Partners details

Stellat’en First Nation, located in the glacial basin between Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof, has a long tradition of forward‑thinking, community‑driven decision‑making. Stellat’en has identified several short and long term goals in their Economic Development Plan, which prioritizes seeking and promoting economic initiatives that enhance the quality of life and prosperity of Stellat’en members; developing diverse, environmentally sustainable, and profitable businesses that respect their history, culture, traditions, and the environment; exercising their inherent right to access natural resources within their traditional territory; and building the capacity of Stellat’en members to become successful entrepreneurs.

Stellat’en independently identified the Ni Ti Mountain Wind Project as a means of achieving these objectives and secured an Investigative Licence to assess wind energy potential, a vision that led to their 2016 partnership with Innergex. Today, as the majority equity holder (51%) alongside Nadleh Whut’en, Stellat’en contributes extensive land‑based and environmental expertise and aligns fully with the Partnership’s commitment to fostering strong, sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities. As a member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council—together with Nadleh Whut’en—Stellat’en also plays a key role in helping potential industrial partners understand the Aboriginal rights and title exercised in the region.

Nadleh Whut’en is based near Fraser Lake 3 km west of the unincorporated town of Fort Fraser. Nadleh Whut’en are the “people who live where the salmon return” and are a proud community of Dakelh peoples (also known as Carrier). Nadleh Whut’en have lived on their traditional territory since time immemorial and are a part of the larger Yinka Dene (Carrier) Nation.

As an equity partner, Nadleh Whut’en is committed to a collaborative approach in negotiating with government and industry to ensure that their Indigenous perspective is well represented. They seek to find balance between environmental integrity, cultural preservation, and economic growth through the integration of modern environmental assessment techniques and traditional knowledge. Nadleh Whut’en actively engages in consultations to secure agreements that reflect rights and concerns, often resulting in more sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes which balance economic needs with cultural sustainability.