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Indigenous Power

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First Nation, Inuit and Métis governments, nations and organizations from coast to coast have successfully built and participated in all forms of energy projects. They are key players in transitioning to clean energy and managing conventional energy projects and transmission assets. They rely on BLG to consider innovative ways for Indigenous groups to increase participation in the energy sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.

BLG advises on the full lifecycle development of energy projects, from land acquisition and site control to permitting and development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance, divestiture and acquisition, including:

  • Understanding Indigenous rights and interests that may be impacted by energy projects, procurement and designing engagement activity plans;
  • Facilitating outreach and communications with potential Indigenous partners for commercial projects;
  • Structuring tax-efficient commercial partnerships for First Nations and First Nations-owned companies (joint ventures and limited and corporate partnerships);
  • Site development on reserve lands under the Indian Act, including permitting, designation and lawful possession;
  • Site development on reserve lands under the First Nations Land Management Act;
  • Designing equity financing options for Indigenous communities;
  • Seeking and obtaining loan guarantees from government and Aboriginal-financing institutions for participation by Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned entities in power projects; and
  • Completing and negotiating benefit and other participation agreements in connection with Indigenous engagement, permitting and local protocol requirements.

Experience

  • Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), as regulatory counsel in all matters before the Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board (PUB). Also provide business, corporate and privacy advice to NTPC, including advising on various commercial matters such as purchasing major equipment for power plants, power purchase agreements, fuel purchase agreements, joint use agreements, land/leasing matters and access to information requests.
  • Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), as counsel in connection with its power purchase agreement and other material agreements for its 6.6 MW green energy biomass project located near Meadow Lake, Sask.
  • ITC Lake Erie Connector LLC in carrying out Indigenous engagement for a 1000 HVDC merchant transmission line project that would connect IESO Ontario grid to PJM grid in the U.S.

Key Contacts

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