Indigenous-Led Data Centre Planned for Alberta Power Plant
Mihta Askiy Datacenter LP, a majority-owned enterprise of the Woodland Cree First Nation, has announced plans to acquire a partially constructed power plant on its traditional lands in northwestern Alberta, Canada.
The acquisition includes land and equipment and serves as the cornerstone for a large-scale Indigenous-led data centre, powered by local natural gas.
A project built on ‘rights, relationships and reconciliation’
The data centre plan is led by the Woodland Cree First Nation, in collaboration with Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, an Alberta-based firm with decades of experience in power generation and data infrastructure.
Mihta Askiy Datacenter LP will oversee the development of a 650 MW facility capable of supporting intensive AI workloads.
The Nation states that the project is part of a long-term strategy to build sustainable, community-driven energy and data infrastructure in the region. Alongside engagement with local governments, it is also conducting ongoing consultation with other First Nations and Métis communities in the area.
According to the Nation, this approach reinforces a commitment to business models rooted in "rights, relationships and reconciliation”.
The aim is to align with existing regulatory frameworks while reflecting the shared values of Indigenous and local partners.
Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom of the Woodland Cree First Nation says: “The Mihta Askiy project reflects the Woodland Cree First Nation’s commitment to exercising true ownership, partnership and leadership in sustainable development.
“As a majority partner, our Nation is advancing economic reconciliation through meaningful participation in the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. This initiative exemplifies our role as stewards of the land, and as forward-looking leaders in innovation.
“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.”
Infrastructure designed for AI demands
The Mihta Askiy site includes a partially built power station and associated infrastructure, located near abundant reserves of natural gas.
The facility also sits close to water sources, ideal carbon capture reservoirs and fibre optic networks.
These conditions, according to the development team, make it well-positioned to host energy-intensive AI infrastructure.
Mihta Askiy has already procured most of its long-lead equipment, including two 200 MW turbines from Siemens Energy Canada. Back-up power through the Alberta grid is in discussion with the Alberta Energy Systems Operator (AESO) and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The developer, Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, brings knowledge across technology, project finance and engineering to the partnership. Legal and financial support is being provided by firms including Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Eastdil Secured and Latham & Watkins.
Tim Schneider, CEO of Sovereign Digital Infrastructure, says: “It’s a privilege to partner with the Woodland Cree on a project that sets a new standard for Indigenous-led infrastructure—majority First Nation–owned, repurposing an abandoned site and tapping into otherwise stranded natural resources.
“Mihta Askiy demonstrates how 'true' partnership between industry and First Nations can unlock Alberta’s resources while delivering, good-paying jobs, lasting economic and technological benefits for Indigenous communities, the province, and Canada as a whole.”
Local development with national impact
Construction of new on-site power generation is expected to begin by mid-2027, with job creation, education and training among the local benefits.
Alongside supporting Canada’s data sovereignty ambitions, the project also seeks to build technical capacity and innovation in Treaty 8 Territory.
The province of Alberta has become increasingly attractive to data centre developers, and government officials see Mihta Askiy as part of a broader strategy to attract AI infrastructure investment.
Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, states: “Alberta is rapidly emerging as one of North America’s most competitive destinations for data centre investment, and Mihta Askiy’s project is a powerful example of that momentum. Their decision to build in northern Alberta is a strong vote of confidence in our province’s vision and in the AI Data Centre Attraction Strategy we launched earlier this year.
"With 51% Indigenous ownership, this project represents a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and economic partnership. I look forward to seeing Mihta Askiy’s progress through Alberta’s regulatory process and to the role this project will play in shaping the future of AI infrastructure in Treaty 8 Territory.”