Development of the Keeyask Project is a collaborative effort between Manitoba Hydro and four Manitoba First Nations – Tataskweyak Cree Nation and War Lake First Nation (acting as the Cree Nation Partners), York Factory First Nation, and Fox Lake Cree Nation – working together as the Keeyask Hydropower Limited Partnership (KHLP).
The parties negotiated the Joint Keeyask Development Agreement (JKDA, Manitoba Hydro), an agreement that governs how the project will be developed. It also sets out understandings related to potential income opportunities, training, employment, business opportunities and other related matters.
Manitoba Hydro provides the administrative and management services for the KHLP and will own at least 75 per cent of the equity of the partnership. The four Manitoba First Nations, known collectively as the Keeyask Cree Nations, together have the right to own up to 25 per cent of the partnership.
In 2009, a ceremony was held in Split Lake, Tataskweyak Cree Nation’s home community, to mark the official signing of the JKDA.
Individual Adverse Effects Agreements with the four partner First Nations have also been signed. These agreements identify potential negative impacts of the Keeyask Project, and outline measures to prevent or reduce these effects. Where adverse effects cannot be avoided, offsetting measures will be pursued or compensation will be provided.
Through community ratifications, the membership of each First Nation approved both the JKDA and the community-specific adverse effects agreements.
