New majority Indigenous partnership creates “green” economic opportunities for First Nations

A new majority Indigenous-owned enterprise announced today will drive Indigenous economy and create employment opportunities by providing outstanding service in the renewable energy sector throughout North America. The new entity, miEnergy North America, is a partnership among 10 First Nations — the nine First Nations under the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak — and miEnergy Inc. Tribal Chief Richard Ben speaks to the intent behind this new renewable energy business.

“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. The new enterprise will proudly promote and create sustainable, innovative renewable energy solutions for utilities, businesses, communities and Indigenous communities everywhere.”

This business partnership will also create direct financial returns and employment opportunities for the nine MLTC First Nations and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, and is an opportunity for these communities to realize their individual aspirations for renewable energy projects.

Chief Daryl Watson is excited to work with great people and strong allies toward mutual, long-term benefits.

“The benefits for Mistawasis Nêhiyawak — financial, employment and training opportunities — will have long-term impact. 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.”

The creation of this new business is also a strong statement of reconciliation by each of the partners through commercial enterprise, and demonstrates their commitment to a cleaner, greener environment.

“We are very proud to work with Mistawasis Nêhiyawak and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council leadership to provide, together, more sustainable energy solutions to communities in Saskatchewan and beyond our borders.

The opportunity to contribute to this partnership, which will create jobs and revenue for these communities, is directly aligned with our values as a company. These investments will create meaningful, long-term benefits for our communities and our planet, for decades to come,” says CEO and President of miEnergy Inc. Kevin Bergeron.

Tribal Chief Ben also acknowledges all the shareholders involved in creating miEnergy North America.

“First, to our friends at Mistawasis Nêhiyawak – represented by Chief Daryl Watson and CEO of Misty Ventures, Robert Daniels – we look forward to working closely with you on this exciting project. Second, I wish to acknowledge the contribution and commitment from MLTC’s own nine First Nation Chiefs, our Elders and all the MLTC membership. This new company represents the future for our children. And last, thank you to the miEnergy team, including Kevin Bergeron, Brennan Kilmister and David Anderson for your enthusiasm and openness to facilitate the formation of this important partnership.”

A proud First Nation partnership and majority-owned Indigenous renewable energy business, with

shareholders: the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and its nine First Nations, Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, and miEnergy Inc.

MLTC

The Meadow Lake Tribal Council began in 1981 when the First Nations of Northwest Saskatchewan united to form the Meadow Lake District Chiefs Joint Venture. The Meadow Lake District Chiefs became officially known as the Meadow Lake Tribal Council in 1996. Since that time, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council has become a testament to the cooperative nature of the nine Meadow Lake First Nations that comprise the tribal council, which include:

• Birch Narrows Dene Nation

• Buffalo River Dene Nation

• Canoe Lake Cree First Nation

• Clearwater River Dene Nation

• English River First Nation

• Flying Dust First Nation

• Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

• Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation

• Waterhen Lake First Nation

Mistawasis Nêhiyawak

Mistawasis Nêhiyawak is located on Treaty 6 Territory 120 kilometres north of Saskatoon, near the community of Leask, SK. Misty Ventures Inc. is the economic development corporation owned by Mistawasis Nêhiyawak. The Chief and Council act as shareholder representatives for Misty Ventures Inc.

miEnergy Inc.

miEnergy Inc., based in Saskatoon, SK, is one of Western Canada’s most established renewable energy, solar energy and geothermal energy solutions providers, specializing in turnkey mid‐ to large‐scale projects. For more than 19 years, miEnergy has been dedicated to the transition to solar and geothermal energy. Comprised of professional engineers, designers, electricians and equipment operators, miEnergy is committed to both the safety of their team, the communities in which they work and remain motivated by their passion for helping their partners make the switch to renewable energy.