ENERGY: 1)Rama, Beausoleil among several First Nations set to own nuclear reactor; 2)Seven First Nations Nuclear Partnership
1)Rama, Beausoleil among several First Nations set to own nuclear reactor
Courtesy Barrie360.com
Several Ontario First Nations are set to become owners of a new nuclear reactor after striking a commercial partnership with the federal and provincial governments.
Ottawa and Ontario are providing loan guarantees of $700 million to the seven Williams Treaties First Nations east of Toronto that will turn into equity for one of the four small modular reactors that are being built at the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ont., by Ontario Power Generation.
Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said this is the first equity partnership with First Nations in a nuclear reactor in Canada.
He said the investment will result in a minority stake for the First Nations in the facility and will help with economic reconciliation.
The Williams Treaties First Nations consist of Indigenous communities near Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe: Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Scugog Island First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
Indigenous ownership is part of the federal government’s plan to become an energy superpower, said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
“Canada strong for all means building clean energy infrastructure quickly, responsibly, and as a unified Team Canada with First Nations like the Williams Treaty First Nations and all Canadians,” Champagne said.
The Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations are calling the deal a “historic step forward.”
“Through this investment, we are not only creating opportunities for our own communities — we are helping advance a project that will play an important role in meeting Ontario and Canada’s growing energy needs,” the chiefs said in a statement.
“This investment demonstrates what is possible when First Nations are able to participate meaningfully in projects taking place within their territories, not only as rights holders, but as investors, partners, and participants in the long-term success of the project.”
The first of four small modular reactors is under construction at the Darlington power plant.
“After breaking ground on the first SMR in the G7, our government is taking another historic step, helping to bring First Nations in as full partners in this once-in-a-generation project,” Lecce said in a statement.
The four small modular reactors are expected to cost $21 billion. The first reactor is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
Once in operation, the small modular reactors will produce 1,200 megawatts of power, which is enough to keep the lights on at 1.2 million homes.
2)Seven First Nations Nuclear Partnership
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Anthony Giordano, July 16, 2026
Seven First Nations Nuclear Partnership Marks Historic Agreement
A landmark agreement is creating new opportunities for Indigenous communities across Ontario.
The Seven First Nations nuclear partnership brings together seven Williams Treaties First Nations, including Chippewas of Rama First Nation, as part owners of a nuclear reactor project.
Chief Ted Williams calls the partnership a historic step forward.
The agreement was developed alongside both the provincial and federal governments and gives participating First Nations an ownership stake in a major energy project.
Community leaders say the investment supports long-term economic development while creating opportunities for future generations.
The partnership also recognizes the growing role Indigenous communities continue to play in major infrastructure and energy projects across Canada.