North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council announces Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nikutik LP
Natoaganeg First Nation, New Brunswick – The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC), alongside its seven Member Nations, has launched a new platform for economic growth. As a Sovereign Wealth Fund, Nikutik Limited Partnership will work with industry partners to develop new real assets focused on clean energy, engage in joint ventures, and create related economic opportunities for its Member Nations.
Nikutik brings together the NSMTC and its Member Nations – Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation, Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation, Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau) First Nation, Tjipõgtõtjg (Buctouche) First Nation, L’nui Menikuk (Indian Island) First Nation, Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar) First Nation, and Metepenagiag (Red Bank) Mi’kmaq Nation – as eight equal owners and limited partners in the fund. With considerable capacity to secure financing, including from government programs, leverage rightsholder status, and access expertise, Nikutik offers unique value to private sector companies interested in partnering on development projects.
The name “Nikutik,” meaning “growth” in Mi’kmaq, reflects a vision of Indigenous-led economic development for Atlantic Canada, and economic independence for First Nations.
Seizing Opportunities
Nikutik seeks to support projects that bring financial, social, environmental, and cultural benefits to NSMTC Member Nations and projects that position the Atlantic region as a global leader in clean energy innovation and development.
In December 2024, federal and provincial ministers announced over $1 billion in clean energy funding for New Brunswick. This funding includes support for up to 670 megawatts of Indigenous-led wind projects, a portion of which includes four projects led by Nikutik and partner First Nations and private developers.
Nikutik’s investment focus extends beyond energy. It intends to partner on projects in nuclear medicine, advanced manufacturing, and emerging fields such as data centers and hydrogen technology.
Economic and Community Impact
Nikutik will work toward long-term prosperity for its Member Nations by means of:
- Equity investments in development projects and partnerships with companies in growth sectors worldwide;
- Job creation for community members across various fields and industries;
- Investing in infrastructure projects within communities that expand access to clean energy and shared-use facilities to drive economic growth;
- Self-determination through Indigenous leadership and First Nation economic sovereignty.
Quotes
“The Nikutik Sovereign Wealth Fund is a small seed today but is already growing very fast and will soon be making international news. The technical and financial benefits of our projects are important, but the most exciting aspect of what we are doing is that we are flipping the order of business, from industry proponents planning projects, then asking First Nations for acceptance, to First Nations planning projects, then inviting industry and investors to participate. As we grow this fund, we will also model a new approach to responsible economic development.”
–Tristan Jackson, CEO, Nikutik
“Nikutik is about more than economic growth – it’s about creating a future that reflects our values as Mi’kmaq people. This fund is our commitment to the next seven generations, ensuring that our youth and future generations have access to opportunities that honor their potential and sustain our communities. By working with industry partners, we are creating a foundation for shared success and showing how Indigenous leadership and participation can shape the path forward, not only here in New Brunswick, but across the world.”
–Jim Ward, General Manager, NSMTC | President, Nikutik
About the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing innovation and promoting Indigenous involvement in major projects within Mi’kma’ki. The NSMTC primarily serves its seven Member Nations while extending support to 25 additional First Nations across Atlantic Canada. The council provides service delivery, technical support, and capacity-building in water and waste management, housing and infrastructure, post-secondary education funding, training and employment, community development, clean energy opportunities, environmental stewardship, and health service coordination. The NSMTC’s mission is to foster the health, sustainability, and economic prosperity of its Member Nations.
Building Partnerships
Nikutik invites potential partners to collaborate on projects that align with its quadruple bottom-line values: Social Benefit, Environmental Stewardship, Profit, and Indigenous Culture. To express your interest, please contact:
Tristan Jackson
Chief Executive Officer, Nikutik
tristanjackson@nsmtc.ca
Media Inquiries
For media-related questions, contact:
Vanessa McLaughlin
Communications Officer, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
vanessamclaughlin@nsmtc.ca | 506.210.1705