The FSIN Applauds The Pehonan Hydroelectric Agreement

Regina, SK – FSIN Chief Guy Lonechild congratulates the James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree and the Peter Chapman Band – along with their development partners, Brookfield Renewable Power and Peter Kiewit Sons Co. – for reaching an agreement with SaskPower to study the feasibility of developing a hydroelectric project that would provide approximately 250 megawatts (MW) of power to the provincial electrical grid.“This project has the potential to create jobs and help to develop the economies of the First Nation communities involved,” says Chief Lonechild. “This partnership between First Nations, industry and government is an example of what can be accomplished by working co-operatively. It shall enable First Nations to participate in the economic benefits from Pehonan from start to the eventual completion of construction and further provide ownership opportunities for the three first nations. The FSIN remains hopeful to facilitate new energy projects and partnership models that would provide new projects to be introduced by Energy Minister Bill Boyd in the coming months.”

The Pehonan Hydroelectric project would be located downstream from the forks where the South Saskatchewan River meets the North Saskatchewan River. According to the agreement if the feasibility study proves viable SaskPower would enter into a long-term purchasing arrangement with the First Nations and their industry partners.

“The work to make this project a reality began about 30 years ago. With today’s signing the Pehonan Hydroelectric project is closer to becoming a reality,” says Chief Lonechild. “I want to congratulate past leaders who started the work and the current leadership who continued with this vision.”

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of Treaty, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

For More Information Visit www.fsin.com

Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications
Direct: 306.956.1026
Cellular: 306.220.7187
Email BlackBerry:mervin.brass[at]fsin.com