Latest news with #Mi'gmaq
Cision Canada
08-08-2025
- Cision Canada
New immersive tourism offering from the Nation Micmac de Gespeg at Forillon National Park Français
Inauguration of Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn GASPÉ, QC, Aug. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada are proud to inaugurate Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, an immersive experience in traditional accommodation in Forillon National Park. In addition to being a new tourism offering on the ancestral Mi'gmaq territory of Gespe'gewa'gi, this project marks a concrete step toward reconciliation. While August 9 marks the International Day of the Indigenous Peoples, it is part of the Reconciliation and Recognition of Rights Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park, particularly supporting the objectives related to the preservation and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage. Located at the tip of Forillon National Park, near Cap-Bon-Ami, Um'tgi Wapg offers an immersive experience of traditional wigwam-inspired accommodation, where visitors will discover Mi'gmaq history, legends, cultural practices and spirituality through educational activities – such as making dream catchers according to Micmac moons and other interpretive activities related to the culture and territory. This site is a symbolic place for sun ceremonies, as it pays tribute to the beauty of the land and the history of the Mi'gmaq people who have lived there for thousands of years. Reservations will be open to the public starting in summer 2026. An engine of viability, economic growth and cultural vitality The Um'tgi Wapg project presents a distinctive new tourism offering in the Gaspésie region. Led by the Nation Micmac de Gespeg, this project promotes the development of Indigenous tourism, an essential lever in its sustainable development strategy. As well as boosting the local economy, the project will create jobs for members of the community. Its integration into Forillon National Park is based on a strong synergy between the park's natural appeal and the richness of Mi'gmaq culture, offering visitors an experience rooted in the territory and supported by the community. Quotes "After several years' work, the realization of Um'tgi Wapg is a success that makes me particularly proud. In addition to discovering the region, visitors to Forillon National Park can learn about many aspects of Mi'gmaq culture. This project reflects our commitment to passing on our culture to future generations, while creating tangible benefits for our community." Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Nation Micmac de Gespeg "Our national parks are a source of pride for all Canadians. They also offer an opportunity to highlight key chapters of our shared history, from time immemorial to the present day. The Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn project represents a concrete commitment to reconciliation and will deepen our understanding of the profound connections between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands. Parks Canada's support for this initiative by the Nation Micmac de Gespeg reflects our government's commitment to building a future that honours the historical and contemporary contributions of First Nations, while protecting our natural and cultural heritage across the country. I encourage everyone to experience this immersive journey during their visit to Forillon National Park." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "The new Um'tgi Wapg project is a wonderful way to share the rich culture, history and knowledge of the Mi'gmaq people with visitors from here and abroad. It will also create new jobs in the community and support the Nation Micmac de Gespeg's long-term development objectives. By inviting people to learn more about indigenous culture, this important project promotes greater understanding between communities and helps us all move forward together towards reconciliation. " The Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Quick Facts Located on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park welcomes over 165,000 Canadian and international visitors every year. The Government of Canada officially recognized the Nation Micmac de Gespeg in 1973, even though they have occupied the territory since time immemorial. On April 3, 2024, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and the Government of Canada announced the signing of the Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park. Related Links Parks Canada Nation Micmac de Gespeg Forillon National Park SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
Cision Canada
07-08-2025
- Cision Canada
Media invitation - Inauguration of a new immersive Indigenous experience in the region Français
GASPÉ, QC, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Micmac Nation of Gespeg is proud to inaugurate Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, a new immersive tourism offering on the territory. Produced in collaboration with Parks Canada, this unique project offers an immersive experience in traditional accommodations, promoting the development of Indigenous tourism and helping to create jobs for community members. The official inauguration will take place on Friday, August 8 at 10 a.m., in the presence of Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Hugues Michaud, Executive Director, Quebec-Nunavut, from Parks Canada, and other key partners. Event details: What: Official inauguration and tour of Um'tgi Wapg – Terre de l'aube – Land of the Dawn, an accommodation site offering a unique Indigenous experience to introduce visitors to Mi'gmaq culture. When: Friday, August 8, 2025 at 10 a.m. (45-minute press conference followed by cultural activities) Where: North Area, near Cap-Bon-Ami in Forillon National Park (opposite Cap-Bon-Ami Campground). Um'tgi Wapg is located about 45 minutes from Gaspé. Who: Céline Cassivi, Chief of the Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Hugues Michaud, Executive Director, Quebec-Nunavut, Parks Canada * Please note that there is no cellular network in the Cap-Bon-Ami area, including the Um'tgi Wapg site. This project is in line with the Rights and Reconciliation Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park, particularly with regard to the preservation and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CIB invests $108.3m in new wind farm in Canada
