Wind energy agreements a potential move towards ‘reconcili-action’

In what could potentially be a pivotal step toward a just energy transition, NB Power has announced four wind energy agreements with Indigenous communities across the province. The new Power Purchase Agreements total more than 450 megawatts (MW) of wind-generated electricity, enough to power 82,000 New Brunswick homes based on the average residential consumption of 1,700 kWh per month.

Beyond the headline of low-cost wind power lies a deeper narrative: climate justice, Indigenous leadership, and intertwining environmental responsibility with economic reconciliation.

Powering Indigenous futures (& the grid)

NB Power expects the four projects to be operating by 2027–2028:

• Salmon River Wind (200 MW), co-developed by the Wolastoquey Resource Developments Inc. representing all six Wolastoquey communities, in partnership with the Halifax company, Natural Forces.
• Paqt’smawei Sipu Wind (100 MW) a Mi’kmaq-led effort by the Indian Island First Nation and Mi’kmaq United Investment Network alongside Natural Forces
• Astuwicuwon Wind (92 MW), developed by Sistansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation and Quebec-based Eolectric.
• Papoqji’jq Wind, a 60 MW project in partnership between Pabineau First Nation and Germany-based ABO Energy.

The NB Power media release claims that each project ensures sustained community revenue, job creation, and co-governance – what the Director of Economic Development for Sitansisk First Nation, Patrick Brooks, calls “Reconcili-Action.”

“This is a win for Wolastoqey communities, NB Power, and all New Brunswickers,” said Chief Patricia Bernard of Madawaska First Nation. “For our communities, it means sustained revenue, employment opportunities, and greater influence over our lands.”

From tokenism to true partnership?

Historically sidelined from economic development projects like energy development, Indigenous communities in New Brunswick have an opportunity now to be at the helm of renewable energy leadership.

The new projects come after the federal government announcement in December 2024 of an investment of  $1 billion dollars in clean energy projects for New Brunswick, of which 670-megawatts is to be Indigenous-led.

These partnerships attempt to go far beyond symbolic inclusion – if the vision is realized, they will feature equity participation, economic autonomy, and environmental stewardship.

Chief Allan Polchies of Sitansisk emphasized the deeper significance: “Reconciliation is about working together and recognizing that Indigenous Nations have the capacity and willingness to exercise stewardship…”

This potential shift from the historic colonial relationship between governments and Indigenous nations also aligns with broader climate justice principles, such as addressing the uneven burdens and benefits of the energy transition.

For communities that have long borne the brunt of environmental degradation, resource exploitation, and land dispossession, access to clean energy revenues and governance rights offers Indigenous people a restorative path forward.

A just energy transition in practice?

NB Power’s announcement arrives at a crucial time. Despite the climate emergency, the new federal government is talking about developing new fossil fuel pipelines and false climate solutions such as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS).

Changing the discourse and pushing support for renewable energy and addressing questions of equity are vital to put Canada on a more sustainable path.

In the NB Power media release, Lori Clark, president and CEO, said the projects are “the future of sustainable energy in New Brunswick – working together, showing respect, and deeply rooted in community.”

The utility said the projects were selected through a rigorous process that emphasized not only cost-effectiveness but also community integration and environmental values.

Reconciliation through decarbonization?

Including Indigenous partners as co-developers rather than stakeholders is an attempt to bring more diverse voices to the table and offer economic prosperity for Canada’s first peoples. If employment, revenue-sharing, and direct equity ownership actually materialize, these projects could be stellar examples of a sustainable and just energy transition with true economic reconciliation.

If this happens, for many Indigenous nations, these projects could represent not just infrastructure, but legacy – transforming historical subjugation and injustices into sustainable, self-determined futures, a true “Reconcili-action.”

Emma Fackenthall is a research assistant for the CEDAR project at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick.