RES Strengthens Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through New Canadian Action Plan
RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has today launched its first Canada Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a four-year framework (2025–2029) that sets out clear commitments to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across the country.
The plan builds on RES’ two decades of working alongside Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada and outlines five core pillars – Educate, Engage, Empower, Celebrate, and Illuminate – designed to deliver meaningful and measurable actions.
These include advancing Indigenous awareness training for RES employees, co-developing engagement plans with Indigenous communities for all new projects, increasing employment and contracting opportunities, supporting cultural events, and publishing biannual progress reports.
Peter Clibbon, Senior Vice President, RES in Canada, said “RES’ RAP reaffirms our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The renewable energy business takes us directly to where Indigenous Peoples have a unique and long-lasting connection to the land and waters. We are committed to nurturing deeper relationships with Indigenous communities and dedicated to recognizing Indigenous histories, diverse cultures, and unique perspectives as vital.”
RES has already demonstrated the value of Indigenous-led partnerships through projects such as the 200 MW Bekevar Wind Project in Saskatchewan, developed in collaboration with Cowessess First Nation. The project secured 17% equity ownership for Cowessess Ventures Ltd., as well as employment, training, and contracting opportunities, creating long-term economic benefits for the community.
Developed with input from Indigenous partners and RES employees, the RAP is closely aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG).
Douglas McAlpine, Chair, Americas, RES, said: “True reconciliation requires long-term commitment, transparency, and respect. At RES, we see our Reconciliation Action Plan as an opportunity to lead by example in the renewable energy industry, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples can drive both social and environmental progress. This is about ensuring the projects we deliver today create enduring benefits for generations to come.”
The RAP’s visual identity was created by Cree artist Chris Chipak of Red Pheasant Cree Nation, whose design incorporates cultural symbolism to reflect the plan’s five guiding pillars and the shared journey of reconciliation.
RES will report publicly on the RAP’s progress every two years, ensuring transparency and accountability as it continues to build long-lasting partnerships with Indigenous Peoples across the country.
RES employs nearly 100 people across Canada, with expertise spanning both development and construction. The company established its Canadian presence in 2005 with the hiring of its first local employee to support the development of the Talbot Wind Farm in Ontario. It has since developed and or constructed 18 per cent of all wind projects in Canada.
RES has developed and/or constructed more than 3.9GW of wind, solar, and energy storage projects nationwide and has a 9.9GW portfolio of renewable energy projects under development.
Access the RAP in full here: https://bit.ly/3Km2dFO
