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The W8banaki Nation and Boralex Sign a Framework Agreement: The Beginning of a Lasting Relationship Built on Respect and Collaboration

21 April 2026 / Press releases

Employée sur le toit d'une éolienne levant les bras

Wôlinak, Odanak, Kingsey Falls (Canada), April 21, 2026 – The Odanak Abenaki Council, the Wôlinak Abenaki Council, W8banaki and Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BLX) announce the signing of a framework agreement marking the beginning of a long‑term partnership.

This agreement establishes a formal framework for collaboration on the development of renewable energy project on Ndakina, the ancestral territory of the W8banakiak (Abenaki). It defines the guiding principles, mutual commitments, and practical mechanisms that will shape the relationship between Boralex and the W8banaki Nation in the years to come.

The agreement is intended to support reconciliation effortsby fostering a shared understanding of the potential impacts of projects on the rights and interests of the W8banakiak, while providing a foundation for the negotiation of project‑specific collaboration agreements. These agreements will focus on mitigating impacts and creating positive lasting benefits for the Nation throughout the full life cycle of the projects. The framework agreement also opens the door to various forms of W8banakiak participation, including , including potential equity participation in projects.

Consult the Press Release

A Partnership Rooted in the Territory

Boralex, whose head office is located in Kingsey Falls, acknowledges that its offices are situated on the Ndakina, the ancestral territory of the W8banakiak. This recognition goes beyond symbolism; it marks the starting point of a sincere and ongoing commitment to the Nation and its members.

Indigenous communities play a central role in how Boralex designs and delivers its projects. The company firmly believes that renewable energy development must be carried out with communities, not simply near them. Boralex also recognizes the ancestral and treaty rights of the W8banakiak, as recognized and affirmed through the Oswegatchie and Kahnawake Peace and Friendship Treaties, as well as the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

This framework agreement represents a commitment to future generations. It is not consent to specific projects, but rather a path we are defining—one grounded in respect for our rights, our territory and our vision of development. It provides us with the tools to build projects with rigour and pride that create lasting value for our Nation, while protecting who we are.

Rick O’Bomsawin
Chief, Odanak Abenaki Council

This agreement gives us the means to actively participate in transformative projects, generate lasting benefits for our members and strengthen our autonomy in promising sectors such as renewable energy.

Stéphan Landry
Councillor, Wôlinak Abenaki Council

At Boralex, putting our energy where it matters means acting early. Project development begins well before construction. It starts with listening, open dialogue and the building  lasting, trust‑based relationships with communities. This framework agreement reflects our commitment to working closely with the W8banaki Nation, from the earliest stages and throughout the entire project life cycle, aligning renewable energy development with the recognition of rights and the creation of meaningful and long-lasting benefits for the territory. It embodies our ambition to be the partner of choice.

Robin Deveaux
Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America, Boralex