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 In 1997, NCN began negotiating with Manitoba Hydro to develop a 200-megawatt hydroelectric power dam at Taskinigahp Falls on the Burntwood River within the Nelson House Resource Management Area.
NCN's participation was coordinated through its Future Development Team. The project offers considerable economic benefits to NCN through jobs, training and business opportunities during construction and long-term benefits through sustainable income to NCN from power sales.
An extensive environmental impact assessment was completed. The Manitoba Clean Environment Commission considered the economic and environmental issues as part of nearly four months of hearings on the project, which concluded June 9, 2004. It issued its report to the Manitoba Minister of Conservation, October 4, 2004, recommending the Wuskwatim project go forward.
 NCN had significant input into the development of the Environmental Impact Statements, using Traditional Knowledge integrated with scientific knowledge.
NCN also consulted with federal regulators, resulting in Canada's Comprehensive Study Report, issued in November 2005. The report concludes the Wuskwatim Generating Project "is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects."
 Hydro and NCN signed a non-binding Agreement in Principle for the project in 2001 that would provide for an equity partnership in the project if NCN elects to exercise that option. The process of negotiations resulted in a Summary of Understandings, which formed the outline of a Project Development Agreement.
NCN Members voted to ratify the PDA in June 2006. The PDA was signed on June 26 by representatives of Manitoba Hydro and Nisichawayasihk Chief and Council in a colourful ceremony attended by several hundred people, including Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, seven members of the Manitoba government, as well as representatives of the federal government led by Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Undersecretary for Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Also attending were a large number of senior Hydro officials, several regional First Nation Chiefs and other government and business leaders from across northern Manitoba.
Construction is expected to take six years to complete. Wuskwatim's earliest on-line date for power availability would be 2012.
Read More About the Project
A Change From the Past
A Cooperative Approach
Extensive Community Consultation
Regulatory Processes
Use of Traditional Knowledge
Benefits of the Project
Bird's Eye View of Artist's Concept of Wuskwatim Generating Station
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