North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and member communities announce historic equity agreements with Moltex and ARC Clean Technology

Saint John, New Brunswick (Monday, September 25, 2023) – North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) and its seven First Nation member communities are thrilled to announce that they have signed equity agreements with Moltex Energy Canada Inc. (Moltex) and ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC).

These first-of-a-kind agreements in the field of small modular reactor (SMR) technology will enable NSMTC and its member communities (Oinpegitjoig, Ugpi’Ganjig, Natoaganeg, L’nui Menikuk, Tjipogtotjg, Metepenagiag, Amlamgog) to share in Moltex and ARC’s success in developing and deploying advanced nuclear technology in New Brunswick and around the world.

NSMTC and its member communities are making financial investments in both Moltex and ARC, via separate agreements, that result in them receiving $2 million in share value from Moltex and $1 million in share value from ARC. While details are confidential, both deals have been structured in recognition of the key role First Nations play in New Brunswick’s energy future. The number of shares received will depend on future company valuations at the close of later funding rounds.

Since establishing their businesses in New Brunswick, ARC and Moltex have prioritized engaging with and including First Nation communities. Beyond offering equity ownership opportunities, the companies are dedicated to creating additional avenues for the advancement and prosperity of First Nation people in New Brunswick, including opportunities in training, employment, procurement, and business development.

With the help of Saa Dene, a company focused on Indigenous inclusion through economic and social participation in the global economy, NSMTC conducted thorough due diligence to ensure that Moltex and ARC’s technologies and values harmonized with Indigenous teachings of honouring and respecting the Earth and its resources.

The agreements precede ARC and Moltex’s participation and sponsorship of the Indigenous-Led Energy Symposium, an NSMTC-organized event taking place October 24-26 in Moncton. The symposium will bring together leaders from First Nation communities, utilities, government, and industry for two days of conversation and collaboration regarding opportunities for Indigenous participation in the New Brunswick energy sector.

Details of the equity agreements were announced at the Saint John Arts Centre at a news conference attended by Indigenous leaders, government representatives, industry partners, and the media.

Quotes:

“We are pleased to see another energy development opportunity embraced by First Nations here in New Brunswick. Creating these kinds of partnerships is essential to the economic development and increased employment for Indigenous communities, and to building a sustainable energy path for the province.”   

– Arlene Dunn, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

“I am pleased to see this unique collaboration and partnership on such an important energy file. SMRs will help us reduce our carbon emissions and provide reliable energy for New Brunswickers for years to come.”

– Mike Holland, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development

“Small modular reactors are shaping an important part of Canada’s energy future. New Brunswick is leading the charge as the headquarters for both ARC Clean Technology and Moltex. This investment is a critical step in securing energy independence for my community and many others.”

– Wayne Long, Member of Parliament Saint John-Rothesay, New Brunswick

“As Indigenous people, we believe that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. With this investment, we are building a legacy for our youth, as well as our communities and the environment. We are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future and opportunities that can be passed down for years to come.”

– Jim Ward, General Manager, NSMTC

“We couldn’t be happier to have both NSMTC and its member communities as equity owners in Moltex. We have worked closely with NSMTC for years, building a solid foundation of mutual trust and respect. Taking our partnership to this new level reinforces the strength of our relationship and brings our shared vision for the future into sharper focus.”

– Rory O’Sullivan, CEO, Moltex

“Building and maintaining sincere, long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities is an important priority for ARC. We are grateful to North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and their member communities for the establishment of this historic alliance. As true partners, the First Nations members of North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council will benefit from our success here in New Brunswick and beyond, paving the path towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

– Bill Labbe, President and CEO, ARC Clean Technology

As we’ve learned more about ARC and Moltex through our work with them over the years, we’ve come to understand their innovation and technology as one part of the greater effort against climate change. We found that both companies are dedicated to clean energy and waste reduction, which align with our values of a sustainable legacy for generations to come.” 

– Chief George Ginnish, CEO, NSMTC and Chief of Natoaganeg First Nation

“On behalf of myself and the entire Saa Dene team, it has been an honour and a privilege to assist North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council First Nations in this incredible and progressive SMR investment. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to both Moltex and ARC Clean Technology on their unwavering commitment to Indigenous engagement and equitable partnership.”  

– Jauvonne Kitto, CEO, Saa Dene

Media contacts: 

Julie Guillemet
North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
JulieGuillemet@nsmtc.ca

Aleisha Bosch 
Moltex 
aleishabosch@moltexenergy.com 

Sandra Donnelly
ARC Clean Technology
sdonnelly@arc-cleantech.com

Jauvonne Kitto
Saa Dene
Jauvonne@saadene.com

About North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council:

“Ukjit ula’tinew msit No’kmaq (for the betterment of our people). The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) was formed in 1987 to serve the communities of Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau), Ugpi’Ganjig (Eel River Bar), Natoaganeg (Eel Ground), L’nui Menikuk (Indian Island), Tjipogtotjg (Buctouche), Metepenagiag (Red Bank), and Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nations. NSMTC’s mission is to provide service delivery for its communities’ interests and well-being while preserving their cultural heritage and traditional way of life. NSMTC’s priorities include land and resource management, economic development and job creation, health and social services, education and language preservation and cultural and community events. NSMTC works collaboratively with its community members, other Indigenous organizations, and government agencies to address issues and opportunities that affect its communities. It is committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with its community members.

