SMOKY
LAKE, AB, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ - The Otipemisiwak
Métis Government proudly announces the opening celebration 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, 2024, at Métis Crossing, marking the official
commencement of operations for this significant renewable energy
project.
Salay Prayzaan, meaning "gift from the sun" in Michif,
symbolizes the Métis people's deep respect and appreciation for
nature. The name, selected from more than 90 Citizen
recommendations in a social media contest, unveiled at the
Otipemisiwak Métis Government's Annual General Assembly, was put
forth by contest winner Sheri
Gnadt.
"The name Salay Prayzaan perfectly encapsulates the spirit of
the project," said Andrea Sandmaier,
President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. "Our Citizens,
particularly the youth, are passionate about renewable energy and
its role in combating climate change. This project embodies our
commitment to sustainability and Métis values."
This 4.86-megawatt solar farm, situated at Alberta's premier
Métis cultural interpretive destination, Métis Crossing, is a
collaborative effort involving the Otipemisiwak Métis Government,
the Town of Smoky Lake, Smoky Lake
County, and industry partners, including the Métis-owned company
Carvel Electric. The solar farm is integral to the Otipemisiwak
Métis Government Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and is projected
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,700 tonnes of
carbon dioxide-equivalent in its first year, providing enough
energy to power nearly 1,200 homes. The project was strategically
sized to match the electricity load of all Otipemisiwak Métis
Government buildings and operations across Alberta.
"We are incredibly proud that Salay Prayzaan is entirely
Otipemisiwak Métis Government-owned. It signifies a major
advancement in climate action, Métis sovereignty, and
self-sufficiency," said Sandmaier. "Moreover, this project will
generate significant economic benefits for the Smoky Lake community through tax revenue,
local economic activity, and contributions to a community
development fund."
The solar farm's construction began in fall 2022 and is now
concluded, seamlessly integrating into the ongoing development of
Métis Crossing. This project builds on the Otipemisiwak Métis
Government's existing microgeneration solar portfolio, which
includes 37 sites across Alberta with a combined capacity of
530-kilowatts direct current, offsetting 300 tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent annually.
"The Salay Prayzaan project showcases our dedication to
environmental stewardship and renewable energy innovation," said
Jason Chernow Provincial Secretary of Environment, Climate Change
& 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 a
$3.9-million investment from the
Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action
Centre (MCCAC) through its Municipal Community Generation
Challenge, $8,982,889 from Natural
Resources Canada through the Smart Renewables and Electrification
Pathways Program, and $220,059 from
Environment and Climate Change Canda through the Low Carbon Economy
Fund. The MCCAC is a partnership of Alberta Municipalities, Rural
Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.
Quotes from our project partners:
"Renewable energy investments represent more than
decarbonization — they embody the values of Indigenous Peoples as
stewards of the land. Today's Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm opening
builds on the energy leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta and
will lead to more resilient communities."
The Honourable Randy
Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, workforce Development
and Official Languages
"The Government of Canada is
pleased to have supported the Métis Nation of Alberta's
4.86-megawatt Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm project. This innovative
project is a great example of the economic opportunity of climate
action: the solar farm will generate clean power for the Nation and
reduce emissions while also creating energy sector jobs and
providing economic benefits for Indigenous communities across
Alberta. Indigenous leadership in clean energy is critical to
Canada's ambitious climate and
economic goals. As we celebrate Nation Indigenous Peoples Day, I
want to congratulate the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on this
achievement and for its commitment to sustainability for a better
future."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and
Natural Resources
"The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is demonstrating strong
Indigenous leadership with climate actions that provide clean
power, while contributing to growing the economy and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Congratulations to the Otipemisiwak Métis
Government for the grand opening of Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm and
for helping Canada get to net-zero
emissions by 2050."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and
Climate Change
"Alberta Municipalities is delighted to see this worthwhile
renewable energy project receive provincial funding and support.
Our association is proud of the MCCAC's efforts to make the Salay
Prayzaan Solar Farm a reality."
Tyler Gandam, President,
Alberta Municipalities
"As partners in the MCCAC, it is great to see funding continue
to support economic development and innovation across rural
Alberta. The project reflects the powers of collaboration between
Métis governments, municipalities, and provincial and federal
leaders."
Paul McLauchlin, President,
Rural Municipalities of Alberta
SOURCE Métis Nation of Alberta