As a Crown utility, Hydro has a vital role to play on the path towards Truth and Reconciliation. To build respectful, sincere, and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Hydro is working to prioritize employee education, respect for Indigenous history, and engagement with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities.

Over the course of 2024, Hydro has worked closely with Indigenous governments and organizations to advance engagement and deliver value in a number of ways:

Historic Signing of the Churchill River Memorandum of Understanding

 On December 12, we were truly honoured to join the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and Québec, our respective Ministers as well as Grand Chief Pokue of Innu Nation, to announce a deal that will unlock more value from the Churchill River and course correct a decade’s old, unbalanced energy deal – the 1969 Churchill River Contract.

This Memorandum of Understanding emphases our meaningful commitment to work with Indigenous Governments and Communities and to continue to build respectful relationships. Indigenous Tables have been established to support open and timely communication as this important initiative progresses.

Lower Churchill Project Impact and Benefits Agreement

The Lower Churchill Project (LCP) Impact and Benefits Agreement (IBA) with Innu Nation was signed in 2011 and will remain in effect for the duration of power generation at the Muskrat Falls and Gull Island sites. On October 24, 2024, Nalcor and Innu Nation amended the LCP IBA to reflect an agreement on rate mitigation.

Renewable Energy Initiatives in Indigenous Communities

Hydro continues to work with Indigenous Communities to reduce reliance on diesel generation in isolated communities. Relationship frameworks and working groups have been established to explore and support renewable energy solutions to safely and responsibly integrate renewable energy resources. Hydro has entered into several agreements to purchase solar generation, battery storage, and run-of-river hydroelectric generation in Labrador. Hydro is committed to continue this work supporting the renewable energy priorities of Indigenous communities in our province.

Engagement, Employment and Education

Hydro continued ongoing discussions with Indigenous governments regarding protocols and ways in which Hydro can support engagement, education, and employment important to Indigenous communities. In 2024, Hydro:

• Engaged with Indigenous Governments and communities regarding Hydro projects and operations,

• Shared commitments with the Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, as well as Climate Change Canada and other provincial and federal departments in relation to the environmental aspects of the corporation’s activities,
• Continued efforts to increase Innu Nation member’s employment at Muskrat Falls,
• Participated in high school graduation ceremonies in Innu communities,
• CEO and President participated in the annual Mani-Shan Nui Gathering at Gull Island,
• Recognized National Truth and Reconciliation Day the day as part of its 2024 statutory holiday observances,
• Offered a companywide virtual session on Innu cultural awareness, hosted by Hydro’s Training Administrator, Indigenous Affairs and Community Relations; who shared insights on Innu Culture and being inclusive,
• Shared information with all employees about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including the history of residential schools, ways to recognize the day, and additional resources,
• Encouraged employees to take part in the reconciliation process and provided examples of ways of doing so (e.g., connect with local Friendship Centre, take part in public ceremonies/events, wear orange, and take the time to learn more on the history of residential schools).

Diversity and Inclusion

Hydro is executing multi-year plans to support diversity and inclusion. In addition to target setting for gender representation, we continue to pursue diversity and inclusion strategies to attract, recruit, develop and retain members of designated groups including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. Hydro has also reviewed its recruitment and talent management processes through a diversity and inclusion lens. Such efforts have contributed to an increase in the organization’s percentage of female employees from 22 per cent in 2011, to 28 per cent in 2024.