Over the past few months, the evaluation of the Onimiki project has continued in order to provide partners with access to accurate information and enable them to make an informed decision. Legitimate questions have been raised about the project, but so have hasty conclusions.
It is in this context that Chief Lance Haymond of Kebaowek First Nation and Chief Lisa Robinson of Wolf Lake First Nation decided to sign an open letter to ensure that their voices are heard. We reproduce it here.
“We are the chiefs of the Kebaowek and Wolf Lake First Nations.
Over the past few months, we have heard many comments and concerns about the Onimiki project, a community-based hydroelectric power plant project that would use the hydraulic forces of Lake Kipawa in Témiscamingue.
As project partners with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Mashteuiatsh) First Nation and the MRC de Témiscamingue, we believe it is important that our voice be heard in response to the questions raised.
The role of leader of our First Nations comes with many responsibilities.
We must ensure that we meet the needs of our members and that they have access to the services to which they are entitled.
We must relentlessly defend our unceded ancestral rights to the land.
We have a responsibility to our land. We must ensure that its resources are used responsibly. This is a duty passed down from generation to generation so that those who come after us can also benefit from it.
A community energy model by and for the community
With this vision in mind, we plan to properly assess the potential of the Onimiki project. In our view, this 100% community-based project represents a development opportunity for our communities that would give us access to sources of income to meet the growing needs of our members.
To support us, we have called upon the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, which has developed several hydroelectric power plant project with respect for the environment and the surrondings. We are also working closely with our neighbors in the MRC de Témiscamingue.
In the past, First Nations were mere spectators of development, with no say in the matter. These past developments have led to significant changes in our territory.
Today, the situation is different. Land development must be carried out in partnership with Indigenous communities. The community energy model gives us the opportunity to implement a sustainable and responsible project by and for the community. This is what distinguishes the Onimiki project from the former Tabaret project, which was imposed and imposing.
Legitimate concerns
Today, we ask for time and trust to properly complete the evaluation of the Onimiki project. We also want the debates to be based on facts, not on hasty conclusions.
It is legitimate for people to question the impacts of the project and want answers to their questions. We want answers to these questions too!
Studies are currently underway. Once the results are available, they will be shared publicly, including with the BAPE at our request.
We have always been firm in our opposition to projects that have too much impact on the territory. The mining projects near Lake Kipawa and the proposed nuclear waste dump in Chalk River on the banks of the Kichi Sibi River (Ottawa River in Anishnabemowin) are unacceptable to us because of their potential impact on water quality.
If we determine that the project’s impacts outweigh its benefits, the project will not move forward.
We believe it is possible to propose a promising project for the entire Témiscamingue region that takes into account all environmental, social, and economic issues.
Chef Lance Haymond, Kebaowek First Nation
Cheffe Lisa Robinson, Wolf Lake First Nation