About Moltex:   

Moltex Energy Canada Inc. (Moltex) is a Canadian IP company and nuclear technology leader that has caught the attention of governments, utilities and investors worldwide. It is developing three unique technologies: a Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W) that uses recycled nuclear waste as fuel; a WAste To Stable Salt (WATSS) process for recycling nuclear waste to produce SSR-W fuel; and GridReserve thermal energy storage tanks, enabling the SSR-W to act as a peaking plant. Moltex was selected by NB Power to progress development of its reactor technology in New Brunswick, Canada, with the goal of deploying first-of-a-kind SSR-W, WATSS and GridReserve units at the Point Lepreau site.

About ARC:

ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC) is a clean energy technology company developing the ARC-100, an advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) offering inherently safe, reliable, and economical carbon free power. Leveraging proven technology from the 30-year performance of its prototype, the ARC-100’s simple, modular design provides 100 megawatts of electricity and industrial heat that will be cost competitive with fossil fuels. Important applications include the decarbonization of heavy industry, the fueling of low-carbon hydrogen projects, and the creation of life-saving medical isotopes. The ARC-100 has been selected by New Brunswick Power for implementation on their Point Lepreau site with completion by the end of this decade. This will make it the first grid-scale Generation IV aSMR deployed in Canada. ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. has offices in Saint John, New Brunswick and is a subsidiary of ARC Clean Technology Inc. based in Washington, DC.

We will soon be hiring an energy efficiency coordinator, please send your information to info@fnpa.ca please use “Job Posting” in the subject line.

Follow up on our website and further newsletters for new job postings.

Saskatchewan:
Starting October 1, SaskEnergy’s approved commodity rate decrease will result in customer’s overall natural gas bill  of decrease 7.8 per cent. (Global News, September 14, 2023)

Manitoba:
Manitoba New Democrats promise to fully fund the conversion of 5,000 homes throughout the province to geothermal heating and cooling systems if they are elected October 3. ( CTV News, September 20, 2023)

Alberta:
Cenovus has been granted $7 million from the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reductions Alberta (ERA) to study small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the oil sands. Within the province, Cenovus has engaged with 16 Indigenous communities, “a more robust Indigenous and  community engagement plan will be executed through the study” (ERA, September 19, 2023)
For more information, contact:
Kevin Duncan
Emissions Reduction Alberta
403.431.2859
kduncan@eralberta.ca 

Ontario: 
The Government of Ontario is supporting the construction of Wataynianeyap Power is the largest First Nation-led electricity project in Ontario’s history, with a loan of $1.34 billion. North Caribou Lake First Nation ended its reliance on diesel generation and is now connected to Ontarios’s clean electricity grid after the energization of the  Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project. “Once completed, the project will connect more than 18,000 people living in 16 remote First Nations across northwestern Ontario with a reliable, affordable supply of electricity – the largest and most far-reaching First Nation grid connection project in Ontario’s history” (Ontario News September 14, 2023)

SaskPower’s  2 100MW utility-scale solar power project is ongoing. Developers are looking for partners to enter into SaskPower’s RFP process. for more information please visit SaskPower

FNPA is hosting the below scheduled workshops available for members if you are interested in attending one or all of the sessions please email info@fnpa.ca. These dates are tentatively scheduled and may be subject to change. Please see our website for current information.

Workshops are also available to be delivered to your community.

FNPA has received sponsorship to fund Indigenous community memberships in BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, and NB for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. If you are interested in bringing economic and sustainable energy opportunities to your community, please download the memberships form here or contact Rebecca Âcikahtê at  racikahte@fnpa.ca to learn more.

FNPA’s 7th Annual Indigenous Cleaner Energy Forum is June 26 & 27 2023 at TCU Place in Saskatoon, SK.
Join our special guest, Chairman Chief Felix Thomas for our Chairmans Gala June 26, 2023 from 6:30-10:00pm.

This two day event will cover the following topics: Access to Capital, Indigenous-led equity Participation, Indigenous Procurement, Indigenous Project Finance, Indigenous engagement, and more. Attend in person or virtually!

A community interested in power generation will have full control of the development process from the earliest planning stages through to final stages of development alongside our highly qualified team and Industry members.

Learn more

Join us here:

• Global First Nations Carbon Summit – October 3
• Electricity Transformation Canada Conference – October 23-25
• SAVE THE DATE: June 26-27 FNPA’s 8th Annual Cleaner Indigenous Energy Forum

Join us as we power the pathway toward a clean energy future. Stay in the loop about upcoming FNPA events!

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