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 In addition to consultation between Hydro and NCN’s leadership and Future Development Team, we undertook extensive consultation between NCN’s leadership and its Members.
In this regard, we have blazed a new trail.
From the beginning, this has been a community-driven process and one of the most inclusive and comprehensive public consultation processes ever undertaken in Manitoba and with a First Nation.
The scope of activity was based on our desire to involve our Members in many ways, including participation in planning and through direct employment in support of the process. In addition, we held two secret-ballot referendums to confirm Members’ support for the project.
A Public Involvement Plan set out the process of consultation, which began in the spring of 2000 with an opinion survey of our Members and community open houses.
Community Consultants
 In early 2000, community consultants were employed by the Future Development Office to assist in consultation with the wider Membership. These consultants were NCN Members and included Elders and youth.
They distributed information and assisted with the organization and facilitation of open houses, community meetings, small group meetings and one-on-one presentations.
They answered questions and listened to concerns and communicated those back to our Future Development Team, Hydro and NCN’s leadership.
The information they distributed was prepared by the Future Development Office and included newsletters, information booklets and other documents. Their work was supported by our website and radio broadcasts of relevant information.
Some key pieces of information and documents were translated into Cree. Audiotapes were also produced to assist those who are blind or have difficultly reading.
Consultation with the Wider Public
 As part of the Public Information Plan, we also consulted with the wider public to keep them informed about the project and hear their perspectives about it. These groups included:
- Aboriginal peoples in other communities
- Other local residents
- Community groups
- Environmental groups
- The private sector
- Municipal governments
- Manitobans as a whole and
- Regulators reviewing the project.
More - Regulatory Processes
Bird's Eye View of Artist's Rendering of Wuskwatim Generating Station
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