“There’s no net zero without First Nations,” said Pabineau First Nations Elder James (Jim) Richardson. “Nothing happens there (on traditional unceded First Nations territory) unless we agree to it.”

He’s not wrong.

Ever since the federal government ratified the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canadians laws must be consistent with UNDRIP principles of rights, respect and reconciliation. “It’s really about economic reconciliation,” said Richardson.

The chief of Pabineau First Nation (PFN), Terry Richardson (Jim’s brother), is a strong advocate of inviting private sector entities to “engage First Nations directly” when it comes to exploring partnerships for natural resource developments and clean energy initiatives.

Chief Richardson, who has the distinction of being the only bilingual indigenous chief in New Brunswick, received three standing ovations when he spoke at a local chamber of commerce event about PFN’s economic vision and about forging partnerships with non-indigenous partners and Acadian businesses in the region.

“If a proposed project makes economic sense and it can come with a solid plan for project financing, we’re open to talk with anyone directly,” said Chief Richardson. But that invitation comes with a very important caveat: Trust.

…PFN’s detailed analysis of opportunities with regard to clean energy matches the level and quality of work he does with leading established power chain corporations in western Canada and elsewhere.

—Norm Sawyer, president of ION Nuclear Consulting Limited

Norm Sawyer, president of ION Nuclear Consulting Limited, is one of New Brunswick’s leading energy authorities on nuclear energy and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs).  Having done business directly with both Richardsons, Sawyer said he’s very impressed with PFN’s dynamic and forward vision with respect to their clean energy initiatives. “(PFN) has done some exceptional work.” As a consultant, he worked with PFN in developing models called “swim lanes” to chart their progress with clean energy proponents. The models help PFN distinguish “the contenders from the pretenders”. From his perspective, PFN’s approach is harvesting positive results.

Furthermore, Sawyer, who has led innovative nuclear energy companies across Canada as a former-CEO of ARC Nuclear Canada Inc. and in senior C-suite and management roles in Bruce Power, Hydro Quebec and NB Power, smiled when he stated that, even with limited capacities and human resources, PFN’s detailed analysis of opportunities with regard to clean energy matches the level and quality of work he does with leading established power chain corporations in western Canada and elsewhere.

David Campbell, New Brunswick’s former chief economist and a columnist with Postmedia, recently wrote New Brunswick has the opportunity to grow as an “energy export powerhouse”. Doing so, however, means building on the momentum created from the synergies/partnerships between Pabineau First Nation, Belledune Port Authority and other green energy partners. He specifically highlighted their pursuit of “large-scale electricity production as a driver of economic development.”

With approximately 400 on and off-reserve band members, Pabineau First Nation is a 15-minute drive south of Bathurst, and approximately 30 minutes drive from the Port of Belledune, which sits on the Bay of Chaleur connecting to Gulf of St. Lawrence. Logistically and strategically, PFN is a critical part of the Belledune Port Authority’s and northern New Brunswick’s tidewater supply chain, which proffers one of Atlantic Canada’s closest year-round ports to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Northern N.B. is also of geo-logistical importance as a necessary “energy hub” for the province’s Hydrogen Roadmap; New Brunswick has long-term aspirations of exporting net zero green ammonia to Europe as part of the opportunities unfolding with the Canada-Germany Transatlantic Hydrogen Alliance.

 

 

Chief Richardson emphasized they are strategically diversifying their economic revitalization, natural resource and clean energy development objectives. “There are the wind and biomass as well as solar that could be a short-term solution. I really don’t think that one technology is the solution but a mix of many.”

In terms of clean energy, PFN operates a 3.5MW windmill farm in Richibucto, generating approximately $400,000 per year for their annual capital budget. Discussion is also active with a private company to build a 150MW windmill farm on band territory. “And we’ve been on the cusp of discussions (with potential private investors) with solar and battery storage manufacturing,” added community Elder, Jim Richardson.

