The Woodland Cree First Nation has announced plans to acquire a partially completed power plant in northwestern Alberta as part of a landmark initiative to build a large-scale, indigenous-led data center on its traditional lands.The project, known as the Mihta Askiy data center, is being developed through Mihta Askiy Datacenter LP, a majority-owned enterprise of the Woodland Cree First Nation. It marks what leaders called a major step toward creating sustainable, community-driven infrastructure and advancing economic reconciliation in the energy and digital sectors..“This initiative exemplifies our role as stewards of the land, and as forward-looking leaders in innovation,” said Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom. “The Woodland Cree First Nation is proud to work with respected industry partners on this project that will create generational value for our community, Alberta and Canada as a whole.”The facility will feature 650 megawatts of on-site natural gas power generation and is designed to support the industry’s most demanding artificial intelligence workloads. The site is located near key resources, including natural gas, carbon capture reservoirs, fiber optic networks, and water supplies. Work is underway with the Alberta Energy Systems Operator and other regulators to obtain necessary approvals, and the project is expected to begin producing power by mid-2027..Much of the long-lead equipment is already secured, including two 200MW Siemens turbines. Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, an Alberta-based developer with experience in power and technology, is leading the development alongside legal, financial, and engineering partners.Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, called the announcement a strong vote of confidence in Alberta’s AI Data Centre Attraction Strategy. “With 51% indigenous ownership, this project represents a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and economic partnership,” he said.Tim Schneider, CEO of Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, said the Mihta Askiy project “sets a new standard for indigenous-led infrastructure,” repurposing a formerly abandoned site and tapping into untapped resources to deliver jobs and lasting benefits.Construction of the data center is expected to support local employment, education and training, and promote data sovereignty for First Nations communities and Canada.
