Hiawatha First Nation is one of seven Williams Treaties First Nations that have announced a historic $700 million investment in Ontario Power Generation's Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) — the largest collective First Nations investment in nuclear generation in Canada.
Announced on June 23, 2026 at an event hosted by the Nations at the DNNP site in Courtice, Ontario, the investment supports the development of Canada's first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR), the first such project in the G7.
Seven Nations, one investment
The investment brings together the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg Nations of the Williams Treaties: Alderville First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
Chief Laurie Carr represented Hiawatha First Nation at the announcement, joined by Chief Taynar Simpson (Alderville First Nation), Councillor Jake King (Beausoleil First Nation), Chief Laurie Hockaday (Curve Lake First Nation), Chief Donna BigCanoe (Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation), Chief Ted Williams (Chippewas of Rama First Nation), and Chief Kelly LaRocca (Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation).
They were joined by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue of Canada; the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance; and the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, together with senior leadership from Ontario Power Generation and the Crown corporations supporting the transaction.
How the investment is structured
The investment is supported by a loan guarantee provided by the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation. The Province of Ontario is a 50 per cent participating guarantor through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program administered by Building Ontario Fund.
Financing is being provided through a syndicate of Canadian financial institutions, with Manulife, SLC Management, and iA Financial Group among the participating institutions. The seven Nations acted collectively through WTFN Investment Holdings LP, with MPA Morrison Park Advisors as exclusive financial advisor, sole agent and bookrunner, and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP as legal counsel.
The transaction follows several years of work by the Nations, alongside OPG, governments, advisors, and financing partners, to establish the regulatory, commercial, and financial conditions necessary to enable First Nations participation at this scale.
Participation on our own terms
In a joint statement, the Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations said:
"Today, our Nations are taking an historic step forward. Through this investment, we are not only creating opportunities for our own communities – we are helping advance a project that will play an important role in meeting Ontario and Canada's growing energy needs. This investment demonstrates what is possible when First Nations are able to participate meaningfully in projects taking place within their territories, not only as rights holders, but as investors, partners, and participants in the long-term success of the project."
"For generations, major infrastructure projects were built across our territories with little or no involvement from our Nations. Today, we are helping shape that future. This investment reflects a future where projects in our territories are developed with us leading and at the table – not carried out around us on our shared Lands and Waters. This is ownership, capital, and long-term responsibility at scale. It is an economic decision made on our own terms that reflects the role First Nations are increasingly playing in projects that are critical to Ontario and Canada's future."
Rights, stewardship, and the Seven Generations
The Chiefs were clear that the investment does not alter the Nations' relationship with the Crown:
"Our investment in this project does not change our Treaty and Aboriginal Rights, our Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Crown, or our expectations for meaningful consultation and accommodation. We remain committed to advocating for the interests of our communities and to ensuring that environmental protection, stewardship, and accountability remain central to this work."
"As Anishinaabeg Peoples, our decisions are guided by our responsibilities to the Lands and Waters and by the principle of the Seven Generations. The choices we make today must create opportunities for our people while honouring our obligations to those who will come after us."
As the project advances, the Nations will continue to advocate for meaningful consultation, environmental stewardship, responsible project development, the safe and responsible management of nuclear materials and waste, and the highest standards of safety and accountability.
A platform for what comes next
Beyond Darlington, the transaction establishes a foundation for future participation in major infrastructure opportunities. By working together through a shared investment framework, the seven Williams Treaties First Nations have created a platform capable of supporting economic participation in projects that may shape energy, infrastructure, and economic development across their territories for generations to come.
