First Nations leader to connect with St. Catharines university students Thursday night

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Published October 25, 2021 at 12:21 pm

Every year, Brock University’s Goodman School of Business connects students with prominent Canadian business leaders and this year, they found someone with a powerful story.

A prominent First Nations leader and energy executive, Margaret Kenequanash, will talk about her roles in creating Canada’s largest First Nations-owned infrastructure project at a virtual event this Thursday (October 28).

For over 10 years, she has been trying to the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, an endeavour between 24 First Nations to bring power to 17 remote communities that are currently powered by diesel fuel.

Wataynikaneyap literally means ‘line that brings light’ in the Anishiniiniimowin dialect and Kenequanash believes it represents more than the power it will supply the communities. She said it also reflects the socio-economic opportunities it will bring for future generations.

“I am honoured to have been asked to share insights on my own personal journey, successful business partnerships and meaningful engagement with First Nations with Ontario’s future business leaders,” Kenequanash told Brock News.

The business partnerships she is referring to are Fortis Inc. and other private investors, who will help create the 1,800-kilometre, up to $1.9-billion transmission line, which has a 2023 target completion date, as well as First Nations majority ownership.

“The Wataynikaneyap Power Project is an unprecedented undertaking, majority owned by First Nations controlling the development in their homelands,” said Kenequanash. “I hope students will be inspired to think about new, innovative partnership models for the 21st century as they embark on their own careers.”

After a roundtable with Goodman student leaders prior to the live event, Kenequanash will then join Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes in conversation in an online fireside chat from 3 to 4 p.m.

To receive a link to the event livestream, register here.

(Photo of Margaret Kenequanash courtesy of Brock University)

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