The Na-Cho Nyak Dun has agreed to invest in the Mayo powerhouse, said Chief Simon Mervyn.
Negotiations are currently underway between the First Nation and the Yukon Energy Corporation, said Mervyn, who declined to comment further, citing the talks.
The $140-million powerhouse will receive the majority of a $71-million commitment from the federal government, announced in May. The rest of the money will go to finish a power line between Carmacks and Stewart Crossing.
But that money hasn’t yet been invested.
“The actual groundwork has already begun,” said Mervyn, of Mayo’s new powerhouse, estimated to create between five and six megawatts.
The Na-Cho Nyak Dun is entitled to 25 per cent ownership of the Mayo project, a clause outlined in its final agreement, said Mervyn.
“We’re looking at total ownership in years to come, and that’s what the negotiations are based upon: co-operation and partnership,” he said.
The Mayo-based First Nation also has a deal with the Tr’ondek Hwech’in and the Vuntut Gwichin First Nations to share involvement in economic opportunities.
The Yukon Energy negotiations are currently looking at the partnership, said Mervyn. (James Munson)