Cowessess Ventures Ltd. (CVL) has emerged as a driving force in renewable energy and economic development in Saskatchewan. Established in 2018, the company oversees the economic initiatives of Cowessess First Nation (CFN), with a strong focus on sustainability, self-sufficiency, and energy sovereignty.
“The Nation has been interested in renewable energy since 2006,” says Rebecca Âcikahtê, Business Development Manager, Renewables for Cowessess Ventures Ltd. “They saw early on that it was a way to create long-term revenue while respecting the land. It aligns with the Nation’s traditional values and supports energy sovereignty for the community.”
Today, CVL is building on its early investments in clean energy by pursuing larger projects and strategic partnerships that reinforce its leadership in the sector.
A Business Model Built on Three Pillars
Cowessess Ventures operates under a structured approach known as the Three Pillars of Strength: Renewables, Land Development, and Business Development.
Âcikahtê explains that these pillars ensure long-term prosperity while preserving Cowessess First Nation’s economic and environmental priorities.
“Our renewable energy projects generate revenue that we reinvest into new economic initiatives,” she says. “Through land development, we ensure responsible stewardship and Indigenous rights over our lands and resources. Business development helps diversify our portfolio, creating job opportunities in areas like agriculture, tourism, and commercial ventures.”
This framework allows Cowessess Ventures to balance conservation with development, ensuring economic growth while safeguarding traditional practices.
Indigenous-Led Renewable Energy Innovation
Cowessess Ventures has become a leader in Indigenous-led clean energy projects, forming meaningful partnerships with private industry, government agencies, and other Indigenous communities. Through these collaborations, CVL is shaping the renewable energy landscape in Saskatchewan while ensuring that First Nations communities remain key stakeholders in the energy transition.
“Our partnerships bring expertise, capital, and technical support that allow us to scale our projects while maintaining ownership stakes,” says Âcikahtê. “This ensures long-term revenue generation for Cowessess First Nation.”
Among its most significant projects is Bekevar Yôtin, a 200 MW wind energy project near Kipling, Saskatchewan, developed in partnership with Innagreen and SaskPower. The wind farm consists of 36 turbines and produces enough electricity to power 100,000 homes annually.
“This project is a game-changer for us,” says Âcikahtê. “It will provide a sustainable income source for decades while supporting Saskatchewan’s transition to clean energy.”
The project also represents a major step toward Indigenous economic empowerment. The long-term lease revenues, equity ownership, and revenue-sharing agreements associated with Bekevar Yôtin will allow CFN to reinvest in community services, infrastructure, and new business opportunities.
The Road to Energy Sovereignty
CVL’s commitment to energy sovereignty is evident in its portfolio of completed projects. In 2013, CFN launched Canada’s first utility-scale wind-battery project, which was expanded in 2018 to include a 500 kW solar array. This microgrid now generates 175 megawatt-hours of energy per month, feeding power into the SaskPower grid.
In 2021, the company installed 800 solar panels on five community buildings, reducing annual energy costs by $20,000. In 2022, CVL partnered with Elemental Energy to complete Awasis Solar, a 10 MW solar farm capable of powering 2,500 homes.
“These projects are not just about generating electricity—they’re about self-sufficiency,” Âcikahtê says. “The more we develop, the closer we get to true energy independence.”
The company’s upcoming 7 Stars Energy project, a 200 MW wind farm near Weyburn, Saskatchewan, will further expand its renewable energy capacity. This development, set to be announced in mid-2024, involves partnerships with Enbridge, George Gordon First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Pasqua First Nation, White Bear First Nations, and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan.
“Collaboration is key,” Âcikahtê emphasizes. “By working together, we can secure more opportunities and ensure that Indigenous communities benefit directly from renewable energy investments.”
Saskatchewan’s Energy Transition
As Saskatchewan moves toward a lower-carbon future, Cowessess Ventures is positioning itself as a leader in the province’s energy transformation. However, there are challenges to navigate, particularly around regulatory frameworks, financing, and infrastructure.
“The renewable energy sector is evolving quickly, and while there are barriers, there’s also huge potential,” Âcikahtê notes. “With the right partnerships and policy support, we can make a real impact.”
SaskPower’s goal of achieving 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 presents significant opportunities for companies like CVL. The company’s track record in clean energy development, combined with its strong business model, makes it well-equipped to capitalize on Saskatchewan’s shift toward renewables.
Looking ahead, Cowessess Ventures remains focused on long-term sustainability and economic independence for Cowessess First Nation. In addition to expanding its renewable energy projects, the company is actively pursuing opportunities in commercial real estate, agriculture, and tourism.
“Our goal is to create long-term revenue streams, employment opportunities for Cowessess members, and a strong foundation for future generations,” Âcikahtê says. “We want to be known as leaders in Indigenous economic development and environmental stewardship.”
By integrating traditional knowledge with innovative business strategies, Cowessess Ventures is setting an example for how Indigenous-led enterprises can thrive while making a lasting impact on the economy and the environment.
“Everything we do is about creating a better future for our Nation,” says Âcikahtê. “Renewable energy is just one part of the bigger picture, and we’re excited about what’s next.”
For more information, please visit www.cowessessfn.com
