Anishinabek and Nipissing University partner to develop bioeconomy strategy

Anishinabek Nation and Nipissing University’s Biomass Innovation Centre have partnered to develop a bioeconomy strategy that would create economic benefits for First Nations and Northern Ontario, while contributing to Ontario’s Green Energy plan and the Northern Growth Plan. On July 18, 2014 The Union of Ontario Indians signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nipissing University’s Biomass Innovation Centre to explore business options for using sustainable forestry resources like branches and bark to create advanced bioproducts and biofuels, such as wood pellets.

"Nipissing University is proud to partner with the Union of Ontario Indians for this project, as one of the meaningful partnerships we are developing to support northern and Aboriginal communities," says Dr. Michael DeGagné, Vice-Chancellor and President of Nipissing University. "With this project, our Biomass Innovation Centre enhances our capacity as engines of economic, social, and cultural development for our communities in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Biomass Innovation Centre was established by Nipissing University’s School of Business in the spring of 2009 as a centre for knowledge and support in the development of a robust and sustainable bioeconomy in northern Ontario.