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has announced an investment of C$108.3m ($79m) to support the construction of the 102.2MW Mesgi'g Ugju's'n 2 wind farm (MU2), located in Gespe'gewa'gi, Canada - the first-ever Indigenous equity loan provided by CIB. Gespe'gewa'gi, also known as the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, extends across the Gaspé Peninsula and New Brunswick. The MU2 project is a collaboration between the Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), representing three local Mi'gmaq communities, and Innergex Renewable Energy. It is scheduled to commence operations in late 2026. The project was the sole initiative among two provincial tenders for 780MW renewable energy blocks to incorporate an Indigenous community partner as a sponsor. CIB has allocated C$15.8m as an equity loan to enhance MMBC's economic participation and C$92.5m for construction costs. Additional financial backing includes a C$163.9m green loan and other financial support provided by CIBC, Desjardins and the National Bank of Canada. Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory stated: 'With our first investment in a Quebec wind energy project, the CIB is helping another province expand its clean electricity production and expand the capacity of its grid. 'This aligns with our mandate to support meaningful Indigenous economic and social development while investing in clean power opportunities.' Positioned on traditional Mi'gmaq territory near Rivière-Nouvelle, MU2 will complement its predecessor, the 150MW Mesgi'g Ugju's'n wind farm (MU1), expanding on a 50-50 partnership between MMBC and Innergex. MU2 will be equipped with Nordex turbines and will supply electricity to around 20,000 homes. It will reduce emissions by approximately 153,053 tonnes annually through its long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) agreement with Hydro-Quebec. The project will create 150 direct jobs during its construction phase and will prioritise local employment by committing to hiring at least 30% of workers from nearby Mi'gmaq communities. The profits generated will be channelled back into local initiatives. MMBC CEO Frederic Vicaire stated: 'MU2 reflects the maturity and determination of our communities to lead impactful energy development on our own terms. This partnership with Innergex and the support from the CIB demonstrate that Indigenous-led projects can be scalable, bankable and rooted in long-term vision.' In March 2025, CIB announced an investment of $81.9m (C$117.4m) in the construction of the 94.4MW Weavers Mountain wind energy project in the Antigonish and Pictou counties of Nova Scotia. "CIB invests $108.3m in new wind farm in Canada" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Wind energy company finishes Sussex-area project, plans two more
A $90-million wind farm near Sussex is fully operational and two more are in the early stages, according to developer Natural Forces. Natural Forces, a Halifax-based wind energy firm, announced last month that the Neweg Energy Project between Springdale and Portage Vale went fully operational in February. Work on the six-turbine, 25.2 megawatt project about 20 kilometres east of Sussex began in April, 2024, with construction finishing in October followed by commissioning work, the firm said in December. The project is a partnership with the Mi'gmaq United Investment Network, a development company representing eight Mi'gmaq First Nation communities. It's the second phase of the Wowcason Energy Project, after five turbines were finished in 2020 in partnership with Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation. 'Super proud to be a part of the project,' Austin Hughes, vice-president of corporate relations for Natural Forces, told Brunswick News Thursday. 'It's very capital-intensive when we're developing and constructing the project, but during operation, it allows for long-term unsourced revenue for our Indigenous partners, which I think is very important.' The project has a 25-year agreement to sell energy to NB Power, Hughes said. Natural Forces estimated the output as enough to power around 8,000 homes annually. 'Wind is intermittent by nature but it's very predictable, so we can say with certainty how much we think the project will produce by way of energy production and by way of revenue,' Hughes said. 'Seeing this project come online is a big moment for our communities and for the province,' Chief Rebecca Knockwood of Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation is quoted as saying on behalf of MUIN in the announcement. Hughes said that they were able to complete work without having to build over winter and that having the two projects together has meant synergies between the two sites such as a shared snowplow contract. 'We were able to share some of the infrastructure between the projects, which would be a cost savings for both,' he said. When selecting a site for the project, Hughes said they scanned New Brunswick for locations close to wind resources and electrical infrastructure but distanced from houses and sensitive areas. 'When we build all these restraints, what's left is certain pockets of geographical areas that we feel would be suitable for a wind project,' he said, saying they would then speak with landowners or local governments. The firm is now developing two more projects due southwest of the Neweg site. The Paqt'smawei Sipu project, near Springdale, would involve a first phase of 15 turbines for a proposed 105 MW in conjunction with MUIN and L'nui Menikuk (Indian Island) First Nation, according to a project page. The 203 MW Salmon River project, near Hammondvale, would involve up to 34 turbines, built in conjunction with Wolastoqey Resource Developments, Inc., which represents six Wolastoqey Nation communities, according to the project page. According to documents, work on environmental impact assessments for the projects is underway, with a goal to submit the documents by summer 2025 and begin construction in summer 2026, with each planned to take two years. Hughes said that power purchase agreements with NB Power for both projects are in place. 'We're just starting on the development phase ... but I think everyone's really happy with how things have gone so far,' Hughes said. He said 50 plus people attended a recent open house for the Salmon River project and about 30 attended an open house for the Paqt'smawei Sipu project. Hughes says the progress on new projects is 'great for the province,' saying that the province is seeking to procure 1,400 MW by 2026, which he called a 'progressive' target. He said the benefits include tax revenues, employment during construction, revenue for the communities and 'greening the grid.' 'I think it's a win win win, wind power is the cheapest source of new energy in Canada right now,' Hughes said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIB lending $108.3M for new wind project in Gespe'gewa'gi Français
