Environment Monitoring

The Anishinaabeg and Anishininiwag call for respect and recognition in all aspects: Anishinaabeg and Anishininiwag way of life, land, water, animals, culture, and language. Wataynikaneyap Power is designing an environmental monitoring system which combines regulatory requirements with traditional knowledge, spirituality, and priorities.

Wataynikaneyap Power and Opiikapawiin Services are working together with Giiwedin Environmental Services, a Limited Partnership between Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation (a Participating First Nation) and NorthWinds Environmental Services, to carry out the transmission system’s Endangered Species Act monitoring requirements.

Wataynikaneyap Power is working to maximize Indigenous Participation in environmental monitoring on the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. Between November 2021 – December 2024, Opiikapawiin Services LP delivered five land-based programs for Indigenous-led environmental monitoring and arborist training. Ganawenjigewin (Environment Protection Training Program) was delivered to members of the Participating First Nations and provided hands-on instruction in traditional ecological knowledge and in western science.

In total, there were 50 graduates of Ganawenjigewin programs. Some trainees went on to find employment in archaeological services, environmental services, or continued with their education in environmental studies.

In 2025, Giiwedin Environmental Services conducted all Permanent Wildlife Survey Plot (PWSP) monitoring. Members from Participating First Nations made up 100% of the field crews.

Four animals within the transmission system area are identified as “At Risk” under the Endangered Species Act, 2007.

• Caribou (threatened)
• Wolverine (threatened)
• Little Brown Myotis (endangered)
• Northern Myotis (endangered)

As such, additional and specific monitoring programs (below) are required due to the construction of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system.