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- Glooscap First Nation Launches Glooscap Defence, Targets Strategic Maritime Assets
Glooscap First Nation Launches Glooscap Defence, Targets Strategic Maritime Assets Positioned to become the largest Indigenous defence contractor in Canada Halifax, Nova Scotia — May 30th, 2024 — Glooscap Ventures, the investment arm of Glooscap First Nation, announced today that it has reached an agreement in principal to acquire a majority stake in the B. Boutilier Group of Companies under its newly formed subsidiary, Glooscap Defence. Notably, this acquisition includes East River Shipyard and Lunenburg Shipyard, which in addition to continuing historic operations, will embark on a pivotal transition into the defence sector. This new investment positions Glooscap Defence, with its newly acquired maritime assets, to become the largest and only majority-owned Indigenous defence contractor in Canada. The acquisition of these critical infrastructure assets will strengthen Glooscap First Nation’s economic base under existing shipyard operations and enhance Canada’s national defence capabilities moving forward, as the newly formed entity will be an active participant in Canada’s burgeoning defence sector. With ownership of these historic marine facilities and accompanying operations, Glooscap Defence is well positioned to lead the construction of marine assets, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and the broader allied defence industry. Glooscap Defence is committed to ensuring increased Indigenous participation in national defence and security sectors. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Indigenous equity participation in critical sectors like national defence and will support Canada's defence procurement strategy, which mandates a 5% Indigenous procurement minimum target. Additionally, Glooscap Ventures also sees the opportunity to vertically integrate services and operations within its existing non-defence related subsidiaries and is excited about working with the B. Boutilier Group of Companies to continue growing the business and increase involvement in the Indigenous community. Moving forward, Master Mariner, Bradison Boutilier, founder of B. Boutilier Group, will retain a significant ownership stake in the new corporation and remain at the helm, ensuring continuity and leadership expertise. Quotes “This acquisition marks a historic milestone for Indigenous participation in national defence. It underscores the strength and resilience of our Mi’kmaq community and is a step forward in our journey towards economic autonomy and self-determination.” – Chief Sidney Peters of Glooscap First Nation. “By acquiring these shipyards and moving into the defence sector, we are not only expanding our operational capabilities but also demonstrating the talent and innovation that Indigenous businesses can bring to high-stakes, nation building industries like aerospace and defence.” – Michael Peters, CEO of Glooscap Ventures. "We are excited to partner with Glooscap First Nations in supporting Canada's defence industry while also upholding our tradition of service quality and community engagement across existing, non-defence operations.” – Bradison Boutilier, founder of B. Boutilier Group About Glooscap Ventures Glooscap Ventures is 100% owned by Glooscap First Nation, one of Nova Scotia’s thirteen Mi’kmaq communities. As the investment arm of the nation, we are dedicated to creating economic growth and sustainability for the community through strategic investments and partnerships in various sectors. For more information, please contact: Media contact: Melanie Paradis melanie@yourtexture.com Glooscap Ventures: media@glooscapventures.com
- Yarmouth Bar Fisheries to build large solar array
Yarmouth Bar, NS Glooscap Ventures is excited to announce that subsidiary Yarmouth Bar Fisheries has received $1 million dollars from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to build a 490kw solar array at lobster holding facility. This solar array will offset 75% of the energy consumption for the building. The facility already has a 75kw roof top solar array installed back in 2018. The new solar array is expected to be operational this coming summer. Yarmouth Bar Fisheries is a lobster processing and holding facility. It has capacity to old over 300,000 lbs of live lobster. It also processes and holds clams, tuna and groundfish. Yarmouth Bar Fisheries is 100% owned by Glooscap First Nation and is located just outside of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The $1M is part of a larger announcement for $3.5M from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program (FACTAP). More details: https://thenavigatormagazine.com/minister-announces-3-5-million-in-factap-funding/
- Glooscap receives $1.2M in funding to support solar and electric vehicle charging
