Today, on Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we remember and honor the Survivors of residential schools, and the children who never returned home. On September 18, we were honoured to sponsor and attend the Atlantic Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Symposium, thoughtfully organized by the North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council (NSMTC). and Port of Belledune to bring together leaders from First Nation communities, utilities, government, and industry, for conversation and collaboration focused on advancements in the energy sector.

As we work towards net zero for generations to come, it's crucial that we recognize the invaluable generational knowledge of Indigenous communities, and together build meaningful partnerships that safeguard our shared environment.

Foresight’s CEO Jeanette Jackson, Senior Manager, Partnerships Lindsay Murray, and BC Ecosystem Coordinator Lara Varty were gratefully in attendance at the Symposium, and were re-energized by these Indigenous-led projects, partnerships, and initiatives:

1. As part of Indigenous Clean Energy’s 20/20 Catalyst Program, the Lennox Island First Nation, in partnership with Maritime Electric, conducted extensive efficiency energy audits for all on-reserve houses and buildings, resulting in the installation of 65 heat pumps to transition the community’s energy sources to renewables like wind and solar. Each home has an electricity upgrade allowance of up to $25,000 each, creating energy independence and fostering sustainability.
2. The Pabineau First Nation worked on the capacity-building Toqlukuti’k Wind & Hydrogen Project with Port of Belledune Green Energy Hub to develop sustainable energy sources from wind and hydrogen. The project offers the Nation energy independence and economic reconciliation through management, decision-making, and skilled technician jobs, employing skilled workers within the community, rather than bringing outside hires. 
3. W Dusk Energy Group, an Indigenous-owned renewable energy firm at the forefront of clean energy transformation, partnered with West Moberly First Nation to create Canada’s first fully electric community. This project exemplifies how renewable energy restores traditional relationships with the land while providing economic and environmental benefits.
4. The Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm in Quebec, a 50/50 partnership between the Mi’gmaq and Innergex, demonstrates the power of long-term, community-driven partnerships. The partnership built 47 wind turbines, producing 150 megawatts, which will additionally generate profits of up to $10 million for the Mi’gmaq until 2046. This project exemplifies long-term thinking, with an understanding of community effects in partnerships and the natural environment, while benefiting current and future generations.
5. Lil’Wat Forestry Ventures (LFV) in southwest BC is exploring sustainable solutions to forest waste management, with biochar emerging as a key technology. Through research into transportation costs, biochar technologies, and carbon credits, LFV is building a new revenue stream for their community while reducing environmental impact. With the potential to create new jobs for the community, divert wood waste in the broader region, reduce wildfire risk, and sequester carbon, this project is a shining example of how Indigenous leadership is driving economically viable and environmentally conscious cleantech adoption. Read the full case study

Decarbonization is decolonization. At the core of each of these successful projects is meaningful relationship-building between partners with shared values. The discussions and case study sessions at the Symposium emphasized that early engagement and collaboration at the beginning of projects are critical in forming long-lasting relationships that support project development and partnerships. Together, we have so much to learn as we work to balance industry and Indigenous goals in the adoption of cleantech to support the energy transition.

A heartfelt thank you to the North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council and Port of/de Belledune for hosting this event, fostering conversations, and showcasing meaningful change that is transforming the energy landscape.

Indigenous entrepreneurs looking for support in the energy sector can connect with Indigenous Clean Energy.