Tri-Nations/Fort à la Corne Development Corporation 200MW Hydroelectric Project, Saskatchewan

Name of First Nations/communities:
James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastapaysin First Nation and Peter Chapman First Nation

Name of project:
Pehonan Hydroelectric Project

Project focus:
Independent Power Production

Location of project:

Near the reserve lands of the James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastapaysin First Nation, and Peter Chapman First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada

When industrial mining developers approached the communities of James Smith, Chakastapaysin and Peter Chapman First Nations, these First Nations conducted some research to investigate the needs of the mining industry. They discovered that the industry requires power, and lots of it. They chose to forge ahead with a 200MW Hydroelectric Dam near "The Forks" of the North Saskatchewan River. The dam, which is planned to be located near their reserve, will provide enough power to supply the needs of a diamond mine that may be developed in the Forte à la Corne area.

Self-determination is what describes the driving force of the Tri-Nations communities of James Smith, Chakastapaysin and Peter Chapman First Nations. They did not want to be arm-chair participants in the developments that came their way; they wanted to be part of the action. They recognized that halting development was futile; and, as a result, they developed the Fort à la Corne Development Corporation. The Corporation has formed a patnership with Brookfield Renewable Power to explore development of the project. This area, which has always been rich in resources but lacking in infrastructure, could receive improved energy and transportation infrastructure throught the development of this project.

The road to success is a long one. Developments such as the Phonan Hydroelectric Project have many complexities and take years to plan and construct.