Updates

Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards 2026 - Saa/Se Energy brings home Award of Excellence and Sustainability Award!

“A Proud Moment for White River First Nation, Beaver Creek, and the Yukon!

I am incredibly proud to share some exciting news about a project that has been years in the making and one that means so much to me personally.

On October 15, 2026, our Saa/Se Solar Energy Project in Beaver Creek, Yukon, received two national honours at the 58th annual Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards, one of Canada’s most prestigious engineering awards programs.

Out of 63 project submissions from across Canada, only 20 were selected to receive an Award of Excellence, and our Saa/Se Solar Energy Project was one of them.

From those 20 winning projects, the national jury selected just three to receive additional Special Awards. Our project was awarded the Sustainability Award, recognizing outstanding environmental stewardship and innovation in sustainable energy.

To have a project led by White River First Nation, from a small community in the Yukon, recognized among Canada’s top engineering achievements and selected for one of only three Special Awards is something we can all be extremely proud of!

As President of Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership and White River Development Corporation, I cannot begin to express how proud I am of what we have accomplished together.

What started as a vision to create a more sustainable and economically secure future for White River First Nation has become a nationally recognized example of Indigenous leadership, innovation, and energy sovereignty.

Our 1.9 megawatt solar energy project features 3,520 solar panels and 4 megawatt hours of battery storage. It now provides more than half of Beaver Creek’s annual electricity needs and is expected to reduce diesel consumption by approximately 320,000 to 350,000 litres every year

Designed to withstand temperatures as low as minus 55 degrees Celsius, this project demonstrates that even in some of Canada’s most challenging northern environments, renewable energy can succeed.

But to me, this project has always been about much more than solar panels and electricity.

It’s about our people. It’s about independence. It’s about creating opportunities and building something that will benefit future generations.

Beaver Creek may be one of the smallest communities in the Yukon, but we have proven that small communities can accomplish extraordinary things when there is vision, determination, and the willingness to work together.

I want to sincerely thank White River First Nation, our partners at BBA, and every contractor, engineer, community member, and individual who helped turn this ambitious idea into reality. Projects of this magnitude don’t happen overnight, and they certainly don’t happen without an incredible team.

Receiving national recognition is an honour, but knowing that this project will continue benefiting our community for decades is the real reward.

From a small community at the end of the highway to the national stage, we have shown what is possible.

This is something every White River First Nation member and every person who contributed to this project can be proud of.

And I believe we’re just getting started!”

John VanderMeer, President of Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership and White River Development Corporation

* The important clarification is that the project was recognized twice within the same national awards program, rather than winning two separate competitions. The Award of Excellence recognized the engineering project, while the Sustainability Award was an additional distinction selected from the 20 excellence winners.

Back to the Sun Screening at Open Space Arts Society on August 14, 2026

Urban Ecologies presents a screening of Back to the Sun followed by a Q&A with John Vandermeer of the Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership and Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé, Curator of Indigenous & Contemporary Art here at Open Space. Learn more at https://openspace.ca/arts/all-programs/back-to-the-sun

BACK TO THE SUN World Premiere on Sunday, February 8, 2026

Back to the Sun - a documentary that follows a variety of White River First Nation members, long term residents, contracts, and newcomers work together to see Saa/Se Energy’s Solar Field in Beaver Creek, Yukon come to life.

World Premiere will be held at the Yukon Arts Centre at Noon.

Get your tickets at: https://yukonfilmsociety.com/alff/passes

Copper Niisuu LP and White River First Nation Celebrate the Completion of a 1.9 MW Solar Facility in Beaver Creek, Yukon

Proudly Presenting the Sa/See Energy Solar Project - A New Era for Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership and White River First Nation

We are thrilled to share these stunning aerial views of the Sa/See Energy solar project in Beaver Creek. This transformative initiative marks a proud moment for our team, our partners, and most importantly, the White River First Nation community. This project has been over seven years in the making from a bold vision to the completed array you see here today. Now operational, the installation spans seven hectares, roughly the size of 10 soccer fields and features seven rows of photovoltaic solar panels. With a generation capacity of 1.9 megawatts, this system will replace approximately 350,000 litres of diesel annually, meeting 60% of the community’s power needs. Beyond the environmental benefits, this shift to clean energy ensures long-term financial stability and energy sovereignty for the White River First Nation. This is more than just a solar project, it’s a symbol of resilience, leadership, and a cleaner future for generations to come.

