NationTalk: The Graphic Leader -The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has established the Red River Métis Power Corporation to develop wind power capacity in Manitoba it announced on Friday.

The corporation aims to build and operate energy infrastructure to provide clean electricity for residential, commercial and industrial users.

The company plans to prepare for up to 300 Megawatts (MW) of wind energy production. A 100 MW wind farm can supply energy for 30,000 homes daily, equivalent to the total number of homes in Brandon, Selkirk, and Thompson combined.

“Through their recently released Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan, Premier Kinew and the Government of Manitoba have created an unprecedented opportunity for Indigenous governments to provide utility-scale electricity resource through wind power,” said MMF President David Chartrand in a press release. “Our government and its Red River Métis Power Corporation are well positioned to submit an expression of interest to Manitoba Hydro to deliver on up to 300 MW of the 600 MW of additional wind power it has stated is needed in the near term.”

The corporation will work with the MMF’s economic development and energy, infrastructure and resource management departments, as well as Métis N4 Construction.

“This is another example of the Red River Métis investing in the heart of the Homeland, to the benefit of all who share this land with us,” Chartrand said. “The Red River Métis are focused on being a driving force for positive change, both economically and environmentally, and we believe wind power is an important way to secure a stable future for all. Manitobans will be proud of this great partnership between the government of Manitoba and the Red River Métis government.”