Pabineau First Nation’s path toward economic reconciliation and climate justice through wind energy

As the urgency to transition to low-carbon energy grows, Pabineau First Nation is emerging as a key player in Indigenous-led climate action and renewable energy development. The Mi’kmaq community in northern New Brunswick near Bathurst is demonstrating how renewable energy can support both climate goals and economic reconciliation.

Renewable energy as a path to reconciliation

For many Indigenous communities, economic reconciliation includes equitable access to resource development, energy sovereignty, and combating energy poverty. Pabineau First Nation is pursuing these goals through infrastructure project partnerships to generate long-term benefits for their community members and the province.

Starting-off strong: Oinpegitijoig (Richibucto) wind project

Pabineau First Nation’s entry into the renewable energy sector began with the Oinpegitijoig (Richibucto) Wind Project, a single 3.8-megawatt wind turbine near Richibucto, New Brunswick. Developed in partnership with Halifax-based company Natural Forces and operational since early 2020, the project generates enough electricity to power approximately 900 homes annually.

The initiative received support from Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, alongside private-sector investment. Under a 25-year power purchase agreement with NB Power, the project provides stable long-term income to the community and supports local employment and training.

Projects in the works: Papoqji’jg wind project

In May 2025, NB Power selected the Papoqji’jg Wind Project, a 60-megawatt wind energy development, as part of a major procurement process for over 450 megawatts of new wind capacity across the province. Pabineau First Nation is a development partner on this project led by ABO Wind, a company headquartered in Germany with offices in Calgary, Halifax, and St. John’s.

The Papoqji’jg Wind Project, expected to be operational by 2027 or 2028, will help New Brunswick reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewables in NB Power’s energy mix. It also represents a significant step forward in Indigenous participation in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

The First Nation is always on the lookout for new opportunities to grow their assets and demonstrate to the region that they are not myopic. At the heart of all business ventures is a desire to see the growth of the region and community benefits for all.

Economic development and environmental stewardship

Aside from renewable energy, Pabineau is actively pursuing opportunities in economic development through its dedicated office and partnerships. The First Nation has formalized several agreements with government agencies and private firms to ensure projects reflect both community values and long-term strategic goals. These include employment for community members, training initiatives, and environmental assessments grounded in Mi’kmaq knowledge.

The Pabineau First Nation Economic Development Office outlines its goals as fostering sustainable, culturally appropriate development that supports both community well-being and environmental responsibility.

Inspiration for Indigenous-led energy transition

Pabineau First Nation’s approach works with the federal government’s initiative to include Indigenous nations as owners and partners in resource and infrastructure development projects. There is also a growing realization across Canada that Indigenous participation is necessary for both true reconciliation and climate resilience.

By leveraging renewable energy, Pabineau is helping guide New Brunswick on a more renewable energy path while creating new streams of revenue, employment, and autonomy for its members.

As governments and energy utilities plan their energy futures, partnering with Indigenous communities on renewable energy projects helps to foster economic reconciliation instead of colonial relationships that create injustice and stifle economic development. The example set by Pabineau First Nation provides a model for a partnership rooted in mutual benefit, long-term vision, and Indigenous self-determination.

Chief Terry Richardson is Chief of Pabineau First Nation and is an avid spokesperson for Indigenous-partnered renewable energy projects. Emma Fackenthall is a research assistant with the CEDAR project at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.