July 22, 2010, Muncey, ON – The Munsee-Delaware Nation is celebrating the launch of
Munsee Tree Corporation. The first of its kind for a First Nation, Munsee Tree
is a renewable biomass energy, high-yield, fast-growing tree farm located on
the Nation. The Munsee-Delaware Nation is located about 25 km southwest of
London, Ontario. Munsee Tree is the result of strategic partnerships with the
Southern First Nations Secretariat (SFNS), Tree Canada, and TD Bank Financial
Group.
Munsee
Tree will harvest and sell tree cuttings and biomass, as well as generate
carbon credits that will be sold to large corporations to offset their
greenhouse gas emissions. The farm is the result of a joint venture between the
SFNS-owned Newco and the Munsee-Delaware Nation. Its focus is on green energy,
the reduction of greenhouse gas, and the economic sustainability of the
community.
In
agreement to the recent commitment of National Chief Shawn Atleo and Grand
Council Chief Patrick Madahbee of the Union of Ontario Indians to facilitate
green energy policy development that will tap into the green power located on
tribal lands, the Nation is moving forward with the implementation and use of
local renewable energy opportunities in a manner that supports their
traditional ways and respects the Earth. Several partnerships have been formed
through the development of Munsee Tree, and the Nation is proud to announce
that they will be working closely with Tree Canada and TD during the initial phase
of development.
"The
business of Munsee Tree is good for the environment and the economics of our
Nation. Munsee Tree is the result of the hard work and perseverance of many
people. It is a great example of how our Nation must continue to build partnerships
that are sustainable and healthy, not only for our Nation, but the world we all
share," says Chief Patrick Waddilove, Munsee-Delaware Nation.
|