Moreover, PFN’s Mi’gmaq Logistics LP—the business entity owned by the entire First Nations community—has signed eight MOUs with entities representing private sector partnerships. Both PFN leaders state they are in the early stages of developing trusted business relationships with various external stakeholders and potential partners, and that confidentiality agreements prevent them from divulging specifics. That said, they did verify they are currently dealing with UK-based, Japan-based, and other-US-based private sector potential partners—companies that “recognize” how First Nations are critical and integral partners in any “action-oriented” projects.

Ultimately, final decisions about green energy projects, natural resource development and economic development initiatives will not be made without the approval of their community, and the other First Nations bands they represent. These include Eel River Bar and other smaller First Nations which do not have the same resource capacity as PFN. The affiliation is also to Pabineau’s advantage: the collective unity of influential groups like the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council, the First Nations Power Authority and First Nations Major Projects Coalition strengthens PFN’s voice.

“Two New Brunswick locations, Belledune and Saint John, are considered to have the capabilities to become significant hydrogen hubs due to their regional asset base and existing infrastructure combined with water access through their port facilities.”

— NB Hydrogen Roadmap

Pabineau’s leaders also recognize the importance of having solid relationships with local, non-indigenous regional partners integral to northern-N.B.’s overall green energy and economic development strategies. These partners include Belledune Port Authority, the City of Bathurst, and NB Power to name a few. A collaboration between PFN, City of Bathurst and Montreal-based investors resulted in plans to build an 8-storey apartment complex on PFN land.

The community is also critical to the provincial government’s hydrogen roadmap and decarbonization action plan. According to the NB Hydrogen Roadmap: “Two New Brunswick locations, Belledune and Saint John, are considered to have the capabilities to become significant hydrogen hubs due to their regional asset base and existing infrastructure combined with water access through their port facilities.” These hubs will combine low-carbon intensity energy inputs, production facilities, and users of hydrogen in one location.

In 2022, BPA touted ARC Clean Technology Canada’s ARC’s aSMR (ARC-100) 100MW reactor—still in the design stage and not yet approved from Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission—as playing a preferential role in BPA’s 2022-2052 Master Development Plan. The development proposed to use ARC’s aSMRs to generate a minimum of 1GW of zero-emission firm heat and power for industrial users at BPA’s Green Energy Hub.

Chief Richardson said he and other First Nations represented in the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council are following ARC’s development with keen focus. He added that, even with the uncertainty of ARC technology, development at the Port of Belledune will proceed with whatever technology makes it to market. “Perhaps even a larger reactor as the one at Point Lepreau could work as well.”

He also sees potential in conventional light-water SMRs by GE Hitachi (GE Hitachi SMRs are water-cooled reactors) and others that could be the solution “since they are likely to make it to the market first.” Regardless of what technology makes it to market, he feels SMNR’s (SMRs) have a role to play in N.B.’s comprehensive natural resources and green energy development plan, and in solving the energy crisis.

 

 

Collaboration with indigenous communities is recognized in N.B.’s Climate Action Plan (2022-2027). The report states: “Indigenous communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change in New Brunswick…and the province remains committed to strengthening collaboration and supporting Indigenous communities in advancing their climate priorities.”

However, even with official government documents identifying the importance of building better relationships with Indigenous communities, PFN’s leaders say their association with the current premier has been less than optimal. Chief Richardson cites Premier Higg’s decision to axe a 30-year-old gas tax revenue-sharing agreement with some First Nations reserves as one example of poor Crown-to-First Nations relations. “Our relations when it comes to power (the Premier of New Brunswick) is just not great,” he said.

Pabineau Elder Jim Richardson added: “Relationship building (with First Nations) that’s number one.” And “we’re dealing with companies that have come to us.  …They’re on their 50th cup of tea on their journey towards their 500 cups of tea to develop a solid relationship (with us).”

Chief Richardson noted it’s really about developing a firm relationship where both PFN and private sector partners can achieve mutual business objectives. “The better you know one another, the more trust and understanding you have towards one another.”

 

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Brian McLaughlin is a freelance writer with a background in energy (oil, gas, clean energy) research, alternative technologies, and economic development and business coverage. He is based in New Brunswick.

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