- John VanderMeer President Copper Niisuu Limited Partnership

Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership Honored at The 2025 ACEC-BC awards for Engineering Excellence

Beaver Creek Is Diesel-Free (for Now): A Milestone for Our Community and Climate Leadership

As of April 14, 2025, Beaver Creek, Yukon has officially gone diesel-free. Congratulations to everyone as Beaver Creek’s Solar Field has been shortlisted for 2025’s British Columbia Engineering Awards in the Industry & Energy category.

Spring 2025 Update on Solar

Retrofits

Copper Niisüü LP is pleased to announce that in conjunction with our funding partners with the Government of Canada, energy retrofits are to be completed on the entirety of the White River First Nation owned capital housing stock.  These retrofits are projected to reduce overall home heating fuel usage within the community by over 10,000L per year and further reduce overall energy usage between 5-12%.  This project is the first of its kind within the Yukon and the Board of Directors and staff of Copper Niisüü LP are proud to bring this new opportunity to the North and are excited to see how further investments and advancements can be made to continue to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Our Contractors are still Hiring!

Saa/Se Energy visits Nelnah Bessie John School!

Saa/Se adds a new Dodge Ram Rebel GT to the Fleet!

Artwork Request for Proposals - NEW DEADLINE OF JULY 13, 2023 AT 4PM PDT

Our Contractors are Hiring!

Yukon Theatre, Guild Hall, White River First Nation receives $1M community space fund

Beaver Creek will have an outdoor gathering space, Yukon Theatre planning a performing arts stage

By Gabrielle Plonka, Yukon News (February 12, 2023)

White River First Nation’s Solar Project Aims to Reduce Reliance on Diesel Power

Solar power generated will replace more than 55% of the diesel generation in the community

By Chris MacIntyre, CBC News (December 6, 2022)

*Correction: Construction will begin in May 2023

ATCO and Copper Niisüü Initiate a New Electrcity Agreement to Underpin the Saa Sè Energy Project in Beaver Creek and Enhance Energy Autonomy for White River First Nation

“ATCO Electric Yukon (ATCO), a subsidiary of Canadian Utilities, and Copper Niisüü Limited Partnership (CNLP), have finalized a landmark Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) that will help the White River First Nation (WRFN) reduce their reliance on diesel power, achieve greater energy autonomy, and generate economic benefits for the next 30 years.”

ATCO (December 1, 2022)

Spring 2022 Solar Update

History & Facts

This is a project all residents of Beaver Creek can be proud of; the project is thought to be the largest one time diesel displacement project in North America! Renewable energy generation will reduce carbon emissions, provide long term economic stability, short term jobs, and improves energy security in our community. After 50+ years of diesel power generation, starting in 2024, Beaver Creek will produce over half of its own energy, shutting down noisy and polluting diesel generators 55% of the time. Solar will be the primary energy source and diesel will be relegated as a backup source of power.

Current Status

The design of the earthwork is complete and the work on site started in July and continues through this fall. The 1202 Motor Inn is providing the earthwork crew with catering and accommodations this summer - thank you Rita!

Invitational tenders will be released this summer for the equipment that will be shipped and installed in 2023, including a large battery (almost the size of a house!), solar panels, transformers and other equipment.

What’s Next

The work on site will shut down this fall while work in the background continues. Over the winter, equipment will be ordered and shipped, design reviews will progress, Solar Team will make preparations to finish the project in the summer and fall of 2024. In late 2023 the solar farm will start producing power for the community in whenever the sun shines.

In the summer of 2023, we will be looking for residents of Beaver Creek to assist with installing the solar panels and their bases. There will be a long-term work for a maintainer for this site.  This job opportunity will be available through CNLP once the project is nearing completion.

White River First Nation forges ahead with largest solar project in Yukon

“Several diesel-powered communities across the territory have looked to renewables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attain energy.”

By Julien Gignac, The Narwhal (May 14, 2020)

White River Development Corp brings supplies to Beaver Creek

“Development Corp. brings supplies to rural community.”

By Gord Fortin, Yukon News (April 7, 2020)

Another Yukon community lines up for solar power

“White River First Nation proposing solar farm in Beaver Creek to offset diesel use.”

By Mike Rudyk, CBC News (February 13, 2020)

Yukon tourism, First Nations, geoscience get $8.3M funding boost

“Money announced for 16 projects in Yukon, with potential to create 125 jobs, MP says.”

CBC News (April 18, 2019)