b'GREEN ENERGYa further 20 permanent positions once itThats a model that needs to be emulatedTheres a lot going on. You have these proj-begins operation.across the countryits a 100-per-centects that are all in flight and were pretty Indigenous-owned facility, says FNPAexcited to see them coming online, notes SaskPowers partnership with Flying DustpresidentandCEOGuyLonechild.SaskPowers Verret Morphy. And theyre Power can also help it in its goal to reduceTheyve got the capacity, theyve got theall renewable, which is extremely impor-methane as part of its overall push to cutpeople, and theyve got the resources alltant to the future of our power system. GHG emissions. In 2019, the utility releasedaround them. its Methane Action Plan to reduce GHGCombined,theprojectsmentioned emissions from venting and flaring fromThese and other projects show thathere will create 241.6 megawatts of the oil and gas industry. Initiatives such asSaskPower and its First Nations partnersenergy for Saskatchewan, making the KFP help the province take a significantare well on their way to creating a compre- province a leader in Indigenous clean step forward in this area, while also gener- hensive and progressive network of cleanerenergypartnerships.Itshowsthat ating power and helping it build meaningfulenergy solutions that have the capacity toworking with First Nations is significantly economic partnerships with First Nations. make a substantial difference in provincialcontributing to Saskatchewans effort to and national GHG emission targets.reduce emissions. NEW ENERGYGeorge Gordon First Nation and the Star Blanket Cree Nation have also stepped into the ring of green energy. Together with SaskPower and Indigenous power producer Natural Forces, they launched the Peskstw Solar Project just outside of Weyburn in 2021. The project will connectAs a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, TARA is directly to the nearby SaskPower substationfocused on furthering the promotion of local Indigenous businesses through and produce enough electricity to powerstrategic partnerships and providing support within these communities. 3,367 homes and displace between 15,246TARA strives to provide meaningful employment to members of the and 18,150 tonnes of CO2 annually.community in both Fort St. John and Grande Prairie regions, as well as the local Indigenous communities. We are actively working with these Nations While wind and solar commonly come toto provide opportunities and long-term careers to driven individuals, while mind in conversations around new cleanpaving a greener path forward for our clients and our community. energy projects, some First Nations commu- TARAs advanced fleet, best-in-class safety, and innovative approach to nities are looking at other options: there areenvironmental standards has kept British Columbia producers executing at least nine First Nations in Saskatchewanfaster, more efficiently, and more responsibly.that have partnered with SaskPower onLast year alone, we had 250+ team members completing more than 230,000 alternative clean energy solutions tohours of work in BC for several amazing clients. In addition to this, all GHG emissions.equipment is built and certified to an international standard, while the company itself has invested heavily in implementing and improving industry The Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)standards relating to safety and environmental requirements. began construction of a 6.6-megawattOur Canadian operating hubs in Grande Prairie and Fort St. John are Bioenergy Centre generating station infrequently searching for suitable candidates to help continue to grow 2020 that uses biological waste from nearbyour team. We are always looking for service technicians, shop assistants, sawmills to create a carbon neutral energyoperators, truck drivers, and more. If youre ready to be a part of the source. The MLTC plans on eliminating oneteam, send your resume with your intended position in the subject line to of Canadas last beehive burners usedcareers@taraenergyservices.com.in the NorSask sawmill near Meadow Lake, which produces significant GHG emissions, and turning that waste into useable energy. Meadow Lake also negotiated a solar power purchase agreement with SaskPower. Combined with their biomass power station, it will be carbon neutral and provide enough electricity to power 5,000 homes. The construction of the centre has generated $26 million in construction contracts with Indigenous companies, with 33 to 40 per cent of the construction labour supplied by Indigenous workers. Finally, all income from the power purchase agreement with SaskPower will go directly back to the MLTC for health, education and housing programs for the community. Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT63'