First Nations Forge Equal Partnership in Major Saskatchewan Solar Project

In a significant move towards energy independence and economic reconciliation, four Treaty 4 First Nations have secured an equal 50% ownership stake in one of Saskatchewan's largest solar farms. This landmark partnership with clean energy developer Neoen Canada, supported by the Canada Infrastructure Bank, marks a new standard for Indigenous involvement in large-scale renewable energy projects.

Key Takeaways

• Four Treaty 4 First Nations will collectively own 50% of the 100-megawatt Mino Giizis solar energy facility.

• The project aims to generate enough electricity to power 30,000 homes annually.

• Partnership emphasizes equal decision-making power and long-term benefits for Indigenous communities.

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing financial support, prioritizing Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives.

A New Era of Indigenous Energy Ownership

The Mino Giizis solar energy facility, located in the Rural Municipality of Lajord, will be a 100-megawatt project designed to leverage southern Saskatchewan's abundant sunshine. The agreement with Neoen Canada ensures the four First Nations – Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, Zagime Anishinabek Nation, Key First Nation, and Cote First Nation – will share equal voting power on the project's board, moving beyond tokenistic involvement to genuine partnership. This structure is intended to build trust and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy development are shared equitably.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

This collaboration is expected to generate approximately 228,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing significantly to Saskatchewan's clean energy goals. Beyond power generation, the project is designed to create direct employment and training opportunities for First Nations members in construction, operations, and maintenance. The revenue generated will be reinvested in community initiatives, aligning with Indigenous priorities such as food security and environmental stewardship. The project is slated to begin operation in 2028, following a 25-year power purchase agreement with SaskPower.

Building on Past Lessons

The path to this 50% ownership stake was a result of years of negotiation and collaboration, learning from previous energy deals. The nations, united under the Anishinabek Power Alliance, focused on building strong internal agreements and ensuring trust with their development partner. This approach contrasts with earlier models where Indigenous communities were often consulted stakeholders rather than equal partners. The First Nations Power Authority played a role in evaluating proposals, prioritizing those with greater Indigenous ownership and stronger hiring commitments.

Support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is a key financial backer of the Mino Giizis project, aligning with its mandate to invest in clean energy projects with significant Indigenous ownership. The CIB's involvement, alongside potential private lenders and equity contributions from the partner nations, underscores the growing recognition of Indigenous leadership in driving sustainable infrastructure development. This project is seen as a model for future Indigenous infrastructure partnerships, promoting economic reconciliation and increasing clean power generation across Canada.

Sources

• First Nations secure equal stake in one of Saskatchewan's largest solar farms, Moose Jaw News - MooseJawToday.com.

• CIB and George Gordon First Nation partner on Wicehtowak Solar, Canada Infrastructure Bank.

• Canadian govt to back Indigenous-owned solar project with USD 24m | Solar Power News, Renewables Now.