Our Wind, Our Future: Strengthening Mi’gmaq Energy Sovereignty

The wind has always been part of Gespe’gewa’gi, moving across our lands, shaping our environment, and sustaining our way of life. Today, that same wind generates power for the province, but too often, the benefits bypass the very people whose land makes these projects possible.

For years, the Mi’gmaq of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Listuguj have been working to change that. The Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n (MU) wind farm, developed in partnership with Innergex, represents a significant advancement. It demonstrates that when we take control of our resources, our communities reap the benefits. However, this is merely the beginning.

Beyond Ownership: A Bigger Vision

More than 1,000 MW of wind energy is now produced on Mi’gmaq land, yet much of it does not directly benefit our communities. While our 50% stake in the MU projects is an achievement, it’s not enough. Real energy sovereignty means ensuring that every wind project on our land strengthens Mi’gmaq communities financially, operationally, and through long-term economic opportunities.

Some discussions focus on ownership percentages, but the bigger picture is territorial economic empowerment. If these projects exist because of Mi’gmaq lands, they should contribute to the prosperity of the Mi’gmaq people.

Expanding Our Role in Energy

The Mi’gmaq are not waiting for permission to engage in the energy sector—we are taking the initiative and advancing our own energy agenda. This involves advocating for greater control, building stronger partnerships, and securing a larger share of the economic benefits from every wind project on our territory.

MMBC is gathering data on all wind projects in Gespe’gewa’gi to advocate for increased Mi’gmaq participation in ownership, operations, maintenance, and decision-making.

Building Mi’gmaq Expertise in Wind Energy

We are securing our place in the industry through MMBC’s 51% majority ownership of East Coast Wind Inc. This company specializes in wind farm operations and maintenance, ensuring that Mi’gmaq expertise is at the center of the industry and creating jobs and opportunities for our people.

We are also moving forward with the 102 MW Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 (MU2) project, expanding on the success of the first 150 MW MU wind farm and reinforcing Mi’gmaq leadership in renewable energy.

A Call to Our Communities

This is not a short-term project—it’s a long-term vision for economic independence and self-sufficiency. Every step forward means more opportunities for our communities, more financial returns staying in Mi’gmaq hands, and more control over what happens on our lands.

Now is the time to ensure that the energy of Gespe’gewa’gi powers the future of our people.