Historic power deal puts Indigenous communities at heart of B.C.’s energy future – Canada’s National Observer
December 13, 2024
The 2024 First Nations Energy Summit (FNES) in early December marked a pivotal moment for British Columbia’s clean energy sector. Hosted by the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) in Vancouver on the unceded territories of the xˀɛːmə̃θkʊˈɛːm (Musqueam), Sᵉwx̣wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, the summit was the largest to date, drawing 500 attendees over two days.
Then, just one week after FNES, BC Hydro announced the successful proponents of its first call for clean power in over 15 years — a historic milestone. CEBC was honoured to participate in this announcement, which included several successful wind projects led by CEBC members. This year’s theme, “Powering Economic Reconciliation through First Nations-led and Partnered Clean Energy Projects,” reflected the evolving role of First Nations as leaders in shaping B.C. ‘s energy future.
The energy and optimism at FNES were palpable as leaders from government, industry and Indigenous communities gathered to discuss pressing issues, such as expanding and upgrading B.C.’s electrical grid, Indigenous ownership of clean energy infrastructure, and the economic opportunities tied to BC Hydro’s call for power. These conversations underscored the summit’s critical role as a platform for advancing economic reconciliation, fostering collaboration and empowering First Nations to lead in sustainable energy development.
