b'PROJECT SUPPORTSA NATION-LED WIND PROJECT Ransom, the Environmental ServicesLOOKING AHEADOne Nation that tapped into the Coalitionsteam helps communities shape theirThe Coalition is exploring the creation of a support is Stellaten First Nation. Whenown frameworks for assessment andfor-profit arm to reinvest profits back into they launched the Ni Ti Mountain Windstewardship. One example is the Spirit ofthe non-profit side. The aim is to increase project, they partnered with Innergex, athe Land Toolkit, launched in April 2024 renewable energy company. (see page 38 for more details). capacity and expand support to more The Toolkit and other resources areNations across Canada.Jason Mclvor, senior developmentgrounded in traditional law and local manager at Innergex, says the Nation had aBy supporting Nation-led decision making clear vision from the beginning and calledknowledge systems, giving Nations toolsand advocating for access to capital and in FNMPC for specific financial advice. to assess and lead projects based on theirenvironmental leadership, the Coalition is The Stellaten Nation is well advanced invalues. Ransom and her team also workhelping build a future where First Nations their understanding of how to bring bigwith Nations to embed these approaches projects to market, so we didnt need ainto regulatory reviews and community- shape major projects on their own terms ton of support, but it was a very focused,led planning processes. and share fully in the benefits.specific ask that FNMPC came in and delivered on, he explains. They were a key team member.In addition to the Ni Ti Mountain Wind project, FNMPC has supported manyCODES ACCELERATION PROGRAMsuccessful projects across the country.Were currently very involved in theHOW CAN WE SUPPORT Coastal GasLink project, helping Nations develop and negotiate equity options,INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Vickers says.He also points to the Chatham toIN LEADING THE ADOPTION OF Lakeshore Transmission Line project in Ontario, which involved multiple NationsENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING and led to significant employment and contracting opportunities. CODES?EQUITY AND ACCESS TO CAPITALVickers says equity is a core part of the Coalitions work, and most of the supported projects involve equity ownership of25-50% or more. That kind of participation builds long-term value, but can be difficult for Nations without the capital needed to buy in.The Coalition has been advocating for improved access to capital so Nations can take ownership positions in major projects. Vickers points to recent examples in energy, mining, and transmission that have generated significant employment and business opportunities in addition to economic returns.The goal is to help Nations grow theirECO CANADA IS PROVIDING TRAINING AND RESOURCES TO own-source revenue and reduce relianceINDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. on external funding. Whether it is through large-scale infrastructure or renewableWATCH OUR INTRODUCTORY WEBINAR TO LEARN MOREenergy developments, owning a share of a major project opens new possibilities for economic independence, job creation, and greater say over how the land is used.ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWBuilding Code Adoption for Building Stronger ConnectionsAND NATION-LED TOOLSFNMPC also supports Nations in environmental processes. Led by Angel 34NATIONS FORWARDIssue 12025First Nations Major Projects Coalition35'