The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) projects are located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations and is home to Indigenous peoples from across the country.
CNL is committed to recognizing the Constitutional rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Engagement with these communities is a critical component of the Port Hope Area Initiative. From the start of the PHAI planning process, the Mississauga communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN) have been involved in the PHAI, participating in the Environmental Assessments (EA) through more than 40 engagements. When the EAs were approved and the PHAI moved into the implementation phase in 2012, the Mississauga Nations asked to receive regular updates about the projects.
CNL Indigenous relations staff meets on a monthly basis with representatives from the Mississauga First Nations (Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville), as well as the Chippewa communities (Beausoleil, Georgina Island and Rama First Nations). These meetings provide a forum for two-way communication; the format and content remain flexible to best serve WTFN rights and interests. Each meeting focuses on CNL environmental remediation projects and/or interests identified by these Nations and provides the opportunity to strengthen relationships and receive updates and information from the Mississauga and Chippewa First Nations.
Communities with Treaty Rights
- Alderville First Nation
- Curve Lake First Nation
- Hiawatha First Nation
- Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
- Beausoleil First Nation
- Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
- Chippewas of Rama First Nation
Communities with Interests
- Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
- Métis Nation of Ontario, Regions 6, 8
Indigenous Organizations
- Anishinabek Nation
- Métis Nation of Ontario
In recent years, CNL has also shared PHAI project updates with representatives from Anishinabek Nation and Métis Nation of Ontario. Other Indigenous communities including Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and local Métis Councils have also expressed interest in the projects based on their geographic proximity and interest in other projects in the area. Over the years, CNL has provided project information mailings to keep these communities up to date and circulates invitations to special events including Industry Day, career fairs and information sessions.
Historically, the PHAI Public Information Program had included Indigenous communities and organizations as a ‘’primary audience. In alignment with the CNL commitment to advance reconciliation through meaningful actions, CNL collaborated with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop the PHAI Phase 2 and 3 Program for Engagement with Indigenous Communities and Organizations to support an open, honest and transparent relationship with Indigenous rights and interest holders.
CNL remains committed to proactively and transparently share project information and updates with Indigenous communities and organizations, with a focus on early engagement and the opportunity to review, discuss and provide feedback on project plans, reports and issues with CNL.
Read the PHAI Program for Engagement with Indigenous Communities and Organizations