W8banaki and BluEarth sign framework agreement

The W8banaki Nation, represented by the Abenaki Council of Odanak, the Abenaki Council of Wôlinak and the W8banaki Tribal Council, and energy developer BluEarth Renewables have announced that they have signed an agreement for the development of renewable energy projects throughout the W8banaki Nation’s ancestral territory, the Ndakina. This agreement, which is a first in the whole of the Ndakina, establishes a framework to foster a mutually beneficial relationship based on dialogue, cooperation, transparency and respect, which are critical to developing socially acceptable projects.

“This ground-breaking agreement establishes clear governance for the continuation of our successful partnership with the W8banaki Nation,” said Grant Arnold, BluEarth Renewables President & CEO. “BluEarth has been working closely with the W8banaki Nation through early stages of project development and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure that the W8banaki Nation can benefit from the development of clean energy projects on their ancestral territory.”

BluEarth is currently actively developing the potential Des Sources Wind Project in the Ndakina and may propose further developments in the future. “This agreement reflects the mutual commitments to continue respectful collaborative work on the Des Sources Project, as well as other potential projects in the future,” says Mr. Arnold.

The framework agreement details the W8banakiak consultation and agreement process for all current and future projects, including the following:

• Early engagement of the W8banakiak in development of all projects
• Training of BluEarth employees and contractors on the specific context of the W8banakiak
• Establishment of a joint committee for the ongoing exchange of information and to address issues and questions
• Participation of the W8banakiak in the environmental assessment processes of all projects
• Opportunity to participate in the financial benefits of any project, if desired
• Negotiation of a cooperation agreement that provides for cultural, heritage, environmental and socio-economic compensation and accommodation measures.

“This agreement represents an important milestone in establishing a respectful and structured relationship with BluEarth,” said Denys Bernard, Executive Director of W8banaki. “It recognizes our collective desire to participate fully and actively in the energy development of the Ndakina, while ensuring that it is carried out in accordance with our values, our rights and our vision of the territory. Thanks to this agreement, the communities of Odanak and Wôlinak will be able to exercise their right to free, prior, and informed consent in all proposed development projects. This is a concrete step towards a balanced partnership, based on transparency, reciprocity and sustainability.”

About BluEarth

BluEarth Renewables Inc. is a leading independent power producer that develops, builds, owns, operates and acquires wind, hydro, solar and energy storage facilities across North America.

Our portfolio includes over 780 MWAC (gross) in operation, under construction, or with a power purchase agreement and over 7 GW of high-quality development projects that are actively being advanced. In addition, we provide third-party operating support for over 300 MW of wind and solar across North America. For more information, visit bluearthrenewables.com.

About W8banaki

W8banaki, formerly known as the Grand Council of the Waban-Aki Nation Inc., is a tribal council founded in 1979 that brings together the Abenaki communities of Odanak and W8linak, both located in Centre-du-Québec.Its mission is based on three pillars: representation, development and administration. This is achieved through the many services and departments of W8banaki, which work on a daily basis to promote the entire W8banaki Nation.

For information: