The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is located in the shared treaty and traditional territory of the Williams Treaties First Nation 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. Historically, the PHAI Public Information Program has included Indigenous communities and organizations as a primary audience. In alignment with our commitment to advance reconciliation through meaningful actions, CNL is developing a PHAI Program for Engagement with Indigenous Communities and Organizations (PEICO) to support an open, honest, and transparent relationship with Indigenous rights and interest holders.
Communications and Engagement
Shortly after moving into the implementation phase of the PHAI (Phase 2) in 2012, the Mississauga communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations asked to receive regular updates about the projects. These communities continue to receive regular updates about the PHAI projects and participate in regular meetings and dialogue with CNL staff.
CNL also shares PHAI project updates with representatives from the Anishinabek Nation, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and Métis Nation of Ontario as Indigenous communities/organizations with interests in the area.
Communities with 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
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 the opportunity to strengthen relationships and receive updates and information from the Mississauga and Chippewa First Nations.
Meetings are organized and agenda topics determined with input from the community representatives; each meeting focuses on CNL environmental remediation projects and/or interests identified by these Nations.
CNL works to ensure that these meetings provide a forum for two-way communication; the format and content remain flexible to best serve WTFN rights and interests.
In recent years CNL has also shared PHAI project updates with representatives from the 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.