By Rosalind Russell – Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation has entered into a capacity funding agreement with Massey Solar Inc., an affiliate of Potentia Renewables Inc., to participate in the consultation process focusing on the Massey Solar Project.
According to band council, the Massey Solar Project focusing on building a large solar farm, is within the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers about 14 kilometres outside of Sagamok’s reserve lands.
However, it is within the First Nation’s Area of Interest for Heightened Consultation, and overlaps with the (Wawaskagaming) Birch Lake area, which holds historic significance.
The capacity funding agreement provides the First Nation with the resources needed to properly evaluate the project before taking a position on the project with Massey Solar Incorporated providing the financial support under the agreement.
Sagamok Development Corporation (SDC) and the Claims and Negotiations Unit (CNU) are responsible for implementing the terms of the deal deploying local field monitors, reviewing technical reports and providing community members with opportunities to voice their opinion as Chief and Council work to take a position on the project.
The date, time, and location for community information and engagement sessions will be provided when confirmed.
Under section 35 of the Constitution, as well as several Supreme Court of Canada decisions, the Crown has a duty to consult First Nations when it considers policies and/or projects that may impact Aboriginal and treaty rights.
Although governments hold the legal duty to consult, project proponents(companies) often carry out much of the procedural consultation on the Crown’ s behalf.
Governments and companies recognize that consultation cannot be meaningful if a First Nation lacks the resources to carry out the activities needed to evaluate a proposed policy or project.
As a result, capacity funding is now standard practice in Canada.
hear from community members and Elders about the potential impacts of the project.
Photo of solar panels provided by Potentia Renewables Incorporated.
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