Case Studies Listing

CASE STUDY: Indigenous Railway Infrastructure Investment

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 13:42:34 GMT

Tshiuetin Rail: Government-Backed Revenue Model Delivering Stable Returns

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Canada's first Indigenous-owned railway demonstrates a replicable infrastructure investment model combining operational revenue, government backing, and Indigenous equity participation. Tshiuetin Rail Transportation provides institutional investors with empirical evidence that Indigenous partnerships deliver superior risk-adjusted returns through quantifiable advantages unavailable in conventional infrastructure projects.

CASE STUDY: Cedar LNG

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Cedar LNG, a proposed floating liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat, B.C., represents the world’s first Indigenous majority-owned LNG project. Upon its completion, the Haisla Nation and the surrounding region will benefit from one of the cleanest environmental profiles globally. The facility will utilise natural gas, primarily used across British Columbia for heating homes and businesses. An estimated eight-kilometre-long pipeline will connect Cedar LNG to the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

Chief Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, shares in-depth insights about Cedar LNG on the podcast, offering valuable perspectives on the project’s impact and future. Be sure to revisit these episodes:

CASE STUDY: Watay Power Project in Northern Ontario

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Northern Ontario welcomes another groundbreaking initiative to reshape the energy landscape and promote socio-economic development within remote First Nations communities. The Watay Power Project is perceived as a visionary endeavour that resulted from the collaboration of 25 First Nations communities. Represented by Wataynikaneyap Power LP and FortisOntario Inc., the collaboration is a testament to the powerful transformation partnership and innovation bring.

Within the First Nations Limited Partnership (FNLP), an intricate equity financing structure was established. This structure involved a $220 million loan obtained from a syndicate representing two Canadian life insurance companies, with legal representation provided by McCarthy Tétrault. Notably, this equity financing was strengthened by a guarantee from the Ontario Ministry of Finance under the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program, underscoring the innovative financial mechanisms employed to mitigate risks and attract investment in projects of strategic importance.

CASE STUDY: Indigenous-Led Infrastructure Projects Across Canada

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:15:00 GMT

Meaningful Indigenous participation in infrastructure development is crucial for Canada's progress. Indigenous-led projects not only benefit communities but also contribute to the national economy. By embracing and supporting Indigenous infrastructure initiatives, Canada can achieve prosperity and inclusivity for all its citizens.

Fred Di Blasio, alongside his partners, is leading the charge in empowering Indigenous communities through infrastructure investment. Their firm, Longhouse Capital Partners, aims to raise $1 billion for an alternative asset fund targeting Indigenous-led infrastructure projects. With a wealth of experience in finance, law, and Indigenous economic development, Di Blasio and his team are committed to promoting financial literacy and education among Indigenous communities, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity.

CASE STUDY: East-West Tie Transmission Project

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

The East-West Tie Transmission Project, which began construction in 2019 and was completed in 2022, is a significant infrastructure development connecting Thunder Bay and Wawa, Ontario. Spanning approximately 450 kilometres, it features a double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line linking Hydro One’s Wawa Transformer Station, Marathon Transformer Station, and Lakehead Transformer Station in Thunder Bay. The project involved the installation of 1,228 towers, 3,563 kilometres of conductors, and 2,588 tower foundations, reflecting the immense scale of this undertaking.

Beyond addressing Northern Ontario’s growing electricity demand and enhancing grid reliability, the project stands out for its collaborative engagement with 39 First Nation communities in the region. Indigenous involvement was integral to shaping the project, ensuring traditional knowledge, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship were prioritised alongside economic development. This approach exemplifies a progressive model for balancing infrastructure advancement with respect for Indigenous rights and sustainable practices.

CASE STUDY: Onaping Depth Nickel Project

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

Onaping Depth Nickel Project

The Sudbury Basin has long been central to Canada’s mining industry, contributing greatly to the economy and the global supply of critical minerals. The Onaping Depth Nickel Project, spearheaded by Glencore, began its development phase in 2017, with construction and related activities ramping up shortly thereafter. The project has a target completion date of 2025, when full-scale production is expected to commence. These timelines align with Glencore’s strategic goals to meet the growing demand for critical minerals like nickel, essential for clean energy technologies.

Deep Collaboration for Deep Mining

At its heart, the Onaping Depth Project is about more than mining. It is a partnership that brings together Glencore, Indigenous communities, and experts in engineering and sustainability. Working closely with the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, and the Métis Nation of Ontario, the project combines economic development with cultural respect and environmental care.

CASE STUDY: Ring of Fire Development in Ontario

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

In June 2021, the Sierra Club Ontario Chapter initiated a crucial research project to evaluate the environmental and cultural impacts of the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region in Northwestern Ontario. Led by Joseph Duncan, an Indigenous member of Treaty Nine Territory, the study focused on the ecological importance of this 5,100 square kilometre area, home to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. This region is vital to their way of life, supporting essential species like caribou and peatlands, and is integral to the cultural and economic practices of the Nation.

The research team, through interviews with Nishnawbe Aski Nation members and field visits, aimed to assess the environmental risks posed by the proposed mining projects. While the potential for economic benefits is clear, there are significant concerns regarding disruptions to migration patterns, as well as the long-term effects on Indigenous hunting and harvesting. Amid growing scepticism over the adequacy of consultation and the accuracy of information provided, the Nishnawbe Aski Nation remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the land and ensuring any development respects their rights and cultural values.

CASE STUDY: KGHM's Victoria Mine

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

The Victoria Mine, located in Ontario’s Sudbury Basin, is an essential part of KGHM International Ltd.’s expansion plans. Focused on producing nickel, copper, and platinum group metals, the mine is not only advancing Canada’s role in the global mining industry but also represents a model of Indigenous collaboration and environmental stewardship.

Acknowledging the profound connection between Indigenous communities and the land, KGHM has implemented comprehensive strategies to ensure sustainable development while respecting Indigenous rights, traditions, and ecological knowledge.

CASE STUDY: Hydro One Transmission System

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

Southwest Ontario faces the significant challenge of ensuring an adequate supply of electricity. With demand expected to increase in the coming years, Hydro One is poised to launch a new project aimed at providing reliable and safe electricity. This transmission line infrastructure project is anticipated to drive economic growth and attract investment upon its completion.

Hydro One was founded as a result of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, established in 1906. Upon approval, construction for this project is set to begin in 2027. Hydro One is optimistic that this initiative will enhance the resilience and capacity of the Peterborough area and eastern Ontario, boosting electricity production by 400 megawatts.

CASE STUDY: Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline

Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 00:15:00 GMT

The expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline ensures that Canada will fully capitalise on its oil resources. The enhanced system is projected to increase its nominal capacity of 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day. Since the original Trans Mountain Pipeline was built in 1953 and has operated safely up to the present, this extension will provide additional infrastructure to maximise the value of Canada's oil. The expanded capacity will not only boost economic returns but also enhance the efficiency and reliability of the country's oil transportation network.

This project involves the construction of approximately 980 kilometres of new pipeline and the reactivation of 193 kilometres of existing pipeline. Key developments include the addition of 12 new pump stations and the installation of 10 new storage tanks. These upgrades will greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of the pipeline.