Glooscap First Nation, NS Glooscap Energy is proud to announce today that it has received over $1.2 million in provincial and federal funding to install a 490kw solar array and two level 3 EV chargers on Glooscap Landing. The project will greatly reduce the community's CO2 use and will off set 90% of Glooscap Landing's energy consumption. Glooscap Landing is Glooscap First Nation's second largest consumer of energy after Yarmouth Bar Fisheries which is also investigating a solar array. The Glooscap Landing project is expected to be operational this fall. More details: Contributed from Communications Nova Scotia - https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/04/26/clean-energy-support-glooscap-first-nation Clean Energy Support for Glooscap First Nation Glooscap First Nation is taking action to become more energy independent, improve resilience during power outages and make energy more affordable for residents. With funding from the Province’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, the community will install: a solar energy system an electric vehicle charging station a new microgrid, an independent small system that generates, stores and distributes electricity. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr, MLA for Kings North, announced the funding today, April 26, on behalf of Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This is the community-led leadership that is needed in response to climate change,” said Minister Lohr. “The Province is pleased to support Glooscap in switching to clean, renewable energy that will reduce their carbon footprint and help them become more energy independent.” The Province is investing $832,418, with $425,000 coming from the federal government. Quotes: “This project is only feasible because of the amazing work and dedication by the Glooscap First Nation leaders. In addition to reducing the community’s carbon footprint, it will make it more resilient and create new economic opportunities. This will help the people of Glooscap First Nation get a fair chance at fully participating in the economy, which is crucial to advancing towards reconciliation.”— Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services “We are thrilled to announce that Glooscap First Nation is embarking on a transformative journey with solar panels being installed on Glooscap Landing. Thanks to financial support from the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, this initiative will offset over 90 per cent of Glooscap Landing’s energy consumption. This is a testament to our collective commitment to sustainability and shaping a greener and more prosperous future for Glooscap First Nation. We continue to prioritize our community's well-being and environmental harmony.”— Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap First Nation “Communities across Nova Scotia continue to seek innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change. Through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund, the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities is delighted to support Glooscap First Nation’s energy-efficient infrastructure updates. Funded through the mitigation stream, this project seeks to avoid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We support the project’s aim to offset electricity consumption and increase climate resilience.”— Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Quick Facts: the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available to municipalities, non-profit and community organizations, post-secondary institutions and Mi’kmaw communities to help them respond to and prepare for climate change impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund was created on October 27, 2021, as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the government’s legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, transform how Nova Scotians produce and use energy, make homes more energy efficient, and more the fund launched on November 7, 2022, with $15 million in funding to support projects that help communities adapt to climate change, mitigate its impacts and help Nova Scotia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; on September 28, 2023, the fund was topped up by $15.4 million and extended to 2028 the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities was selected through a request for proposals process to develop and administer the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the government the Glooscap First Nation project was funded under the first round of the program; the fund’s second round opened on October 17 and closed in November Additional Resources: More information on the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available at: https://nschallengefund.ca/ News releases about the fund and related projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=228 Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia’s Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf Weathering What’s Ahead: Climate Change Risk and Nova Scotia’s Well-being: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/climate-impacts
- Glooscap Further Invests into Lobster
March 29th, 2024, Yarmouth, NS Glooscap Fisheries announced today that they have acquired an additional lobster fishing vessel, The Chris & Cate which fishes out of Cape St. Mary's just north of Yarmouth Nova Scotia. The Chris & Cate was launched in 2012 by Dixon Shipbuilders in Woods Harbour and measures 49'-9' by 21'-9''. Glooscap Fisheries also acquired three additional LFA 34 lobster licenses in separate transactions. Glooscap Ventures, also owns 100% of Yarmouth Bar Fisheries where the lobster will be processed and distributed around the world. In total Glooscap now owns six LFA 34 lobster licenses spread over four lobster fishing vessels. Glooscap also owns licenses in groundfish, crab, clams, and tuna.
