Environment
Tłı̨chǫ Government and GNWT to begin research into new hydroelectric facility
The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin the venture, and are eyeing the Whatì Falls as a potential location.
A new Tłı̨chǫ Government project may be on the horizon!
The Tłı̨chǫ Government and the GNWT have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will push the two bodies to research the potential for a new hydroelectric facility on the La Martre River.
Known as the Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ Power Project, this facility would be comprised of a hydroelectric generating station that would be owned by the Tłı̨chǫ government, with a potential location near the Whatì Falls. The MoU also commits both governments to making sure that any construction on this project takes place entirely on Tłı̨chǫ lands.
The hope for this project is to support Indigenous ownership of the facility, while providing clean and renewable energy to Tłı̨chǫ communities, as well as a host of new employment opportunities.
Jackson Lafferty, the Grand Chief of the Tłı̨chǫ Government, spoke on the agreement in a statement.
“The Tłı̨chǫ Government has been involved in power generation for many years, including leading the first 100% Indigenous-owned hydro project in Canada through Snare Cascades. That experience guides how we approach new opportunities on our lands.
The Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ Power Project is an important step in understanding what is possible for our communities. This feasibility work will help us determine whether it strengthens our self-sufficiency and creates lasting benefits for the Tłı̨chǫ people.”
Meanwhile, Caroline Wawzonek, the Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply chains, called the Nàı̨lı̨ı̨ Power Project “a reflection of how we want to build infrastructure in the North through strong partnerships with Indigenous governments.”
