Written by: Chloe Stoneburgh
Edited by: Othmane Oukrid
Canada’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to address climate change and meet ambitious goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. This shift relies heavily on electrification, expanding clean energy generation, and offers a unique opportunity to integrate Indigenous leadership and ownership into the energy sector.
Decarbonizing and expanding Canada’s electricity systems is a monumental task, requiring significant need for renewable energy infrastructure such as wind farms, solar arrays, and transmission lines. With much of Canada’s land base being unceded Indigenous territory or subject to treaties, the deployment of renewable energy projects will inevitably intersect with Indigenous lands, making partnerships with Indigenous communities not only ethical but essential (Doyle, B., et al., 2022).
Since Indigenous communities have long been stewards of the land, possessing unique perspectives and traditional knowledge centers, Indigenous participation should be at the forefront of advancing resilient, equitable, and innovative energy systems. Indigenous perspectives offer critical insights into sustainable land management and biodiversity preservation which can guide renewable energy projects to minimize ecological disruption and align with long-term sustainability goals.
History of Indigenous Communities and Energy Expansion in Canada
Historically, the expansion of energy infrastructure in Canada has come at the expense of Indigenous communities, often proceeding with projects without their consent or consideration of their rights.
Large-scale energy supply projects such as hydroelectric dams and pipelines, have resulted in the loss of land and displacement of communities.
For example, in 1971, the James Bay Project was initiated when the Quebec government and Hydro-Québec commenced a massive hydroelectric development on the east coast of James Bay without consulting the local Cree and Inuit populations. This project aimed to provide pollution-free electricity for Quebec but caused the flooding of 11,500 km² of wilderness, destroying wildlife habitats, disrupting ecosystems, and devastating the traditional lands and livelihoods of Cree and Inuit communities (Marsh, 2011). Such instances were common throughout history, underscoring the need for a decolonized energy sector that prioritized Indigenous ownership and agency.
Despite these challenges, Indigenous Nations have increasingly asserted their leadership in the energy sector. Today, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entities are partners or beneficiaries in nearly 20% of Canada’s electricity-generating infrastructure, primarily in renewable energy (Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, 2022).
Resilience Through Indigenous-Led Energy Initiatives
Indigenous-led energy projects are reshaping Canada’s electrification system through the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), holistic land management practices, and community-centered innovation. TEK offers insights into sustainable land and resource use, guiding energy projects with a holistic approach to minimize ecological disruption and preserve biodiversity. This can offer practical tools such as understanding wildlife migration systems or water flow dynamics which can inform project designs that respect ecosystems (MacPherson, 2024). For instance, in the case of the James Bay Project, the use of TEK could have identified critical wildlife habitats, migration routes, and downstream impacts of altered water flow, helping to avoid large-scale flooding of sensitive areas and reducing the harm to the environment.
By recognizing patterns in ecosystems, Indigenous perspectives provide practical insights that guide energy projects to work in harmony with natural systems, reducing their impact while fostering long-term ecological resilience. Indigenous-led projects also prioritize equitable community benefits through leadership in decision making, including job creation and capacity building in difficult-to-reach areas, establishing a global model for inclusive and sustainable energy governance.
The Three Nations Energy (3NE) initiative in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, integrates solar power with battery storage, reducing reliance on diesel in remote communities and can serve as a highlight of the intersectional benefits offered by Indigenous energy leadership. The 3NE initiative was formed by the Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations and Fort Chipewyan Métis, creating a 2.2MW solar farm sending power to the Fort Chipewyan electrical grid (Doyle, B., et al., 2022).
Environmentally, the project represents a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 2,145 t CO2eq/year through mitigating dependency on 25 large tank diesel truck trips per year (Doyle, B., et al., 2022). Since the 3NE board was uncomfortable with conventional land-clearing practices, such as pile burning, it opted for a holistic approach. Trees harvested for the solar farm were salvaged for wood fuel, and a wood-processing machine was simultaneously purchased to produce fuel for the community.
At the community level, the project supported the economic enrichment of the peoples by promoting self-reliance in energy,by reducing the need to purchase diesel from outside the community. Further, with diesel fuel being subject to supply chain vulnerabilities, especially in the Winter months, the decrease in dependence on diesel fuel enhances the communities’ energy security and resilience (3NE).
This project exemplifies how Indigenous leadership addresses systematic barriers by ensuring that decision-making power remains within the community. By fostering local skills and creating sustainable revenue streams, these initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also empower communities economically and socially.
Advancing Reconciliation Through Decolonized Energy Systems
Decarbonization and decolonization are inseparable goals in Canada’s energy transition. The implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) reinforced the necessity of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for all energy projects, ensuring Indigenous communities have a decisive role in planning and benefiting from projects on their lands (Canada Climate Law Initiative, 2024).
Indigenous leadership in Canada’s electrification is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage. By fostering Indigenous governance and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, Canada can unlock innovative solutions to meet its climate goals while advancing reconciliation, creating a more inclusive and sustainable energy system. This collaboration underscores a broader vision: a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, led by those most connected to the land.
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References:
Canada Climate Law Initiative. (2024, June 3). Indigenous ownership in the energy transition. https://ccli.ubc.ca/indigenous-ownership-energy-transition/
Canadian Institute for Climate Choices. (2022, February). Waves of change: Indigenous clean energy leadership for Canada’s clean, electric future. https://climatechoices.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ICE-report-ENGLISH-FINAL.pdf
Doyle, B., Jacobs, D., & Jones, C. (2024, May). Decarbonizing electricity and decolonizing power: Voices, insights and priorities from Indigenous clean energy leaders. Neegan Burnside. https://davidsuzuki.org/science-learning-centre-article/decarbonizing-electricity-and-decolonizing-power-voices-insights-and-priorities-from-indigenous-clean-energy-leaders/
MacPherson, J. (2024, October 21). First Nations assert leadership role in Canada’s energy shift. The Energy Mix. https://www.theenergymix.com/first-nations-call-for-genuine-consultation-in-canadas-energy-shift/
Marsh, James H. (2011, January 31). James Bay Project. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/james-bay-project
Three Nations Energy. (n.d.). Three Nations Energy Solar Farm. https://www.3ne.ca/3ne-solar-farm/
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