energy to Ontario and resources to strengthen UCCMM communities, while respecting our environment.’

Mnidoo Mnising Power is a corporation established by the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising (UCCMM) a tribal council based on and around Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada. Its members include M’Chigeeng First Nation; Sheguiandah First Nation; Sheshegwaning First Nation; Aundeck-Omni-Kaning First Nation; Whitefish River First Nation; and Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. UCCMM formed Mnidoo Mnising Power to lead renewable energy projects on Manitoulin Island in order to protect First Nations’ rights, heritage and ensure the future for First Nations’ youth.

The 50/50 partnership with Northland Power starts with the McLean’s Mountain Wind Farm Project but includes all future renewable energy projects on the UCCMM First Nations’ traditional territory, and down the road may include solar, hydro, gas or electrical infrastructure projects.

Northland owns or has an economic interest in nine power projects totalling over 1,050 MW (net 815 MW). Northland’s assets comprise natural-gas-fired plants which efficiently and cleanly produce electricity and steam, as well as facilities generating renewable energy from wind power, solar energy and biomass. Northland’s plants are located in Canada, the United States and Germany. In addition, Northland has the 86 MW Spy Hill project, 260 MW North Battleford project and 100 MW Mont Louis wind farm in construction, and 216 MW of wind, solar and run-of-river hydro projects awarded under the Ontario Power Authority’s feed-in-tariff program in advanced stages of development. In December 2010, Northland was awarded a 20-year power purchase agreement for a 24 MW wind farm in Frampton, Quebec. Northland also has a diverse development portfolio of high-quality ‘Clean and Green’ energy projects, including wind, solar, natural gas, and hydro assets to support its strategy of sustainable growth.

www.northlandpower.ca/