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A new Indigenous-owned enterprise in Saskatchewan focused on renewable energy is hoping to expand and create opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous communities.
MiEnergy North America is the result of a new partnership between the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), Mistawasis Nêhiyawak and miEnergy Inc. The partnership plans to participate in the growing global economy of renewable energy production while benefitting 10 First Nations communities, including the nine under the MLTC and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak.
“For us, it means a lot of hope and opportunity moving into the future,” said Mistawasis Nehiyawak Chief Daryl Watson.
Kevin Bergeron, president and CEO of miEnergy Inc., said the new partnership hopes to take on as many projects as possible, with some already in the works.
One such project is the solar panel work being done on the Cowessess First Nation, helping the community to become greener in its energy use.
“We’re always looking for ways to cover our footprint that we leave with Mother Earth,” said MLTC vice-chief Richard Derocher, speaking to a room of about three dozen attendees and media.
MLTC Chief Richard Ben said the new enterprise will include full engineering, procurement and construction services — and they’re proud to hit the ground running.
Ben said the enterprise will “deliver great service” and engage in endeavours from local community energy planning and small scale installations to bigger projects — a spectrum of five to 100 megawatts.
The Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Ben said, wants to be part of the province’s economic development.
“As the province grows, we want to grow,” he said, putting an emphasis on bringing that revenue into local First Nations communities as well to help with areas that are underfunded and encourage economic growth among Indigenous people.
The enterprise hopes to expand across Canada and internationally. Bergeron said that 50 to 60 jobs for Indigenous people in various communities are likely coming soon, with many more possible as the enterprise takes on more projects.
Watson said preparing a future for children in their communities is a key priority — something he hopes to see this partnership accomplish for future generations. Their education system is already working to help motivate students to pursue post-secondary studies in engineering and business.
“If we start developing companies and creating partnerships, it’s all good, but if our people aren’t leading, if they’re not taking those key roles, it’s all for not,” Watson said.
“Hopefully the next generation will be the true leaders of Mistawasis Nehiyawak.”
Watson said the direction they’re moving is with the purpose of helping Indigenous people be successful in today’s world.
“As First Nations people, this new endeavour fits our deeply held notions of combining support of economics with a sustainable environment (opportunity),” Ben said.
