Otipemisiwak Métis Government Celebrates the Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm

SMOKE LAKE, AB, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to announce the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm, a landmark achievement in sustainable energy and community collaboration. The event took place on June 21, 2024at Métis Crossing to mark the official commencement of operations for this important renewable energy project.

Salay Prayzaan, which means “gift of the sun” in the Michif language, symbolizes the Métis people’s deep respect and appreciation for nature. The name, chosen from more than 90 citizen recommendations in a social media competition presented at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Annual General Meeting, was proposed by the winner of the competition Sheri Gnadt.

“The name Salay Prayzaan perfectly reflects the spirit of the project,” he said Andrzej Sandmaier, leader of the Otipemisiwaka Métis government. “Our citizens, especially young people, are passionate about renewable energy and its role in the fight against climate change. This project embodies our commitment to sustainability and Métis values.”

This 4.86 Mégawatt solar farm, located at Alberta’s premier Métis cultural center, Métis Crossing, is a joint venture between the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the Smoky Lake City, Smoky Lake County and industry partners including Métis-owned Carvel Electric. The solar farm is an integral part of the government’s Otipemisiwak Métis Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in its first year of operation, providing enough energy to power almost 1,200 homes. The project was strategically sized to accommodate the electrical load of all Otipemisiwak Métis government buildings and government facilities across Alberta.

“We are incredibly proud that Salay Prayzaan is wholly owned by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. This represents significant progress on climate action, Métis sovereignty and self-sufficiency,” Sandmaier said. “In addition, this project will bring significant economic benefits to Smoky Lake communities through tax revenues, local economic activity and contributions to the Community Development Fund.”

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Construction of the solar farm began in the fall of 2022 and is now completed, seamlessly integrating with the ongoing development of Métis Crossing. This project builds on the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s existing solar microgeneration portfolio, which includes 37 facilities across Alberta with a total capacity of 530 kilowatts of direct current, offsetting 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

“The Salay Prayzaan project demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy innovation,” said Jason Chernow, provincial secretary of environment, climate change and emergency management for the Otipemisiwak Métis government. “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy solutions that benefit both our community and the planet.”

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks its government partners for their contributions to the project. This project received, among others: $3.9 million an investment by the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Center (MCCAC) as part of the Municipal Community Generation Challenge. $8,982,889 from Natural Resources Canada under the Smart Renewable Pathways and Electrification program and $220,059 from Canda for Environment and Climate Change through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. MCCAC is an association of Alberta municipalities, rural Alberta municipalities and the Government of Alberta.

Quotes from our project partners:

“Renewable energy investments do more than just decarbonize – they embody the values ​​of Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. Today’s opening of the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm builds on the energy leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta and will lead to more resilient communities.”
The Honorary Randy BoissonnaultMinister of Labor, Health Workforce Development and Official Languages

“Government Canada is pleased to support the Métis Nation of Alberta’s 4.86 Métis Nation of Alberta solar farm project. This innovative project is a prime example of the economic opportunities of climate action: the solar farm will generate clean energy for the nation and reduce emissions, while creating jobs in the energy sector and providing economic benefits to Indigenous communities across Alberta. Local leadership on clean energy is critical Canada ambitious climate and economic goals. As we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, I want to congratulate the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on this achievement and its commitment to sustainable development for a better future.”
The Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is demonstrating strong Indigenous leadership through climate action that delivers clean energy while contributing to economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Congratulations to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on the grand opening of the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm and the relief Canada achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”
The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

“Alberta’s municipalities are delighted that this valuable renewable energy project is receiving provincial funding and support. Our association is proud of MCCAC’s efforts to make the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm a reality.”
Tyler GandamPresident, Alberta authorities

“As MCCAC partners, it is great to see that the funds continue to support economic development and innovation in rural Alberta. The project reflects opportunities for collaboration between governments, Métis municipalities, and provincial and federal leaders.”
Paul McLauchlinchairman of rural municipalities in Alberta

SOURCE Metis Nation of Alberta

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