The mandate is to ensure and promote economic and employment initiatives to First Nation members in the following areas:
Private Businesses & Business Plan Development
The Economic Development Department can meet and assist you throughout all phases of your business. Either if you have an idea for a business or are looking to expand, the Economic Development Department can assist you. We strongly recommend that you be involved in every aspect and creation of your business plan as you will be the one who will be speaking with funding sources and will need to completely understand your business plan. We can assist in obtaining financial parts of your proposal provided you have accurately identified startup costs and on-going expenses and milestones.
The following are some useful information and applications that can assist you:
- Waubetek Business Development Corporation Package
- Aboriginal Business Development Toolkit – Ontario
- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Registration Form
- CORDA Program
- BDC Aboriginal Banking Ontario
- IAOP Small Business Financing
Board Member
The Manager of Economic Development currently sits on the Kagita Mikam board committee, the Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle, Ontario First Nation Economic Development Association, and Ottawa Valley Economic Development (OVED).
The Economic Development department is always looking for new partnerships and building relationships with outside organizations to promote the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and local businesses.
AOPFN General Partner & Limited Partnership
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation has created the AOPFN General Partner & AOPFN Limited Partnership to enhance and create Economic Development opportunities for the First Nation. This corporate entity will allow the First Nation to enter into projects and partnerships. The AOPFN Limited Partnership has the responsibility of managing the Goshen Solar project.
Each entity is managed by a Board of Directors and reports to the Chief and Council on a regular basis and must complete an annual report to them as well.
The Economic Development department is still responsible to meet and develop business opportunities on behalf of the First Nation. Once it has been determined if the opportunities best fit the administration structure or the General Partner structure, the implementation of the business opportunities proceeds.
Goshen Solar Inc.
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation are 51% partners in this 500kW roof-mounted solar project. It is located outside of Renfrew on Goshen road. Our partner is with Hans Reichert. This project is a 20-year contract with IESO. Our completion date is 2035. We are very excited to have developments in the Energy sector.
S.S. Kyle
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation is also in a 15% partnership with a 50 kW roof mounted solar project. The partner is with Roger Gauthier and located in Lancaster, Ontario. This project will generate revenue for 20 years for the First Nation.
Pendleton & Barlow
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation entered into a partnership with EDF Renewable and have been awarded two projects called Pendleton and Barlow. Both projects, AOPFN is a 50.1% owner and will be managed by the AOPFN Limited Partnership.
Barlow Solar Energy project is a 10 MW ground mounted solar farm located on private land outside Cornwall, Ontario. Pendleton is a 12 MW ground-mounted solar farm located on private land southwest of Plantagenet, Ontario.
Construction of both projects were completed during the Fall/Winter 2018/2019.
This is an exciting accomplishment for the First Nation and the community. We have created renewable energy sources that will generate revenue for the benefit of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation for the next 20 years.
Investment Strategy
The department has completed an Investment Strategy for the community. The Investment Strategy will guide the staff in selecting businesses to invest or partner with, as well as consider how revenue will be allocated in the future and assist the needs of our community. The Investment Strategy survey was completed by 126 applicants, 68% live on-reserve and 31 % live off-reserve. To see the full results, you can access the survey at the Administration Office, Economic Development department.
Collaborative Benefit Agreement- Zibi Project
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan signed a CBA with Windmill Development in partnership on the Zibi project. This agreement provides the greatest good for the greatest number of AOPFN members as:
- it recognizes and respects the historical presence of the Algonquins in this territory;
- it opens doors for the AOPFN as we take active ownership and leadership to build our capacity towards self-efficiency, self-reliance, and self-determination;
- it provides access to employment, investments, and partnerships for learning and development of our members;
- it will demonstrate that our community and its members are moving to improve the narrative for ourselves and it also contributes to a positive outlook upon other Indigenous communities.
In our celebration of this positive step forward, and of our decision to enter into this agreement, we are fully aware that our decision may not meet the approval of others and we respect that we cannot always meet the expectations of others.
Regardless of how others may view our decision – it is with pleasure that we announce this milestone for AOPFN and we firmly believe that this is a step in the right direction and establishes our desire to take responsibility for our future.
Chief Kirby Whiteduck and Councillors, on behalf of the AOPFN, believe that this agreement will positively serve the community and the members of AOPFN for the long term. If you wish to see the agreement, please contact Christine Lightbody, Manager of Economic Development.
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Memorandum of Understanding with County of Renfrew
On May 25, 2016, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Chief and Council along with the County of Renfrew County Council signed an MOU that creates a framework in which both parties will work together on key issues. The MOU will outline key areas of common interest that AOPFN and the County of Renfrew will work together for the betterment of both Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and County of Renfrew.
