Eagle Hill Energy Limited Partnership (EHELP) owns and operates the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project. As one of Yukon’s Independent Power Producers, EHELP sells all renewable electricity generated from the project to Yukon Energy under a 25-year Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA). EHELP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership (CNLP), the business arm of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) Government.
Public Notice
Turbine activity may vary due to wind conditions or routine maintenance. Please exercise caution when visiting the hill and adhere to all safety signage.
EHELP Picture Book Now Available
The Winds over Whitehorse: Thay T’äw Kwändǖr
Discover the story behind the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project’s historic development and how three levels of government came together to boost Yukon’s winter energy supply and deliver meaningful environmental, economic, and social benefits for future generations. Produced by GBP Creative
Project Overview
The Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project marks a historic accomplishment as the first 100% Indigenous-owned wind energy project in northern Canada. This new 4.0 MW renewable energy initiative uses the latest in wind turbine technology, advancing Yukon’s role in cold-climate renewables research and innovation. The project commenced commercial operations in March 2024, kicking off 25 years of service providing clean, renewable energy during the winter when Yukoners need it most.
EHELP's four new wind turbines on Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw overlooking Whitehorse, March 2024. PHOTO: GBP Creative
The turbines will produce enough clean energy to power over 650 Yukon homes per year for the next 25 years, offsetting an estimated 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
This is equivalent to:
Removing 2,500 gas cars from the roads for 10 years
Displacing 40 million litres of diesel fuel throughout the life of the project.
“Long ago, cultural knowledge shared by elders told of how Kwanlin Dün citizens have harvested energy from the land and water for the people’s needs for thousands of years. Based on those traditional values, Kwanlin Dün continues that important relationship with the land and water to create energy our communities use year-round but in a new and responsible way.” – Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith (October 2023)
Development History
Starting in 2015, the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project has progressed from concept to commercial operation over nine years. It builds on three decades of wind energy research and development on Haeckel Hill, which paved the way for EHELP’s historic 4.0 MW wind project. Explore the history and key development milestones to see our journey from vision to reality.
Advanced Turbine Technology
The new wind turbines mark a significant advancement in cold-climate technology. Equipped with state-of-the-art features, these turbines provide unparalleled efficiency and reliability in harsh weather conditions.
TALLER TURBINES
In order to provide access to higher, stronger, and more consistent airflow, the height of the turbines was increased by approx. three stories, from 37m to 46m tall.
POWERFUL GENERATORS
The new wind turbines are equipped with more powerful generators to maximize the amount of energy created by each turbine. The new turbines have 1000 kW (1MW) generators, compared to the previous models which were 600kW.
LONGER BLADES
The blades on the new turbines are 30% longer. This increase creates a 70% larger swept path, allowing us to harness more of the wind’s energy with each rotation.
ADVANCED DE-ICING TECHNOLOGY
Unlike the previous turbines, the new ones have black blades that reduce icing as well as in-blade heating systems that keep them warm and melt ice quickly if it does build up.
Cultural Legacy Initiatives
The Haeckel Hill-Thay T'äw Wind Energy Project features various cultural legacy initiatives that enhance public understanding of renewable energy benefits and celebrate Kwanlin Dün First Nation heritage and values. These efforts include educational resources for youth, and cultural preservation through language and dynamic storytelling—showcasing a collaborative model of reconciliation and sustainable development. Together, these initiatives underscore the lasting social, economic, and environmental impacts of community-level renewable energy projects.
PICTURE BOOK
The Winds over Whitehorse: Thay T’äw Kwändǖr (Golden Eagle Nest Story)
Kwanlin Dün history tells of a giant eagle that nested on Haeckel Hill, known as Thay T'äw (Golden Eagle Nest) in Southern Tutchone. This picture book, co-authored by KDFN citizen Kikchucks Rae Mombourquette and artist Tedd Tucker, blends oral history from late Elder Ä́yenjìatà Louie Smith with lessons on environmental stewardship, clean energy, and contemporary Indigenous family values. Intended for children ages 3-5 years. EHELP partnered with the Yukon Imagination Library to distribute the book to over 1,200 children for free, supporting early literacy development for Yukon children.
STORY SHARING FILMS
This video series, produced by GBP Creative Media, shares the Haeckel Hill-Thay T'äw Wind Energy Project development through a six-minute film and seven FAQ videos. Featuring construction footage and interviews with figures like KDFN Chief Sean Smith, it showcases how the project meets Yukon's energy demand with wind power and celebrates KDFN's stewardship of their traditional territories for our clean energy future.
INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
Public signage at Haeckel Hill enhances awareness of project benefits and the cultural significance of the Thay T'äw (Golden Eagle Nest) project site for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. The installation includes three panels detailing KDFN's history, wind energy evolution on Haeckel Hill since the 1980s, and project advancements in cold-climate turbines. The Corten steel sign frame features designs by KDFN artist Terrence ‘Cory’ Shorty.
YUKONU SCHOLARSHIP
Eagle Hill Energy LP donated $20,000 to Yukon University for land-based education and pledged an additional $4,000 annually. These funds help to cover equipment, materials, and offset student expenses like travel and childcare. YukonU Provost and VP Academic Dr. Shelagh Rowles said the scholarship will enhance on-the-land learning opportunities for many students, regardless of their identity or program.
Project FAQ’s
How did Eagle Hill Energy LP get it's name?
What's new about these turbines?
How is wind energy an investment in Kwanlin Dün’s future?
How does wind energy fit into Yukon’s ‘Our Clean Future’ strategy?
How does wind energy get from the turbine to your home?
How did the wind turbines get to Whitehorse?
How does a wind turbine stand up?
Where is the project located?
The Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project is located 6 km from downtown Whitehorse, Yukon, at the top of Haeckel Hill. The turbines are within the municipal boundary of the City of Whitehorse and the Traditional Territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
THANK YOU TO OUR PROJECT PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon
Questions? Concerns?
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us any time. Depending on the nature of your request our team will connect you with the best person within seven business days.