Message From Chief and Council
Dear Community Members,
As Chief and Council, our foremost responsibility is to protect the well-being of our people, our lands and waters, and the generations that will follow us. Every decision we make must reflect that commitment.
We’ve recently communicated that we joined with [Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island] First Nations in a collaboration on shared economic development opportunities and projects of mutual interest. Together, we want to ensure our voices and priorities are front and centre in any conversations about development in our territories. This collaboration is guided by a shared Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between our Nations, which commits us to working together on opportunities that advance the long-term well-being of our people.
Across Ontario, government and industry are advancing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, such as electricity generation, transmission lines, and proposed nuclear projects by Ontario Power Generation. Some of these are being explored in or near our traditional territories.
We are considering what a more direct role in these projects could look like – with relationships and community values at the centre. This may include approaches such as relationship agreements, revenue-sharing, or equity participation. Through this MOU, we have also established a shared Working Group to help guide this effort collectively and strategically. While no decisions have been made, we believe it is important that our members have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and help shape the path ahead.
Upcoming Community Learning Session
We know that energy is a complex and evolving topic. That’s why one of our first priorities is community learning.
To begin this learning journey, we invite you to join a virtual information session titled “Introduction to Ontario’s Energy Landscape” on Monday, November 24, at 7:00 p.m. EST.
This session is open to all members of Alderville, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations, and will offer a simple and accessible introduction to how Ontario’s energy system works and where our power comes from. It will help set the stage for more detailed community sessions on energy, nuclear, and participation in the new year.
You can register to attend here: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_VrVM7_cQRfWR0yiGe0OaUg
If you’re unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and made available for members to watch at a later time.
Community Contact
To support this work locally, we’ve identified a community contact who can provide updates, share resources, and answer any questions you may have:
Mike Howard | Director of Community Development and Consultation
| Phone: 705-295-4421
As always, we are guided by our responsibilities to Shkagamik-Kwe (Mother Earth), our Treaty rights, and by the teachings of Niizhwaaswi Dibaajimowinan, the Seven Generations. We are committed to walking this path together with honesty, care, and respect.
Miigwech,
Chief and Council
Hiawatha First Nation