Mi'gmaq communities are forming a strong partnership in the wind industry

Three Mi’gmaq communities in Quebec are consolidating their expertise in sustainable energy through a partnership that will enable them to maintain their own wind farm, train Indigenous workers, and develop various innovative projects in the future.

Owners for nearly 10 years of half of the Mesgi’gUgju’s’n Wind Farm in Gaspesie, the Mi’gmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj were looking to expand their activities in the field of renewable energy. That’s why, in 2023, under the umbrella of their own company, the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC)—an organization tasked with identifying and seizing sustainable business opportunities for the three communities—they began exploring new potential partnerships.

With the help of MMBC, they were able to establish a partnership with East Coast Wind (ECW), a company that provides maintenance services in the wind energy industry, including mechanical, electrical, and blade maintenance services. This agreement with ECW allows the three Mi’gmaq communities to become critical players in the field of Mi’gmaq sustainable energy in Quebec, as they now own 51% of the company’s shares. This provides them with significant decision-making leverage and opens doors to new opportunities for sustainable projects.

"We immediately recognized that partnering with East Coast Wind could bring great added value to our three communities," said Frédéric Vicaire, Executive Director at MMBC. "Given their existing wind farm operations, acquiring a portion of the company allows them to employ more of their members in this wind farm," he continued.

Vicaire explained that acquiring a stake in ECW provides a lever to showcase the ecological expertise of the Mi’gmaq workforce, as well as increase revenue for the communities: "With East Coast Wind being now a majority-Indigenous company, it opens doors for new maintenance contracts with companies with which our communities have agreements."

In the months following the officialization of their partnership, MMBC and ECW worked to establish a new governance structure and a board of directors to manage the company autonomously. They are now collaborating with workforce centers to develop a plan that will attract and train Indigenous workers to fill the 15 newly created stable jobs. "The initiatives we are undertaking with the workforce centres focus on education, skill development, and recognition of prior learning, with the goal of filling high-level positions within the company."

Reflecting on the partnership with ECW, Vicaire expressed great satisfaction with the positive relationships that have been developed. "The ECW employees are proud that the Mi’gmaq of Gaspesie are taking their place in the renewable energy industry."

Vicaire also highlighted that shared values among company employees, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous, that have facilitated the development of lasting relationships. "We are all here committed to a common goal: to make the Earth more beautiful for as long as possible. We all wish to utilize our natural resources sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations."

MMBC has received support from the Quebec Green Initiative in its partial acquisition project of ECW for the communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj. The Quebec Green Initiative is a strategic partnership initiative administered jointly with Canada Economic Development, aimed at encouraging renewable energy projects in Indigenous communities in Quebec.