COVER STORY
Solar Project Bolsters First Nations Community
T
he first Indigenous-owned solar power farm is now up and running in Fisher River Cree Nation—the largest clean energy project of its kind in Manitoba. The seven-acre solar farm is the result of seven years of planning between Chief and council and W Dusk Energy Group Inc.—an Indigenous-owned firm located in British Columbia, Canada.
Photos courtesy of Farhan Umedaly, VoVo Productions
A project of this magnitude represents not only the redesign of Indigenous communities, but what modern urban and community planning should encompass in a post-COVID-19 era— self-sufficiency. Thankfully, construction of the solar farm was completed before the COVID-19 lock-down came into effect. In a recent interview, President of W Dusk Energy Group David Isaac explained that it is only in the past few years that Solar PV (photovoltaic) has become the most economic form of renewable energy to construct. “Fisher River has been a leader nationally in the early adoption of renewable energy and previously installed a community-wide geo-exchange program,” said Isaac. “It is fitting that they are leading the charge in Manitoba and nationwide, with the largest and first Indigenousowned solar farm.” This project is made possible by funding from the Ministry of Western Economic Diversification and through self-financing by Fisher River Economic Development Corporation. Keep reading to learn how this green energy project has empowered a community with the promise of a bright and self-sufficient future in our exclusive interview with Chief David Crate and David Isaac of W Dusk.
14 | CAREER DEVELOPMENT
"Solar is beautiful in that it harvests abundant and reliable sunlight. It is generated locally in the community and will provide revenue for at least 30 years." – David Isaac
