Largest Solar Power Farm in Manitoba

Solar Project Bolsters First Nations Community

The 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.

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.

SAY: How is this type of green energy project unique?

Isaac: Much of the success of this project is built off these initial efforts and through strong community planning. Besides the positive impact on the community’s built environment and the fact that this project will provide a dependable source of power and income for decades to come, this project is unique in that it was built with, by and for, the community. It has proven to be a new model for community and economic development.

The Fisher River Cree Nation solar farm also represents a seismic shift away from an antiquated, Indian Act-designed community to a modern, more self-sufficient community.

SAY: How does a green energy project like this align with First Nations ideologies?

Isaac: Solar energy is a beautiful technology. When designed properly, it harmonizes with the landscape of the universe bridging a star to a community with a near infinite energy resource. It is an example of beautification, does not require fuel and needs next to zero maintenance. It does not violate the laws of nature or the environment. Unlike neocolonial, fossil-fuel technologies, it does not compromise the environment. It is consistent with our cultural beliefs and values, namely, to respect Mother Earth. It is a technology that our ancestors would have chosen.

When you’re involved with this type of technology where it resonates with cultural values and philosophies, and doesn’t harm the land, there’s something beyond just electrons that occurs in the community. That’s the magic that we [at W Dusk] love to witness and be a part of.

SAY: This is not the first green energy project Fisher River has undertaken. Tell us about the geothermal energy initiative.

Chief Crate: Fisher River, along with neighbouring community Peguis First Nation, took part in a geothermal pilot project, and we just wrapped up year four of that initiative. Members in the community were trained on geothermal installation, and it took off from there. Fifty per cent of the homes in the community are now powered by geothermal energy. Some of our larger facilities are also geothermal, including the school, laundromat and fitness centre. It created new jobs in the community, and it saves families a lot of money on energy bills.

SAY: Please explain how the solar farm in Fisher River works.

Isaac: This project’s size, or maximum capability—like top-speed for a car—is a megawatt, or one million watts. There are almost 3,000 solar panels in the Fisher River Solar Farm. Each of the panels converts sunlight (photons), that has taken just over eight minutes to cross the solar system, into electricity for your home. Every year, the farm will produce enough energy to power 250 homes.

Each solar panel faces the sun, due south, and receives light just like the leaves of a plant or tree. The panels consist of one or two layers of a semiconducting material, silicon, which is one of the most abundant elements on Earth. When light shines on the silicon in the panels, electrons are bounced into channels building an electric field. As Arthur C. Clarke put it once, “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

Chief Crate: This energy is then converted from direct to alternating current so that it can be connected to the Manitoba Hydro electric grid. The community has an agreement with Manitoba Hydro to purchase power generated from the solar farm.

SAY: How has this project benefited the members of Fisher River Cree Nation?

Chief Crate: A dozen members of the Fisher River Cree Nation community, none of whom had previously worked on solar energy technology, were trained to North American Solar Academy Certificate Level as Solar PV Installers. This means they can work anywhere in North America on such projects. These community members installed the 3,000 panels for the solar farm in a combined five days, which is a major achievement by any standard. They also constructed the solar racking, prepped the site, as well as constructed the observation deck.

SAY: What is the economic impact of a project like this?

Isaac: A project of this scope can generate up to a six-figure annual return, which will go right back into the community. These contracts are typically 20-25 years and are very scalable. Beyond this initial project, the trained members are primed to become solar installers for future planned phases, such as a community solar rooftop project or the possible expansion of the current farm. The solar farm will grow with the community and can potentially generate enough energy to export power to the United States or to other provinces.

This type of project also positions Fisher River in the future economy, which is

unfolding now. There are now more jobs in cleantech than oil and gas. The world economy is dramatically shifting to more sustainable models of development. The electric grid is moving towards a decentralized, distributed grid. That is, locally generated and consumed power derived from wind and solar.

As long as the sun continues to shine, the community will have an economic return through a power purchase agreement that is locked to inexhaustible and abundant natural elements, not to an unstable, fossil fuel economy that is entangled with colonization and imperialism.

SAY: Are there any plans for Fisher River to take on additional green energy projects in the future?

Chief Crate: We are in the process of doing a community assessment—looking at what would be a good fit for the community. There are discussions around infrastructure, battery storage and a central district heating system for the community which could be a combo of geothermal, wind and solar. The end goal is to create a number of energy sources for the community, making it more sustainable. Along with that comes job creation and employment opportunities in maintaining that infrastructure. After learning so much from Chief Crate and Isaac, it is clear these types of community-owned renewable energy projects are vital for the economic and social development of remote Indigenous communities. Not only do they provide a measure of self-reliance in terms of energy supply, they are also a source of empowerment and community pride.

“The message I want to get across to other communities is that planning is key—the key to anything that you do,” said Chief Crate.

“What we are doing here in Fisher River can be duplicated anywhere, really. I hope to see more green energy initiatives happening across the country in the near future."

Isaac further confirmed, “There is a new model for every First Nation and Indigenous community across Turtle Island. With projects such as this, new workforces are being developed, and the reservation is becoming a place of innovation and a truer reflection of the culture. The future is happening now.”