We are pleased to introduce our new blog. Blue Harp Consulting will post blogs to our website and LinkedIn about the electricity sector on: trending topics, new content, opinion pieces, research-based articles and more.
For Blog 1, we’d like to bring attention to the importance of increasing Indigenous led electricity projects in Canada. First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous groups ought to be relied on for their leadership in the electricity sector. Generating and transmitting electricity involves significant amounts of land, resources, businesses and individuals to implement. Our electricity system is aging, changing, and in need of expansion to meet industrial, commercial and residential developments.
Indigenous led projects in the growing clean energy sector will help to create significant job and economic opportunities for Indigenous people.
Many First Nations and Métis across Canada have successfully led, and are continuing to lead some of the most innovative clean energy projects across the country. Here are two examples that showcase Indigenous leadership in the energy sector:
1) Cowessess First Nation, in Treaty 4 Territory, completed the final part of its wind, solar, and energy storage facility in October 2018. The project serves as a revenue generator and an educational showcase for Cowessess. Almost two years later and Blue Harp Consulting believes this is still the only project using solar, wind and batteries in Saskatchewan.
2) Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) and Alberta Innovates recently awarded Community Generation Funding to the Métis Crossing Solar Project. This project is a ground mounted solar facility located on a culturally significant site in Smoky Lake County, Alberta (Treaty 6 Territory). From the MCCAC’s webpage, “The project was conceptualized as a key initiative of the Métis Nation of Alberta Climate Change Action Plan after engaging with over 300 Métis citizens across 18 Alberta communities.” This project will be the northernmost grid connected solar project of significant size in Alberta once completed.
Looking forward, Canada needs to ensure there is more engagement with Indigenous groups in early stages of new infrastructure projects, greenfield/brownfield developments or other major land use projects relating to electricity. This should really apply to all levels of government and corporations completing projects of significance across Canada.
With less than a week before Canada’s new recovery plan is revealed, Blue Harp Consulting hopes that there will be a greater emphasis on Indigenous led, rather than Indigenous involved projects. Regardless of Canada’s new plan, Blue Harp Consulting expects Indigenous led electricity projects will continue to develop and we look forward to seeing new projects like the ones above achieve success.
Have thoughts on our post or questions about our consulting services? Connect with Dave via email at: dcarscadden@blueharpconsulting.ca
Blog by: Dave Carscadden, CEO – Blue Harp Consulting
