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We pridefully recognize the graduation of our newest Quality Control Inspectors (QCIs) — all proud Saugeen Ojibway Nation band members.

We’re honoured to be part of this monumental milestone for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

Our EVP, Shane Chegahno, was recently featured in Maclean’s magazine as part of their Canada’s Nuclear Future campaign, highlighting the changemakers driving innovation in clean energy. Shane’s leadership at Makwa Development is helping redefine how Indigenous communities engage with the nuclear sector. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and a deep commitment to reconciliation, Shane is ensuring that Indigenous voices are being heard. His work is paving the way for a more collaborative, sustainable, and equitable energy future for all Canadians. Here is the article from MediaPlanet: Mediaplanet connected with Shane Chegahno, Executive Vice-President of Makwa Development, to discuss the growing role of Indigenous leadership in Canada’s nuclear sector. From advancing participation in the supply chain to supporting workforce development and Small Modular Reactor deployment, he highlights how long-term partnerships can create lasting opportunities for Indigenous communities and the industry alike. From your perspective, how is the nuclear industry evolving in terms of meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities We’re beginning to see a slow but promising shift toward genuine inclusion and engagement from major players in the nuclear industry. It’s no longer just about checking boxes or hosting one-off consultations. One example I like to point to is the expansion of the Nawash Ice Rink in my community. With support from nuclear proponents, we’ve seen real investment in infrastructure that matters to us. These kinds of tangible contributions show that industry partners are starting to understand that meaningful engagement means listening, investing, and showing up consistently, not just when it’s convenient. What role do you see Indigenous-owned corporations playing in the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), especially in remote communities? Indigenous-owned corporations and Nations aren’t just participants in SMR deployment, they are the pilots, the proving grounds, and the high watermark by which the success of SMRs will be judged for the rest of their deployment and life cycle. Many remote communities in Canada are primarily populated by First Nations, which makes them the natural leaders in this space. These communities offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate how SMRs can be implemented responsibly, sustainably, and in alignment with Indigenous values. When Indigenous businesses and Nations lead these pilot projects, they set the standard for what meaningful engagement, environmental stewardship, and community benefit should look like. The rest of the industry will look to these projects as benchmarks. It’s not just about bringing power to remote areas; it’s about empowering communities to shape the future of energy on their own terms. This is where reconciliation meets innovation, and where Indigenous leadership becomes the cornerstone of Canada’s nuclear future. Makwa Development has been a leader in bridging Indigenous business with the nuclear supply chain. What progress have you seen in Indigenous participation in nuclear procurement and infrastructure development? We’ve seen a growing interest from Indigenous businesses trying to break into the nuclear space, but the path hasn’t always been smooth. Many have faced barriers, whether it’s navigating complex procurement systems, meeting stringent regulatory requirements, or simply being taken seriously by established players. At Makwa Development, we’ve worked hard to build those bridges, advocate for Indigenous inclusion, and create pathways that are accessible and sustainable. Progress is happening, but it requires ongoing support, mentorship, and a willingness from industry leaders to open doors and walk alongside us. What kinds of workforce development or training investments are most effective in preparing Indigenous workers for roles in Nuclear? The most effective training investments are those that meet people where they are. We’ve found success by working directly with the existing employment and training offices within local First Nations. These are trusted spaces, and when we collaborate with community employment officers, we’re able to connect with talent in a way that feels authentic and respectful. Right now, we’re running a Quality Control Inspector (QCI) training program for 10 Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) band members. After 8 weeks of classroom instruction and 3 weeks of hands-on training, they’ll be certified and placed into meaningful career opportunities. It’s a model that works because it’s built on trust and community leadership. What do you believe are the key-elements of a long-term partnership between the nuclear sector and Indigenous communities? Understanding and respect, those are the pillars. Long-term partnerships must be rooted in reconciliation, not just economic opportunity. That means listening deeply, following the lead of each Indigenous Nation, and recognizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A cookie-cutter engagement strategy is colonial by nature and risks alienating the very communities you’re trying to work with. Indigenous Nations are dealing with real crises. Poverty, addiction, housing shortages – and those issues take precedence. Be patient. Be present. And remember: engagement is not a transaction, it’s a relationship. Indigenous-led partnerships in the energy industry are not just possible – they’re essential. By empowering communities to lead, we ensure that development is rooted in respect, reconciliation, and real opportunity. As the original keepers of the land, we are committed to walking the good path in all aspects of energy development on Turtle Island. Makwa Development is proud to be at the forefront, building bridges between Indigenous talent and Canada’s nuclear future. Anything else you would like to add? Makwa Development is open for business and excited to continue making an impact in our local communities. We’re here to build, to collaborate, and to ensure that Indigenous voices are not just heard, but centered, in Canada’s nuclear future. The opportunities ahead are immense, and we’re ready to lead the way. Author Mediaplanet https://www.innovatingcanada.ca/canadas-nuclear-future-2025/a-conversation-with-shane-chegahno/

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent visit to the Makwa-Cahill fabrication facility marked a historic moment for Indigenous-led initiatives in the energy sector. As the first nuclear-qualified Indigenous fabrication centre in the region, Makwa-Cahill embodies resilience, collaboration, and economic empowerment. Premier Ford expressed support for the partnership and its benefits. He highlighted the importance of training and development opportunities for skilled tradespeople in the region’s nuclear industry. The Premier also congratulated Makwa-Cahill on their successes, emphasizing the positive impact of the facility on local families and communities. Thank you to Premier Ford for taking the time to tour our facility, learn about our business and meet members of our team.

