Chi Mino Ozhitoowin honoured with 2026 Indigenous Business Award
September 12, 2026
Peter Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP, accepts the 2026 Indigenous Business Award on behalf of the organization’s seven owner First Nations during the CEN CAN Resource Expo Gala Dinner & Awards Night in Thunder Bay on September 8, 2026. Photo courtesy of Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP.
THUNDER BAY (September9, 2026) – Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP received the 2026 Indigenous Business Award on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the CEN CAN Resource Expo Gala Dinner & Awards Night at the Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in Thunder Bay. Peter Collins, Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP Chief Executive Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the seven participating Indigenous communities: Eagle Lake First Nation, Fort William First Nation, Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Ojibway Nation of Saugeen, and Seine River First Nation. Presented by Mining Life & Exploration News, the award recognizes Indigenous business excellence, resilience, and vision, as well as organizations creating meaningful and lasting benefits for Indigenous communities in Canada’s mining and resource sectors.
“This award belongs to our seven owner First Nations, our Board, our team, and the Participating Indigenous Community Members and businesses building the Waasigan Transmission Line Project with us. Chi Mino Ozhitoowin means Everyone Building (Anything) in a Real Good Way. For us, that means First Nations are not only part of the work – but we are also building skills, meaningful careers, strong Indigenous businesses, and ownership that will carry benefits home to our communities for generations. We thank Mining Life & Exploration News for this recognition, and we acknowledge Hydro One, Valard, and all our project partners for their continued collaboration, ” Collins said.
Building More than a Transmission Line!
Chi Mino Ozhitoowin is focused on turning construction of the Waasigan Transmission Line Project into opportunities that remain in First Nations long after construction is complete. As a key subcontractor on the project, the organization plays a key role in advancing cultural awareness and promoting understanding, respectful relationships, and cooperation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous project partners. Its work also connects Participating Indigenous Community Members and Indigenous businesses to training, employment, procurement, and enterprise development.
Hydro One Networks Inc. is the Waasigan Transmission Line Project owner, and Valard Construction LP is building the line as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. The project will add approximately 350 megawatts of transfer capacity through two new 230-kilovolt transmission segments between Shuniah, Atikokan and Dryden.
Through the broader Waasigan partnership, nine First Nations hold agreements to share in fifty percent equity ownership of the completed transmission line. This model recognizes that First Nations should share not only in project activity, but in the long-term value of infrastructure built on their territories.
For Chi Mino Ozhitoowin, success is measured by what remains in the communities: skilled workers, meaningful careers, growing Indigenous enterprises, decision-making influence, and benefits for current and future generations. The award reflects the shared work of the seven owner First Nations, Chi Mino Ozhitoowin’s Board and team, community members and businesses, and the partners helping build Waasigan in a good way.
About Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP
Chi Mino Ozhitoowin is Anishinaabemowin for “Everyone Building (Anything) in a Real Good Way.” Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP is a 100 percent First Nation-owned, for-profit organization with a strategic focus on the construction of the Waasigan Transmission Line Project. Owned by seven First Nations communities, Chi Mino Ozhitoowin’s work is powered to life through its partnership with Valard Construction LP and Hydro One Networks Inc. on Waasigan. As a key subcontractor, the organization advances cultural awareness and promotes understanding, respectful relationships, and cooperation among Indigenous and non-Indigenous project partners. It also works to create employment, business development, and long-term ownership benefits for its partner communities. Learn more at cmo-fn.ca
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Media Contact
Kristy Boucher
Communications Coordinator
Chi Mino Ozhitoowin LP
kboucher@cmo-fn.ca
807.357.2272
