Hydro dam a possibility for three northern communities

James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree, and Peter Chapman First Nations have signed an agreement with SaskPower towards a potential $12 million hydro dam located downstream from the forks of the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers.

The project, called Pehonan (Cree for “we’re waiting by the creek”), has been in the works for over a decade and is still being negotiated. The first step is a feasibility study, with a decision expected in the next 18 to 24 months, to validate the results of previous site selection assessments. The studies will also determine the feasibility of the project from an environmental and economic perspective.

This phase could take up to four years. If the study proves viable, SaskPower would enter into a long-term purchasing arrangement with the First Nations and their industry partners, including building and construction.
Chief Calvin Sanderson of Chakastaypasin says it will have a positive impact on the economy and the First Nations in the area.

“It means a lot,” Sanderson said.  “Long term economic development and legacy trust funds for our education for post-secondary.”

The completed dam could bring $1.5 billion into Saskatchewan, while providing the province-wide electricity grid with 250 megawatts of power, alongside job creation.

“We believe it has a tremendous amount of merit,” said Bill Boyd, Minister responsible for SaskPower.  “I think this is a clear signal to all First Nations and MÈtis people that the government of Saskatchewan is very serious about working with them for future economic development projects in our province.”

Peter Chapman First Nation Chief, Robert Head, says the dam is a great opportunity for the government and his band to work together.

“It showcases what First Nation’s people can accomplish if we work together with industries and government to make something big happen in regards to addressing all the social problems, the barriers, all the problems we’ve had over the past 100 years,” Head said. “It’s the new step into the future. It’s a green future, and it’s a good future, so it’s of greatest importance.”

Chief Wally Burns of James Smith Cree Nation noted that past leaders in the early 1980s had a vision for a hydro project on their land.

“We are pleased to see that this government is making it a priority to work with First Nations and engage us in opportunities that will benefit our members and hopefully make this vision a reality,” Burns said. “If this project can overcome all feasibility obstacles, it has the potential to have significant and positive long-term benefits for the members of our community and the people of Saskatchewan.”

Development partners Brookfield Renewable Power and Peter Kiewit Sons Co. were also key in the project - Brookfield has to date invested $2-million in pre-feasibility studies.

The feasibility work is expected to cost $12 million, costs paid up front by the developer, with SaskPower responsible to cover a portion of that amount if the parties decide the project is not feasible.

“Public-private partnerships provide many benefits to the people of Saskatchewan and our government is pleased with the potential of the Pehonan project,” Minister Bill Boyd said. “It allows First Nations like James Smith, Chakastaypasin and Peter Chapman to become active participants in Saskatchewan’s growing economy, while leveraging the capital and expertise of development partners like Brookfield and Kiewit.”

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations(FSIN) Chief Guy Lonechild was quick to congratulate the three bands for the co-operative approach in creating economic opportunities, while also noting that 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,” stated Lonechild. “I want to congratulate past leaders who started the work, and the current leadership who continued with this vision.”

Lonechild added that First Nations participation in
research, development, and construction, and further ownership opportunities was an important economic development.

“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,” Lonechild said.