Makwa Development's leadership and staff were joined by Mike Rencheck to celebrate Mike's retirement and the progress and success that Makwa Development has made in its business with Bruce Power over the last three years. The occasion was marked by Bruce Power's Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, which featured a Pow Wow Dance, Indigenous Artisans' Market, and a powerful presentation on Truth and Reconciliation bestowed by Makwa's own Joselyn Keeshig. We would like to thank Mike for his support and leadership over the years. We are looking forward to continuing our journey with Mike in the future. Chi-Miigwetch Mike!

We are excited to announce the formation of Makwa-Dewar Limited Partnership, a new Indigenous business partnering Makwa Development Corporation and Dewar Industrial Services Inc. This partnership combines decades of construction experience and expertise with a local First Nation perspective, creating a powerful combination of knowledge, experience and values. Makwa Development is a First Nation-owned business that specializes in a range of services, including construction, forestry management, and fabrication. With deep roots in the local community and a commitment to sustainable development, Makwa Development brings a unique perspective and set of values to the partnership.

Makwa-Cahill, an Indigenous-owned venture focused on fabrication for the energy sector, held a grand opening of its facility in Owen Sound, Ont. Makwa Development Corp., which is owned by Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation residents Scott Lee and Shane Chegano, has joined forces with Cahill Constructors Ltd., one of the largest multi-disciplinary construction and fabrication companies in Canada, to create Makwa-Cahill. “ The new fabrication facility will deliver services to Bruce Power and other industry suppliers, while providing on-the-job training and development opportunities for skilled tradespeople, ” said Lee, President of Makwa Developments. “ The facility will have a strong focus on training and development to meet the needs of Ontario’s nuclear industry. ” “ A shared sense of community is one of the key things that bring us together ,” said Fred Cahill, President of the Cahill Group. “ Cahill operates across Canada and we are now very proud to ‘come together’ with Makwa to begin a new chapter in Ontario. The Bruce Power and Makwa-Cahill teams are fully aligned in our goal to build a sustainable local business and create meaningful employment opportunities. ” Hon. Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Energy, toured the new fabrication facility and offered his support for the partnership and the benefits it will generate. “ Congratulations to Makwa-Cahill on the opening of its new fabrication facility, which will be a great asset for Bruce Power and Ontario’s energy sector ,” said Minister Smith. “ This partnership will provide long-term benefits to Indigenous families and communities, connecting people to training for skilled trades and great employment opportunities. ” Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, also congratulated Makwa-Cahill on its grand opening. “ Our government is committed to supporting meaningful economic development for Indigenous communities throughout Ontario ,” said Minister Rickford. “ Makwa-Cahill’s grand opening in Owen Sound represents the start of significant employment, training, and skill development opportunities for local Indigenous peoples. ” “ We are so proud of all of our accomplishments as a community ,” said Chief Veronica Smith, Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation. “ This includes celebrating the people and businesses who are making positive contributions, creating jobs, wealth and opportunity for our people. We can all be proud of Makwa-Cahill and know this is an example others in our community will follow. ” “ Bruce Power, along with a constellation of support businesses, is the driving economic force in our region and increasingly so in our community ,” said Chief Lester Anoquot, Saugeen First Nation. “ Partnerships like Makwa-Cahill are helping to bring an Indigenous perspective to the nuclear sector, fostering positive change and economic reconciliation .” The 26,000 square foot fabrication facility is now fully operational with plans and capacity to employ more than 50 workers per shift. The Owen Sound facility will be the head office for all Makwa-Cahill operations, supporting construction, maintenance and fabrication scopes across Ontario. “ With the opening of our facility, we look forward to meeting the needs of Ontario’s vibrant nuclear sector, while providing training and meaningful employment advancements for Indigenous communities and local residents, ” said Mike Benham, President of Makwa-Cahill. ​ The partnership between Makwa-Cahill and Bruce Power aligns with the company’s $3 billion ‘Made in Ontario’ economic recovery strategy , while also supporting wealth creation opportunities within local Indigenous communities. “ The Bruce Power Life-Extension Program is continuing to power an economic recovery in Ontario, ” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “ The Makwa-Cahill joint venture will provide community members with excellent jobs and training and gives Bruce Power access to the skill-sets we need to continue supplying the reliable, clean electricity that Ontario and Canada need to affordably reach net zero. I would like to congratulate Makwa-Cahill on the opening of their fabrication facility and look forward to working together. ”