Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation and Meadow Lake Tribal Council gain support for power project
Left to right: Rupen Pandya, President and CEO of SaskPower; Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation Chief Daryl Watson; Vice-Chief Richard Derocher; Vice-Chief Norma Katarat; SaskPower Minister Jeremy Harrison; MLTC Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman; CEO of Potentia Renewables Ben Greenhouse. Photo Courtesy of SaskPower.
May 13 2025
By Nelly Smoke
The environment is a blessing to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and, in south-central Saskatchewan, an Indigenous partnership “will make it a reality.”
“For the nine Nations of Meadow Lake Tribal Council, we value the opportunity to participate in the provincial economy and continue to develop economic prospects on behalf of our membership,” MLTC Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman said in a media statement.
M-Squared (M2) Renewables, a company created by Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nations, is partnering with SaskPower and Potential Renewables on two green energy projects.
The 200-megawatt Rose Valley Wind Project will be located east of Assiniboia and operate under a 30-year power purchase agreement with SaskPower, while the 100-megawatt Southern Springs Solar project will be located south of Coronach and operate under a 25-year agreement.
The projects will power schools, businesses, and an estimated 125,000 homes.
They will also power positive relationships, according to Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation Chief Daryl Watson.
“Truth and Reconciliation can occur as we continue to show progress and teamwork,” Chief Watson said in the media release.
SaskPower stated it intends to work closely with Indigenous communities, to give their corporation connectedness, awareness and an understanding of what people might need.
“With these projects, our government and SaskPower are continuing to advance economic reconciliation and build on our strong relationships with Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities, " said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for SaskPower.
The partners have committed to follow all local, provincial and federal requirements as they plan, develop, finance and operate this facility.
In a separate interview, a SaskPower spokesperson said the Crown corporation prioritizes Indigenous partnerships, and requires at least 10 per cent Indigenous involvement in wind and solar projects.
The two energy projects are each 51 percent Indigenous-owned, the highest percentage so far.
SaskPower’s spokesperson said Chief Watson delivered a clear message from the start: “They don’t want to be just involved in these projects on paper but they want to actually have real meaningful ownership.”
More projects in partnership with Indigenous companies are planned. “Local and Indigenous participation in major projects will continue to deliver economic growth and opportunity for years to come,” said SaskPower minister Harrison.
The M-Squared partners are also focused on future generations.
“As a partner with Potentia Renewables and SaskPower, we are building Saskatchewan’s power future while advancing economic reconciliation and self-determination for Indigenous peoples,” said MLTC Chief Norman.