A gift from the sun: Métis Nation of Alberta solar farm could power 1,200 homes
CBC
The Métis Nation of Alberta is setting the stage to become net zero with the launch of a solar farm north of Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake County.
It is one of a handful of solar projects on Indigenous lands in Alberta, including energy-harvesting developments at Lubicon Cree Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, Beaver Lake Cree Nation, and Louis Bull Tribe at Maskwacis.
The idea for the project started with the citizens of the nation.
"We went out to the citizens all around Alberta and asked them what they were concerned about and what they wanted us to do when it came to climate action and environmental action," said Jennifer Pylypiw, environment and climate change engagement and policy manager with the MNA.
"Someone brought up the idea of a solar farm and that was kind of the spur that was the spark, and here we are now five years later."
After deciding on the project, the MNA once again solicited the help of citizens to name the project.
They received more than 90 name recommendations, finally deciding on Salay Prayzaan, which in Michif means gift from the sun.
"We're saying thank you for the sun and for the gifts allowing us to move forward in a good way," said Pylypiw.
The MNA examined several options for a renewable energy project, and landed on solar power because of the location of Métis Crossing, 120 kilometres by road northeast of Edmonton.
"Alberta actually [has] been gifted with energy … we have our traditional energy sources, but it's also been gifted with renewable energy," said Andres Filella, the MNA's director of environment and climate change.
"It's really, really windy, it's really, really sunny and it's cold. And, in particular for solar, when it's really sunny and when it's cold, it's when you produce the best and the most power."
But as Filella explained, the area near Métis Crossing is not as windy as it is sunny, making solar the best option.
Pylypiw says the project speaks to the Métis way of life.
"Métis people are so connected to the land, you know, to the skies, to the waters, we've had that connection for hundreds of years and it's really in our blood," said Pylypiw.