- Weavers Mountain Wind project in Nova Scotia receives $25 million in federal funding
Contributed from Saltwire: https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/weavers-mountain-wind-project-in-nova-scotia-receives-25-million-in-federal-funding-100890272/ ANTIGONISH, N.S. — The Weavers Mountain wind energy project is receiving up to $25 million from the federal government to help supply energy to homes in Nova Scotia. The project was approved earlier this year and aims to supply roughly 95 megawatts of zero-emission power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 165,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. About 230 jobs are anticipated for the project which is expected to power 35,000 homes annually. The project will be spearheaded by WEB Weavers Mountain Wind, a partnership between SWEB Development and the Indigenous-owned Glooscap Energy. “Over the 25-year operational lifetime, this project will contribute significant tax revenues to the Municipality of Pictou County and will provide additional benefits to underrepresented groups, including First Nation communities, women working in the renewable energy sector, and African Nova Scotians,” said Jason Parisé, SWEB development director. "We are very proud of our partnership with Glooscap First Nation and value the community’s unique perspectives and support as we approach the construction phase for this project.” The facility will be located near Marshy Hope on the border of Antigonish County and Pictou County and is expected to be operational beginning in 2025. Sean Fraser, left, federal Infrastructure Minister, Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap First Nation, and Jason Parisé, development director for SWEB Development, came together on Sept. 8 to announce $25 million in federal funding for the Weavers Mountain wind energy project. - Contributed
- Glooscap Awarded PPA for Major Wind Project
July 4th, 2023 - Antigonish, NS Glooscap Energy, a subsidiary of Glooscap Ventures was chosen as one of 4 proponents to be awarded a Power Purchase agreement by the Province of Nova Scotia, through an open RFP process. Glooscap Energy partnered with SWEB Development of Halifax on the proposed Weavers Mountain Wind Project. Weavers Mountain will be located just outside Antigonish and will have a total capacity of 96 Mw. This project will have the ability to power up to 33,000 homes in Nova Scotia once operational. The project is expected to start generating clean renewable energy in 2026. Glooscap Energy owns 51% of the project and Glooscap First Nation will see many benefits including own source revenues and employment opportunities. Glooscap is extremely keen to invest in renewable energy projects and we look forward to working with SWEB Development on this exciting project. Weavers Mountain is Glooscap's largest project to date with a projected cost north of $150 million. More information can be found here: https://weaversmountainwindenergy.ca
- Glooscap Turns on new Solar Array in Yarmouth
Glooscap Energy, a division of Glooscap First Nation is proud to announce the activation of their newest and largest solar array to date. The 75 kw solar array was installed on the rooftop of Seakist Lobster, another Glooscap First Nation owned business located in Yarmouth, NS. The 500 module solar array has the ability to power 14 homes and will generate revenue for Glooscap through a 25 year power purchase agreement with Nova Scotia Power. This is the second power purchase agreement that Glooscap has received from Nova Scotia Power in the past 2 years.
- Glooscap is the 2nd in Nova Scotia to receive Financial Management System Certification
Christmas comes early for Glooscap First Nation: Glooscap First Nation is the 2nd in Nova Scotia to receive Financial Management System Certification Hantsport, NS - Glooscap First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community with its reserve located approximately 7 kilometers from the community of Hantsport in the province of Nova Scotia. In November 2019, the Nation received their Financial Management System (FMS) Certificate from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB), making it the second Nation in Nova Scotia to achieve this coveted certification. Glooscap First Nation is a small rural Mi’kmaq community located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Over the past six years, the Chief and Council of Glooscap First Nation have focused their attention on improving administrative and financial operations and developing responsible and sustainable economic development. The Nation actively participates in the retail sector (Glooscap Landing along Nova Scotia’s Highway 101), the commercial lobster fishery, and renewable energy. In 2014, Glooscap First Nation established a social enterprise, Glooscap Ventures, to develop profit and employment opportunities that would bring jobs and revenue back to the