Meaningful engagement with Indigenous Nations and Communities is a foundational value for Energy Alberta and central to Project planning. Engagement is inclusive of First Nations, Métis Settlements and Indigenous groups who may be interested in or affected by the Project. 

Between January 2024 and February 2026, Energy Alberta expanded and strengthened its Indigenous engagement activities for the proposed Project, with a focus on open, transparent and inclusive dialogue.  

A detailed record of this work has been provided to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) as part of Energy Alberta’s updated Initial Project Description (IPD). The summary below highlights key engagement activities to date and outlines how this work will continue.  ‍

Early and Ongoing Engagement 

Energy Alberta began Indigenous engagement in early 2024 and has since initiated outreach with 41 Indigenous Nations and Communities, with activities tailored to each Nation’s interests, availability and protocols.

This has included introductory meetings, information sharing, discussions on Project scope and timelines, and opportunities to provide early feedback on Project materials. 

‍Responding to Requests for More Time 

On March 2, 2026, IAAC confirmed a re-start of the regulatory timeline for the Impact Assessment process at Energy Alberta’s request. The resumption follows a six month pause at the company’s request, to allow for Indigenous Nations & Communities to more fully and meaningfully participate in the regulatory process and increase community awareness and education related to the nuclear energy sector.

Workshops, Fieldwork and Capacity Support 

Between August 2025 and February 2026, Energy Alberta continued Indigenous engagement while the Planning Phase timeline was paused, using the time to support deeper conversations and learning.

• Energy Alberta held introductory meetings with 19 Indigenous Nations and Communities, either in person or virtually, based on each community’s preferences. These meetings focused on sharing information about the Project, the regulatory process and the Canadian nuclear industry, and involved a range of participants including leadership, Elders, community members and technical staff.
• Interested Nations and Communities were also invited to take part in early fieldwork in summer 2025, which supported initial site analysis.
• Capacity funding continued to be offered, including consideration of interim funding requests, and work began on framework agreements and work planning sessions to better understand how each Nation or Community would like to be involved in the Impact Assessment process.
• Confidentiality agreements are also being developed, where needed, to protect community-specific information.
• Energy Alberta hosted an in-person siting workshop in September 2025, attended by representatives from 12 Nations and Communities, to explain how potential sites were identified.  
• Follow-up virtual workshops were held in February 2026 with Nations and Communities. This session focused on siting criteria and gathering feedback on areas of cultural or environmental importance, with additional follow-up offered.
• In January 2026, Energy Alberta sponsored a Nuclear Fundamentals workshop led by Indigenous nuclear expert Tracy Primeau. This session responded directly to requests for Indigenous-led perspectives on nuclear energy and supported greater understanding at the community level.

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Looking Ahead: Continuing Indigenous Engagement 

We’re committed to building meaningful, mutually-beneficial relationships with Indigenous Nations and Communities, guided by respect, integrity and a shared commitment to advancing reconciliation, and as outlined in our Indigenous Relations Policy.   

Energy Alberta will continue meeting with interested Indigenous Nations and Communities and working toward Nation-specific agreements and work plans that reflect community priorities. Opportunities will be available for communities to participate in impact studies in ways aligned with their interests, cultures and ways of knowing, supported by capacity funding. We will also offer community information sessions and continue providing regular Project updates, including advance notice of key milestones.