About

For a respectful development of our territory

The objective that brings together the partners is to develop a real promising project that will benefit the First Nations as well as all citizens of the MRC of Témiscamingue and defined in consultation with the community.

An enhanced project developed by Onimiki Renewable Energy Limited Partnership

The idea of developing a hydroelectric project using the hydraulic forces of the Kipawa reservoir has been the subject of several discussions over the years. The enhanced project being considered today by Onimiki Renewable Energy is a response to the issues expressed during previous consultations. It consists of building two hydroelectric power stations, Onimiki North (60MW) and Onimiki South (7MW), which would use part of the available water volumes of the Kipawa reservoir. The local communities have agreed to jointly develop the project on a 100% community basis. This partnership between the communities marks an important milestone in the development of the region.

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation has developed and operates several successful community-based renewable energy projects. The community shares its expertise with Indigenous and municipal partners.

The community has created Développement PEK, a non-profit organization that brings together a team of experts who will support Onimiki Renewable Energy through all the stages of project development, construction and management.

Economic and social development

The Onimiki power station project is designed to boost the Témiscamingue economy.

Income from the start

Partners would share revenues from the first year of operation for the next 40 years. Financial returns to the partners would increase as the loans earned by the partners is being repaid. Detailed financial projections will be produced.

Creating a business partnership between Indigenous and local communities

The creation of a business partnership between Indigenous and local communities, bringing together the Anishnabe communities of Kebaowek and Wolf Lake, the Innu community of Pekuakamiulnuatsh and the MRC de Témiscamingue is a win-win for our respective nations.

A leverage for the partners

The funds would serve as leverage and could be used to implement economic, social and environmental development projects such as creating jobs by attracting businesses to the region, building schools and long-term care units for First Nations, offer more resources to our youth, our elders or even supporting innovative measures to address climate change.

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Creating jobs and supporting the local economy

Hundreds of jobs would be created during the construction period. Job creation and the hiring of local workers during the construction and operation of the power plants are at the heart of the project. Encouraging the purchase of goods and services in the region is at the heart of our vision.

Onimiki Renewable Energy logo

Onimiki means “thunder” in Anishnabe language, and the three fundamental elements that characterize the project are the tunnel, illustrated by the O, water and electricity. By bringing these three elements together, the distinctive signature of the Onimiki project was born. Water and electricity are intimately linked to thunder: the power of the elements at the service of the community!

Board of Directors

Kebaowek First Nation, Wolf Lake First Nation, the MRC de Témiscamingue and Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan have appointed two people to represent them within Onimiki Renewable Energy.

The distinctive feature of a limited partnership is that it remains independent of the limited partners.

David McLaren

chairman, representative of Kebaowek First Nation

Daniel Dufault

vice-president, representing the MRC de Témiscamingue

Martha Polson

secretary, Wolf Lake First Nation representative

Jonathan Launière

treasurer, representative of Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan

Jennifer Chevrier

administrator, Kebaowek First Nation representative

Ashley Desjardins

administrator, Wolf Lake First Nation representative

Nicole Rochon

administrator, representative of the MRC de Témiscamingue

Serge Simard

administrator, representative of Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan