Tazi Twe Hydro Electric Project

In November 2015, Black Lake voted in favour of proceeding with the $630M Tazi Twe Hydroelectric project, a joint venture with SaskPower.

The Tazi Twe hydroelectric project is a proposed water diversion hydroelectric project that will supply 50 megawatts to the provincial power grid. It will be the first new hydro project in Saskatchewan in over 30 years, and is expected to bring $1.3 billion into the community over the project’s 90-year life span.

Tazi Twe will also be the first hydro project built entirely on reserve land in Saskatchewan. Black Lake First Nation and SaskPower signed an agreement in principle to build the project in 2013.

The framework agreement between SaskPower and Black Lake First Nation provides for a 30 per cent interest for Black Lake and will provide a cash flow stream to the band for the next 90 years. Black Lake also wanted the least amount of financial risk, and minimal impact on the land and traditional activities.