April 1, 2011

The Government of Saskatchewan, SaskPower and the newly established First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is said to help the province’s First Nations advance their power generation projects.

“This MOU highlights the efforts of the Government of Saskatchewan to actively engage First Nations in the province’s growing economy,” said premier Brad Wall.

“Many Saskatchewan First Nations are already pursuing economic development opportunities through potentially owning and operating power generation projects. The MOU sets out a partnership framework for a more streamlined process to help First Nations move their projects forward for consideration,” he continued.

According to the provincial government, it was looking for opportunities to engage First Nations in developing power generation projects, which led to the formation of the FNPA. Each of the 74 Saskatchewan First Nations will have the opportunity to hold membership in FNPA and participate in the governance of the organization through its board of directors.

“This partnership is clearly an important milestone for Saskatchewan’s First Nations,” Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild said. “We are pleased to continue to support FNPA as it develops.”

“This MOU opens the door to significant opportunities for Saskatchewan First Nations to partner in the development of power generation projects,” FNPA Board Chair Ben Voss added. “This will result in a higher probability of viable, long-term sustainable First Nation economic development opportunities while helping SaskPower meet the province’s electricity supply needs.”

Discussions will continue between the Government of Saskatchewan, SaskPower and FNPA over the coming months to formalize the FNPA’s relationship with SaskPower, said the government.