First Nation Projects

First Nations have long recognized the power of land, sky and wind. They were the first true believers in renewable energy. We are proud partners with First Nations communities in renewable energy projects.

Commencing in 2006, 3G was engaged by M’Chigeeng First Nation of Manitoulin Island to design and build the first wholly Indigenous-owned utility scale wind farm in Ontario. 3G assisted M'Chigeeng in arranging financing under Ontario's Aboriginal Loan Guarantee program, as well as the management of equipment procurement and construction of the project. This 4 megawatt wind energy project reached its Commercial Operation Date in June 2012. As of 2025 M’Chigeeng continues to own and operate the wind farm with asset management assistance from 3G. An 8MW expansion of the MERE project is currently undergoing feasibility studies and environmental assessment work with 3G's assistance.

In 2011, we designed and built 4 solar energy projects for two Ontario First Nation communities.

3G assisted the following First Nation communities in project feasibility studies and permitting: Henvey Inlet FN, Wasauksing FN, Nipissing FN, Serpent River FN, Swan lake FN, Wolfe Lake FN

In 2015, we organized a community energy audit project for M'Chigeeng First Nation, that launched several band members toward becoming energy certified auditors.

In 2017 we assisted a Saskatchewan First Nation obtain Government of Canada funding in excess of $300,000 to study the feasibility of creating a wind farm.

Between 2021 and 2024 we assisted the M'Chigeeng First Nation in assessing feasibility for a large quarry on Manitoulin Island to replace its off-grid diesel generators with solar, wind and battery components that can reduce the industrial company's reliance on diesel generation and can drastically reduce their annual carbon emissions. This project has moved into an R&D phase as of 2025 and is anticipated to result in novel technology that can allow large, pulsating industrial loads to connect to weak rural grids without damaging neighbouring customers.

In 2023 we revisted the M'Chigeeng First Nation community energy audit and wrote a strategic plan for managing carbon emissions, deploying EV charging stations as well as outlining a path toward potential replacement of all dwellings within the community to achieve Net Zero energy efficiency and energy independence. Construction of EV charging stations is underway in 2025.

Between 2015 and 2024, 3G worked with the Iskut First Nation in northern BC to study the potential for a large wind farm in the Tahltan region. In 2024 we assisted Iskut First Nation in the creation of a partnership with a national renewable energy project developer, with the intent to bid into forthcoming energy procurements beyond 2025.

In 2025, 3G began a relationship with Five Nations Energy Inc (FNEI) in Northern Ontario focusing on creating renewable energy opportunities on the FNEI-owned 115 kV high-voltage transmission line as well as Behind the Meter installations within the FNWI communites.

In 2025, 3G began a relationship with Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, near Sudbury, Ontario, focusing on creating renewable energy opportunities on the 44 kV distribution line near the village, as well as Behind the Meter installations on Band buildings.

Services Offered to First Nations

  • Community Energy Audit and Energy Self-sufficiency Planning
  • Energy Resilience for dwellings
  • Wind or Solar Resource Assessment
  • Sound Level Assessment
  • Budgeting and Financing
  • Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
  • Project Design
  • Equipment Procurement
  • Turnkey installation
  • Project management
  • Operations and maintenance