community for programs and services. As part of this journey, Glooscap First Nation developed a Financial Administration Law (FAL) and received a Financial Performance Certificate in 2017 that allowed the Nation to become a borrowing member of the First Nations Finance Authority. This allowed them to develop economic development opportunities as well as invest in the community, specifically through the construction of a new on-reserve store, playground and community centre. When asked about why Glooscap First Nation moved forward with FMS certification, Chief Sidney Peters said, “As Chief and Council, we have an obligation to our members to follow through on the promises we make. They asked us for accountable and transparent governance and this was a means to achieving that goal. Glooscap is a small rural community and we knew that if we wanted to grow, we had to do it in a way that was accountable to our local community and government partners but more importantly to our members. Achieving FMS demonstrates to funders that we are financially healthy, properly managed and ready for growth. Hopefully this Certification also allows our members to have full confidence in the work we are doing on their behalf. We, as a nation, are very proud of this accomplishment.” Amanda Peters, Director of Policy and Planning with Glooscap First Nation said “It was a lot of hard work and a lot of navigating change. But it was well worth it to show to our members and partners that Glooscap is a progressive community. The policies and procedures ensure honest and efficient management of resources, both human and financial. We are pleased to be the second community in Atlantic to achieve FMS Certification and one of 28 in Canada. It’s quite an accomplishment for our small community. Our Council had a vision and the staff made it happen.” Capacity Development Manager Nathan Sack (FMB) recalls his experience of working with Glooscap. He said, “The team at Glooscap were great to work with. Their good work demonstrates their commitment to the community and the next seven generations”. Harold Calla, the FMB Executive Chair and a member of the Squamish Nation said, “This milestone will allow Glooscap First Nation to expand their economic development opportunities through increased capacity and access to capital. This small but mighty Nation had set an example for other Nations in Nova Scotia as well as across Canada. Smaller Nations would greatly benefit from the FMS Certification and should not be deterred on account of their size and capacity.” The FMB congratulates Glooscap First Nation on this incredible achievement! About Glooscap First Nation: Glooscap First Nation is located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley halfway between the towns of Wolfville and Windsor. The rural community is not far from Blomidon Provincial Park, the ancestral home of Glooscap. While the community was founded in 1984, Mi'kmaq people have lived and travelled these lands for thousands of years. This area was an important hunting ground for our ancestors, who travelled along the natural river systems. As of 2019, population of Glooscap is 391 members of which approximately 100 live on the reserve making it the third-smallest First Nation community in Nova Scotia. For more information visit: https://www.glooscapfirstnation.com/ About FMB: The Financial Management Board is a First Nations-led nonprofit organization that supports First Nations in developing sound finance and governance practices. The FMB was created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act in 2006. Services are offered at no charge to First Nations. For more information on production and services, visit www.fnfmb.com Media Contacts: FMB Harold Calla, Executive Chair: 604-925-6665 Glooscap First Nation Amanda Peters, Director of Policy and Planning: 902-684-9788
- Glooscap Launches New Vessel
Glooscap Ventures, Chief and Council are proud to introduce our latest addition to our fishing fleet. The vessel, launched just in time for the fishing season is named after the late Chief Rita Smith, which was Glooscap First Nation’s first Chief. This vessel is equipped for fishing lobster and tuna. The Chief Rita Smith is 50 feet long by 28 feet wide it can carry up to 5 crew members and if needed can fit up to 5 days up at sea. She has the most modern election communication and bottom mapping systems available as well as an efficient low pollution engine. Getting the vessel completed in time was a bit of a scramble, but with the hard work of everybody (Captain, Crew, Transport Canada, Board Yard, Glooscap Ventures and Seafood team), we were able to pull it off! In the Spring of 2020 Chief and Council will organize a community engagement trip to Yarmouth to have a ceremony blessing the boat as well as invite community members to our seafood processing plant and holding facility (Yarmouth Bar Fisheries and Seakist Lobster).
