UNAMA’KI (CAPE BRETON), NOVA SCOTIA / MI’KMA’KI – Bear Head Energy, Inc.–Bear Head Energy, Inc. (“Bear Head”) and Eskasoni First Nation (“Eskasoni”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“Agreement”) to cooperate on Bear Head’s proposed green hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and loading facility in Tui’knek / Point Tupper, NS.
The Agreement affirms a commitment to work together and provides a framework for engaging in dialogue to identify areas of joint opportunity for economic activities in balance with continued stewardship and safeguarding of the land and water. Bear Head will seek to support Eskasoni and enhance the community’s development by facilitating meaningful participation in the project and potential business ventures.
“Working collaboratively with industry on sustainable developments is not only important for economic growth, but it allows us to build capacity within our community and protect and steward the land and water for future generations,” said Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni First Nation. “Our partnership with Bear Head Energy is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, and we look forward to working together to create lasting benefits for our community and the region.”
“Fostering meaningful relationships with Mi’kmaw communities is important to developing a sustainable project,” said Paul MacLean, Managing Director of Bear Head Energy. “By working collaboratively with Eskasoni First Nation, we can ensure that our project benefits rightsholders and respects the cultural, environmental, and social values of the land and its people.”
In July 2023, Bear Head and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs signed an agreement to amend a 2019 Mutual Benefits Agreement, reinforcing the commitment by both parties to develop the project in an environmentally sustainable manner and ensure Mi’kmaq inclusion, participation, and benefits.
A wholly owned subsidiary of BAES Infrastructure, Bear Head is committed to respecting Mi’kmaw rights and supporting the social, cultural, environmental, and educational goals of its First Nations partners.
In 2022, Bear Head announced its plan to develop the proposed green hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and loading facility. The project received Environmental Assessment approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Environmental and Climate Change in April 2023. Bear Head is one of the only fully permitted green hydrogen and ammonia production sites in North America.
Photo Caption: Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny and Bear Head Energy Country Manager Paul MacLean sign a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on Bear Head’s proposed green hydrogen and ammonia production, storage, and loading facility. Eskasoni Councillors Bertram “Muin” Bernanrd (L) and John Frank Toney (R) joined the September 5, 2023, signing ceremony.
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