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27 June 2025

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Building Trust and Sustainable Partnerships

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the strong and lasting relationships we’ve built with many Indigenous communities across Canada. These partnerships are the foundation of our commitment to a sustainable, inclusive energy future—one that respects both the land and the cultures.

We actively co-develop and co-own renewable energy projects with several Indigenous communities, including: Innu Nation (Quebec), Walpole Island First Nation (Ontario), Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (Ontario), Heiltsuk Nation (British Columbia), Mattagami First Nation & Taykwa Tagamou Nation (Ontario), Alderville First Nation (Ontario), Bridge River Indian Band, N’Quatqua and T’it’q’et Nations (British Columbia), West Moberly, Saulteau, and McLeod Lake Indian Band.

An Approach Rooted in Trust

Our relationships are built on listening, transparency, and mutual respect. From the earliest stages of development, we engage in open dialogue with communities, taking into account their economic, cultural, and territorial priorities. 

  • Many of these projects are co-developed and, in several cases, co-owned, ensuring active and equitable participation.
Personnes du milieu devant un parc éolien
Technicienne faisant face à des panneaux solaires et un couché de soleil

Three Pillars of Our Partnerships with Indigenous Communities

Each partnership teaches us the importance of:

  • Taking the time to listen and understand each community’s unique realities
  • Adapting our practices to respect traditions, governance structures, and development visions
  • Sharing benefits fairly, including through royalty agreements

At Boralex, we recognize that our relationships with Indigenous communities are at the heart of our past, present, and future. They are an integral part of who we are as an organization. We have the privilege of operating on lands rich in culture. Honoring these strong relationships allow us to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Together, let's keep building our future with respect, authenticity, and commitment.

Patrick Decostre
Président and CEO

Deepening Our Commitment

To structure and enhance our approach, we recently appointed a Director of Indigenous Partnerships, himself a member of a First Nation. His role is to support and strengthen the trusted relationships we’ve built with our partners while developing new ones.
He works closely with our field teams, who play a vital role in creating long-lasting and respectful relationships with communities. Their daily commitment is at the heart of our shared success.

These projects reflect our commitment to co-developing energy solutions that respect the land, traditional knowledge, and the aspirations of Indigenous communities. On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we reaffirm our commitment to moving forward together with respect and determination. Through these relationships, we demonstrate that the future is full of promise, and reconciliation is woven into our path forward.

Maxime Vollant
Director, Indigenous Partnerships

A Taste of Tradition

To mark this special day, our Montreal office had the privilege of welcoming Abenaki chef Jacques T. Watso, owner of Sagamité Watso, elected councillor of Odanak, and proud member of the W8banaki Nation.

Colleagues were treated to a tasting of traditional Abenaki dishes, thoughtfully prepared and presented by Mr. Watso himself. This delicious moment was enriched by an authentic cultural exchange, as Mr. Watso generously shared his story, his culture, and his vision.

We also proudly acknowledge that our Kingsey Falls office is located on the ancestral territory of the W8banaki Nation—a source of pride and a relationship that continues to inspire our commitment to building respectful, lasting, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Team