102.2-megawatt wind farm to deliver clean power and economic benefits Disponible en français CIB supporting wind energy project with first Indigenous equity loan in Quebec Mi'gmaq communities to co-own 50% of the project with Innergex Renewable Energy Will create 150 construction jobs and sufficient electricity to power 20,000 homes MONTREAL, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is investing $108.3 million, including its first Indigenous equity loan in Quebec, to support construction of the 102.2-megawatt Mesgi'g Ugju's'n 2 Wind Farm (MU2), located in Gespe'gewa'gi, also known as the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. The project is a partnership between Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), representing the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj Mi'gmaq communities and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX: INE). The CIB's $15.8 million equity loan improves the economic viability of MMBC's participation in the project, and the remaining $92.5 million is dedicated to the project construction. The project was the only one from two provincial tenders for 780-megawatt blocks of renewable energy to include an Indigenous community partner as a sponsor. Additional financing to the project includes a $163.9 million green loan, a $41 million construction bridge loan and a letter of credit facility from CIBC, Desjardins and National Bank of Canada. The MU2 project is expected to generate approximately 150 direct construction jobs, with a commitment to hire at least 30% of the workforce from local Mi'gmaq communities. Revenues will be reinvested into community initiatives. The wind farm will be located on the Mi'gmaq traditional territory of Gespe'gewa'gi, near Rivière-Nouvelle. It will be developed adjacent to the 150-megawatt Mesgi'g Ugju's'n Wind Farm (MU1), also a 50/50 partnership between the Mi'gmaq communities and Innergex. MU2 will feature Nordex turbines, generating enough electricity to power 20,000 Quebec homes through a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Quebec. The project is expected to cut emissions by 153,053 tonnes annually and supports the public utility's Electricity Supply Plan, which forecasted a 12% rise in demand between 2019 and 2029. Operations are expected to begin in late 2026. Endorsements: With our first investment in a Quebec wind energy project, the CIB is helping another province expand its clean electricity production and expand the capacity of its grid. This aligns with our mandate to support meaningful Indigenous economic and social development while investing in clean power opportunities. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank This project is about building—building clean energy, good jobs and stronger communities. Through this investment, the Mi'gmaq will advance clean energy, help power homes and secure long-term benefits through community ownership. Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada We are proud to reach financial close on Mesgi'g Ugju's'n 2 and to continue advancing a project that is deeply rooted in collaboration, sustainability and regional economic impact. We thank MMBC and the Mi'gmaq communities for their continued trust and partnership. This project is a powerful example of how strong Indigenous-led partnerships and clean energy development go hand in hand to generate economic and environmental value. Michel Letellier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Innergex MU2 reflects the maturity and determination of our communities to lead impactful energy development on our own terms. This partnership with Innergex and the support from the CIB demonstrate that Indigenous-led projects can be scalable, bankable, and rooted in long-term vision. It's a model we're proud of—one that delivers real value to our people and contributes to the Gespe'gewa'gi and Quebec's clean energy future. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our advisers, Plan A Capital and Stikeman, who were instrumental in the success of this transaction. Frederic Vicaire, CEO of MMBC About Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation The Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation is the economic development arm of the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj communities. MMBC drives sustainable resource development, services and knowledge-based ventures to improve employment and economic security. Learn more at About Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. For 35 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. As an independent renewable power producer which develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities, Innergex is convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. Innergex conducts operations in Canada, the United States, France and Chile and manages a large portfolio of high-quality assets currently consisting of interests in 91 operating facilities with an aggregate net installed capacity of 3,737 MW (gross 4,693 MW), including 42 hydroelectric facilities, 36 wind facilities, 10 solar facilities and 3 battery energy storage facilities. Innergex also holds interests in 16 projects under development with a net installed capacity of 915 MW (gross 1,547 MW), 5 of which are under construction, as well as prospective projects at different stages of development with an aggregate gross installed capacity totaling 10,288 MW. Its approach to building shareholder value is to generate sustainable cash flows and provide an attractive risk-adjusted return on invested capital. To learn more, visit or connect with us on LinkedIn.