- First Nations communities on the front line of solar power adoption
GLOOSCAP, N.S. – Glooscap First Nation, along with nearly a dozen other indigenous communities, will soon be harnessing the power of the sun to help power their buildings. Kings South MLA Keith Irving announced that 11 Mi’kmaq organizations had their Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program applications approved by the province on Oct. 15. “From wind to energy efficiency, Mi’kmaq communities have led the way on innovation and adopting new energy technology, and the result has been jobs and business opportunities throughout the province,” Irving said during the announcement. “Today, the Mi’kmaq are producing more electricity from wind than they use in their communities, and adding solar energy projects will only build on their successes.” Irving said the three-year program, now in year two, targets communities, municipalities and organizations that are interested in pursuing solar projects. There’ve been a total of 27 successful program applicants so far this year. “First Nations communities have done a tremendous job, all of the Mi’kmaq communities are already net zero right now,” he said. “They’ve done a huge amount of wind projects. So they’re generating more electricity than they use, and these solar projects will compliment that.” The Glooscap application includes a 70-kilowatt solar panel installation on their seafood plant in Yarmouth. Glooscap Chief Sidney Peters said they’re also installing solar panels on their Glooscap Landing facility off of Highway 101. “We as Glooscap are innovative and want to create opportunities and we see an opportunity there,” Peters said. “It’s just another alternative energy resource that we should be tapping into,” Peters said. “It’s new to us and I think we can take advantage of that for the betterment of the community.” In partnership with Beaubassin Mi’kmaq Wind Management, the province announced the following approved projects: · Membertou First Nation, Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 72 kilowatts · Pictou Landing First Nation: 72 kilowatts · Bear River First Nation, Annapolis and Digby counties: 48 kilowatts · Potlotek First Nation, Richmond County: 72 kilowatts · Wagmatcook First Nation, Victoria County: 72 kilowatts · Acadia First Nation, Yarmouth County: 72 kilowatts · Paqtnkek First Nation, Antigonish County: 72 kilowatts · Millbrook First Nation, Colchester County: 72 kilowatts · Eskasoni First Nation, Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 72 kilowatts · Annapolis Valley First Nation, Kings County: 72 kilowatts · Glooscap First Nation, Hants County: 72 kilowatts If all 27 approved projects are completed, Nova Scotia will add 1,617 kilowatts of renewable electricity to the grid, which is more than double last year’s total according to a press release. All applications were overseen by the Clean Foundation, an independent procurement administrator. The program will be offered for one more year. For more information on the program, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/solar.
- Glooscap Ventures Attends the CSSE Professional Development Conference
The National Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE) Professional Development Conference held its first Indigenous Meet and Greet to get networking going among Indigenous CSSE Safety Professionals and those interested in OHS activities in Indigenous communities. Glooscap Ventures' Health & Safety Officer, Stacey Maguire lead this initiative. Glooscap put together a video focused on OHS activities here in Glooscap. At the leadership breakfast during the conference, Chief Sidney Peters' message was played as an introduction to a new CSSE initiative they are launching called an Indigenous Task Force which will focus on the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action number 92. The Indigenous meet and greet was organized and held on Tuesday Sept 18th. About 20 CSSE Executives and Board members as well as general CSSE members attended, including the Executive Director, President and Regional Vice Presidents. The members who attended and were very excited to learn more and be involved in some way going forward. The video as a whole was shown to this audience and everyone really loved it! The next steps for this Task Force will be to put out a General Call to the entire CSSE membership (5000 across Canada) for Committee members and to develop objectives. About the CSSE Conference: The CSSE Professional Development Conference (PDC) & Exhibition is a 3-day, annual conference and trade show held in September of each year. The conference is delivered in a destination location which alternates between eastern, western, and central Canada. The association's Annual General Meeting also takes place during the PDC each year. CSSE is one of the most important safety organizations in Canada and the PDC presents session programming that provides attendees with the most current safety information, tools, and practices. The PDC offers a number of keynote presentations, half-day workshops, and concurrent sessions. Attending the CSSE PDC is an excellent way to earn certification maintenance points as well. Beyond the educational aspect of the conference is the networking and sharing of lessons learned with fellow safety practitioners that set the CSSE's PDC apart from other conferences. There are endless opportunities to network through breaks, lunches, and social events. Attending the CSSE's Professional Development Conference enhances prevention and safety knowledge and skills, which enables safety practitioners to provide better service and prevention planning for their companies and employees/clients.
- Community Elder, Patty Smith Wins Crafters Award
On September 20th, Glooscap Community Member Patricia Smith received the cottage craft of the year award, at the biennial Ulnooweg Aboriginal Entrepreneur Awards in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The awards show celebrates the success of Aboriginal entrepreneurs and brings people together to learn more about the unique opportunities that Aboriginal businesses have in Atlantic Canada and abroad. About Patricia Smith: Patricia (Patty) is a well-respected member of Glooscap First Nation and a very talented artisan. Patty's beaded dream catchers and jewelry are remarkable in their detail and beauty. While the art of beading is relatively new to Patty, she has been a craftsperson her entire life. She began by assisting her parents, renowned basket makers Abe and Rita Smith when she was just young. About the Award: This category is for the cottage craft business which is considered a small-scale business carried on at home by family members using their own equipment and where the production of goods takes place at the home of the producer rather than in a factory or elsewhere (Handicrafts, sewing and craft production are just a few examples of home-based businesses).











