The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to inform the community about a new partnership with Awendio Solaris, a leading solar technology manufacturer. Awendio Solaris plans to develop a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and research and development center in Montreal (East), Québec, dedicated to producing solar cells and assembling solar panels. Awendio will invest $1 billion CAD to develop the multi-gigawatt solar cell and manufacturing facility.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke along with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach and the Wendat Nation have joined as key investor partners. It is important to note that MCK is not making a monetary contribution, rather, as a valued First Nations partner, the MCK will be issued Class A Ordinary Shares. Kahnawà:ke will also have priority access to solar panels at discounted rates, along with technical support for select strategic projects.
“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this project will bring for solar energy projects that will provide real economic benefit,” said Economic Development Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Paul Rice. “This partnership is about more than clean energy—it’s about respect, recognition of our historical Territory, inclusion, and building a future together.”
Additionally, this project will not use land within Kahnawà:ke Territory. The facility will be located on historical Kanien’kehá:ka Territory in Tiohtià:ke, specifically in the east end of the island of Montreal. Awendio Solaris has committed to reconciliation and economic inclusion, aligning with the Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, by ensuring meaningful participation of First Nations in economic development projects.
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Nitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo and Paul Rice attended a fireside discussion in Montreal between Federal Minister Mélanie Joly and newly elected Montreal Mayor Sorya Martinez Ferrada, as well as Québec Ministers Christine Fréchette and Chantal Rouleau, where the Awendio Solaris’ project and the partnership will be disclosed to the public.
“Awendio Solaris has shown a commitment to doing business in a way that respects our rights and recognizes our contributions. By working together, we ensure that the Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawà:ke are active partners in developing clean, sustainable energy solutions that benefit all communities,” Nitsénhaienhs Diabo and Rice added.
Awendio Solaris is a recognized leader in renewable energy, producing utility-grade solar panels and advanced technologies. The new facility aims to deliver 2,500 MW of annual production capacity in its first phase, with plans to scale to 5,000 MW.
