Several Saskatchewan First Nations have come together to form a controlling ownership stake in a new renewable energy company.
The nine band’s under the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Mistawasis First Nation, and miEnergy have partnered together to form miEnergy North America – an Indigenous-owned renewable energy company.
The MLTC and Mistawasis will hold a 51 percent controlling interest in miEnergy North America with the original miEnergy company holding the remaining ownership stake.
miEnergy has spent nearly two decades in the renewable energy sector and the new company miEnergy North America will look at Indigenous-led projects for renewable energy.
“miEnergy North America aspires to be a leader in the renewable energy sector and will be focused on the development of solar power and related projects in Saskatchewan and throughout North America,” said MLTC Tribal Chief Richard Ben. “The new enterprise will proudly promote and create sustainable, innovative renewable energy solutions for utilities, businesses, communities and Indigenous communities everywhere.”
The three partnership groups all spoke on the strong statement of reconciliation this new company represents at an event announcing the new enterprise in Saskatoon on Thursday morning.
“The benefits for Mistawasis Nehiyawak will have long-term impact,” said Mistawasis First Nation chief Daryl Watson. “We look forward to building relationships with our partners, who already have success in this industry, to develop one of the best renewable energy companies in North America.”
CEO and President of miEnergy Kevin Bergeron echoed these statements.
“These investments will create meaningful, long-term benefits for our communities and our planet, for decades to come,” said Bergeron.
According to miEnergy North America, projects with solar fields are planned. One will be in partnership with Cowessess First Nation for construction near Regina and the other is planned to be constructed in the Weyburn area.
The new company plans to break into the international market, however, they say they are at the preliminary stage of that venture.
(PHOTO: The three representatives of the miEnergy North America ownership group sign their partnership. Keven Bergeron, Daryl Watson, and Richard Ben. Photo by Joel Willick)