Ottawa – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo commends the leadership and innovation of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi representing the Mi’kmaq communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj for driving forward economic development plans for their communities through sustainable development and meaningful partnerships.

“The Mi’gmaq Wind Initiative is an example of what can happen when First Nations plans are supported, and it must become the new norm as more and more of our peoples and communities pursue stable and sustainable economic development opportunities in their territories,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “I fully support the Mi’kmaq as they continue to seek innovative ways, such as becoming providers of green, renewable energy, to gain greater control over their future of their peoples and communities through positive steps and meaningful partnerships.”

Funding for the 150 megawatt Mi’gmaq Wind Initiative was announced by Quebec Premier Pauline Marois. Initiated by the Mi’kmaq, this unique wind project is expected to create up to 300 jobs during its two year construction period, and over 100 additional jobs throughout its 20 year operational period.

The Mi’gmawei Mawiomi is a political body comprised of elected officials of the three Mi’kmaw communities of Gesgapegiag, Gespeg and Listuguj, committed to creating an independent Mi’kmaw government based on a constitution that promotes and protects the freedoms, rights and well being of the L’nu. Mi’kma’ki territory spans the regions of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, the Gaspé Peninsula and other parts of Québec, New Brunswick (north of the St. John watershed), parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, part of Maine, and the islands in the Baie des Chaleurs, as well as their surrounding coastal and marine areas.

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