Hatch and NSMTC establishing joint venture to offer Indigenous-led engineering and professional services

August 16, 2024

Original Press Announcement

New Brunswick, Canada – On July 22, 2024, Hatch and the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC) announced the exploration of a joint venture (JV) opportunity for Canada’s clean energy and infrastructure sectors. Unlike other engagements, the NSMTC and Hatch are bringing an Indigenous-led approach to sustainable development for the betterment of the next seven generations.

Hatch and the NSMTC have a long history of working together successfully on various engagements over the past 25 years. This JV would solidify our relationship to provide professional services that leverage our capabilities in:

Feasibility/front end studies
Civil site development – geotechnical, design/CAD, site survey, traffic studies, laboratory analysis
Environmental, sustainability and community engagement services
Project management
Business advisory services – market studies and development agreements

The JV, Wellugwet Technical Services, would be underpinned by the responsible development of lands and resources. Wellugwet is a Mi’kmaq word meaning “do good work, do well, or succeed” and was selected through consultation with NSMTC Chiefs, Elders, and leadership.

The NSMTC is interested in building capacity and capability in the energy sector, and this aligns well with Hatch’s demonstrated expertise, while providing Hatch with access to new markets and the opportunity to advance reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

“This intended joint venture will combine Indigenous vision and leadership with technical capacity, leveraging the collective strengths of the NSMTC and Hatch. Our Tribal Council strives to create opportunities for our young people, and we value the chance to collaborate with partners like Hatch. Together, we are embarking on a journey of shared success for the next seven generations.”

Jim Ward – General Manager, North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council

“We are thrilled to announce the intention of establishing a JV which will formalize our long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with the NSMTC. We believe that plurality of thought creates sustainable outcomes for the communities where we live and work and enhances our ability to deliver reliable, innovative solutions for our clients across Canada.”

Mario Pieries – Global Director, Nuclear, Hatch

The proposed NSMTC-Hatch JV mission statement is “we offer an Indigenous-led approach to engineering, environmental, engagement and advisory services. Our Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff work together in partnership with our clients to develop projects within the clean energy and infrastructure sectors. We provide the opportunity to increase the representation of Indigenous youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, through Indigenous ownership and Indigenous staffing. We strive to further the economic self-determination of our member communities by providing professional services in the pursuit of responsible and sustainable development of lands and resources.”

The signing of this letter of intent is one of the major milestones on the path to execution of the JV and eventual commercial operation. A signing ceremony and celebration took place on July 22, 2024, at the Natoaganeg Band Office Assembly Hall.

About Hatch
Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We are deeply engaged in the energy transformation from sustainable fuels production, power generation, storage and transmission/distribution to applications in both the public and industrial sectors. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and more innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.

About the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council
The North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council primarily serves their seven member Nations (Natoaganeg, Metepenagiag, Ugpi’Ganjig, Oinpegitjoig, Tjipogtotjg, L’nui Menikuk and Amlamgog), as well as 25 other Atlantic First Nation communities. The NSMTC provides service delivery, technical support, and building capacity in water and waste management, housing and infrastructure, post-secondary education, training and employment, community development, clean energy opportunities, and health service coordination.