Why Indigenous partnerships are essential to the energy transition
In a context where the energy transition is accelerating, Indigenous communities are playing an increasingly important role in the development of renewable energy projects. Their knowledge of the land, governance structures, and long-term vision make them key partners in building sustainable projects that are locally accepted.
Beyond collaboration, the focus today is on co-creating projects that respect the cultural, environmental, and economic realities of communities.
Our partnerships at the core of our actions
At Boralex, we actively co-develop and co-own renewable energy projects with several Indigenous Nations. These include the Innu Nation (Québec), Walpole Island First Nation (Ontario), Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (Ontario), Mattagami First Nation & Taykwa Tagamou Nation (Ontario), Alderville First Nation (Ontario), and the West Moberly, Saulteau, and McLeod Lake First Nations.
These partnerships take different forms, ranging from co-development and equity participation to agreements that ensure fair sharing of economic benefits.
An Approach Rooted in Trust
Our relationships with communities 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.
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
These three pillars now form a structured framework that guides our teams in developing responsible and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities.
On the ground, these principles translate into co-developed and co-owned projects, where communities actively participate in decision-making and benefit from economic outcomes. This contributes to creating shared value while respecting land and cultures.
Each project is unique and built in close collaboration with communities, based on their priorities and aspirations.
Concrete projects that bring our approach to life
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.
A Taste of Tradition
To mark this special day, as an example in 2025 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.
Published on June 27, 2025 - Updated June 19, 2026