STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEFS OF THE WILLIAMS TREATIES FIRST NATIONS
On the Darlington New Nuclear Project Equity Investment
June 23, 2026
Today, the Williams Treaties First Nations are taking a historic step forward by becoming investors and future owners in Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP).
Following years of discussion, analysis, negotiation, and planning, our Nations have agreed to make a $700 million investment in the project through our jointly held investment limited partnership, WTFN Investment Holdings LP. Structured as a commercial loan that will convert to equity ownership over time, this transaction positions our Nations as long-term partners in one of the most significant energy infrastructure projects in Canada.
This represents the largest collective First Nations investment in nuclear generation in Canada and a landmark Indigenous investment in Canada's first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR), the first such project in the G7. At a time of growing electricity demand, our Nations are helping support the development of reliable, low-emissions energy infrastructure that will serve Ontario for generations to come.
This decision reflects our commitment to creating long-term opportunities and prosperity for our communities while ensuring that our Nations play a meaningful role in shaping major developments taking place within our territories.
For generations, major infrastructure projects were planned and built across our Territories with little or no involvement from our Nations. Today, First Nations are increasingly participating not only as rights holders, but also as owners, investors, and partners. This investment reflects that evolution and demonstrates what is possible when First Nations participate on our own terms.
This investment is expected to generate stable, long-term revenue for present and future generations, strengthening our collective economic sovereignty. It also creates opportunities for our Nations to build expertise, capacity, and influence in sectors that will continue to shape Ontario's future for decades to come.
It is important to be clear that this investment does not alter or diminish our Treaty and Aboriginal rights, nor does it diminish the Crown's duty to consult and accommodate. The commercial investment and consultation processes have remained separate throughout this work and will continue to do so moving forward.
Our participation in this project enhances our ability – and our responsibility – to continue engaging in meaningful consultation, and creating strong environmental protections, responsible stewardship, and the highest standards of safety throughout the life of the project.
This decision follows more than five years of discussions involving our Chiefs and Councils, economic development entities, professional advisors, and staff. Throughout this process, our Nations carefully evaluated the opportunity, the risks, and the potential long-term benefits before reaching this decision.
This work was made possible through collaboration with Ontario Power Generation and the support of key partners. The investment is supported by a loan guarantee provided by the Canadian Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, of which 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 supporting the transaction.
Throughout the transaction, the Nations were supported by independent financial and legal advisors. Investment bank MPA Morrison Park Advisors (“MPA”) acted as the Nations' exclusive financial advisor and served as sole agent and bookrunner on the placement of the financing. National Law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (“BLG”) served as legal counsel to the WTFN Investment Holdings LP acting as the collective entity for the Nations throughout the transaction negotiation, investment and overall structuring.
As Anishinaabeg Peoples, our decisions are guided by our responsibilities to the Lands and Waters and to our next Seven Generations, which remind us that the choices we make today must consider the well-being of those who come after us.
This investment is not simply about a project. It is about creating long-term opportunities for our people, expanding our economic influence, and ensuring that future generations can benefit from responsible participation in the development of our territories.
Today marks an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of a much longer journey. We look forward to continuing this work together and sharing its benefits with our communities for generations to come.
Chief Taynar Simpson Chief Joanne P. Sandy
Alderville First Nation Beausoleil First Nation
Chief Laurie Hockaday Chief Donna BigCanoe
Curve Lake First Nation Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
Chief Laurie Carr Chief Ted Williams
Hiawatha First Nation Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Chief Kelly LaRocca
Mississaugas of Scugog First Nation
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