Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three Indigenous Nations in Canada, clearing the way for FFI to spearhead Canada’s green hydrogen and green energy revolutions.
FFI has signed memorandums of understanding with members of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in British Columbia; the Homeguard Cree First Nations in northern Manitoba; and the Innu Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The MoUs establish a collaborative framework for talks and negotiations that will aid FFI in determining the viability of green hydrogen projects across Canada that utilize hydro and wind energy.
Julie Shuttleworth AM, Chief Executive Officer of the FFI, signed the Memorandums of Understanding following meetings with Indigenous leaders, federal and provincial governments, and industry executives during a recent ten-day visit to Canada.
Ms Shuttleworth said, “Fortescue Future Industries looks forward to working closely with our Indigenous partners on our joint vision to create a strong green industry in Canada, whilst ensuring local communities thrive from the opportunities.
“These MoUs represent the beginning of what we hope will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship between FFI and Indigenous Nations in Canada,” Ms Shuttleworth said.
FFI Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, said, “I would like to thank the Home Guard Cree Nation Chiefs, Grand Chief Etienne Rich and Chief Dolleen Logan for partnering with Fortescue Future Industries.
“These MoUs pave the way for green hydrogen investments in Canada, which could create thousands of jobs and help Canada reach its net-zero target by 2050,” Dr Forrest said.
Chief Morris Beardy of the Home Guard Cree’s Fox Lake Cree Nation, said, “Exploring the opportunity to use green energy to produce green hydrogen and green products is consistent with our Cree way of life; to stopping global warming; and to protecting the earth for future generations.”
Grand Chief Etienne Rich, Innu Nation, said, “The Innu Nation is pleased to work with FFI to assess the feasibility of producing green hydrogen at Gull Island. FFI approached us respectfully with an understanding that our consent is required for development on our territory.
“We will work collaboratively to determine if a green hydrogen project in Labrador can benefit our people and this province and contribute to meeting Canada’s emissions reductions goals,” Grand Chief Rich said.
Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George, British Columbia, said, “The MOU speaks to the business relationship we have built thus far with Fortescue.
“The proposed green project contemplated in the MOU will help in the global push to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” Chief Logan said.
