Canada's Largest Solar Farm Built With Indigenous Nations

Four Indigenous nations in Saskatchewan are now equal partners in what will become the province's largest solar farm, proving that climate action and economic justice can happen at the same time.

French energy company Neoen just signed a 25-year deal with Saskatchewan Power Corporation to build the Mino Giizis solar project. The 157-megawatt facility will split ownership 50/50 between Neoen and the Anishinabek Power Alliance, representing four Treaty 4 Nations: Zagime Anishinabek Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation, Cote First Nation, and Key First Nation.

The project came together through a unique partnership between SaskPower and the First Nations Power Authority. They launched a competitive bidding process specifically designed to include Indigenous communities from the start, not as an afterthought.

Construction begins soon in the Rural Municipality of Lajord No. 128, with the facility expected to go live in 2028. Peak construction will employ around 350 workers, bringing jobs and investment directly to the region.

This solar farm represents more than clean electricity. It's genuine economic ownership for First Nations communities who have historically been left out of major energy projects on their traditional lands.

The Ripple Effect

Saskatchewan is racing toward 3 gigawatts of solar and wind power by 2035, and this project puts them one giant step closer. The province currently has just under 1 gigawatt of renewable capacity installed.

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is calling this partnership a model for the rest of the country. President Vittoria Bellissimo says Saskatchewan is showing "what can be achieved when utilities and Indigenous leadership work together to build our renewable energy future."

The approach is already catching on. In August, the Canadian government invested $23.8 million in a separate 32-megawatt solar project led by George Gordon First Nation, also in Saskatchewan.

Neoen opened its Canadian office just two years ago and has been moving fast. The company already runs the 93-megawatt Fox Coulée solar farm in Alberta, which started generating power last June.

When the Mino Giizis project comes online, it will generate enough clean electricity to power tens of thousands of homes while creating lasting economic benefits for Indigenous communities who are finally getting a seat at the energy table.