Hydro-Québec Production signed a 30-year contract with Parc eolien Apuiat S.E.C. and Boralex to purchase the energy from a 200-megawatt wind farm. It will be built on the territory identified by Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation as their traditional territory. The Innu communities and Boralex are 50-50 partners in the project and will equally share the profits generated by the sale of electricity throughout the life of the project. The community of Uashat mak Mani-utenam and the City of Port-Cartier will each an receive annual financial contribution as host communities. “This is a historic event for Innu communities and Quebeckers. […] Our relationship has reached another level.” – Martin Dufour, Chief of the Innu Essipit Band Council.

The construction of the Chamouchouane-Bout-de-l’Île transmission line led to this agreement which planned for funding of economic and community development and traditional activities. It also provided for clearing contracts to be awarded and created a joint monitoring committee.

The development of the Romaine hydropower complex created funds for economic, community and cultural projects, as well as traditional activities and training programs. The construction of the Romaine complex provided employment for some 100 Innu workers and nearly $500 million in contracts for Innus of Québec companies.

This groundbreaking agreement guaranteed to Cree and Inuit Nations hunting, fishing, and trapping rights in the territory, as well as financial compensation, funding for certain services, and mitigation measures. It also established a specific framework for environmental assessment that provided for the participation of Indigenous people throughout the process, as well as an income security program for hunters and trappers.