November Energy Program Specialist Newsletter – FNEMC
My Name is c̓ḷ́q̓ ḷá t̓ út̓ u̓a Crystal Dixon from the Heiltsuk Nation. I have worked for the First Nations Energy and Mining Council as the Energy Program Specialist since October 17,2021. I have been working in partnership with BC Hydro and Fortis BC to develop and support capacity building for Nations within BC. Our partners have provided a supportive pathway to guiding this position to suit my skill set. FNEMC and our partners have developed a process to support the EPS position for success by providing mentorship with the utilities and two mentors; one for policy and guidance and one with
communications and facilitation. I have been very interested in what effective community engagement looks like with institutions and First Nations. I have been encouraged to look at multiple dynamics, for example: How do Nations engage with institutions in protection of the land, waters, and animals. How do we utilize our traditional knowledge and transfer of knowledge within our Nations? Through these questions I intend to focus on increasing First Nation voices in the rooms and through that method, increase our learning with partners who are committed to enhancing our people’s knowledge of the systems they work within. I also intend to support growing the knowledge base to assist First Nations in incorporating the laws of our ancestors. With the focus to assist BC First Nations Communities with capacity building, as I create space for learning, I will also be working on getting to know the program partners funding opportunities. As we all know the complexities of some programs, this may take some time. The vision for the future I would like to keep in mind is creating space for First Nations to elevate the messages collectively by creating opportunities to share our stories, experiences and to transfer our way of life and shared values with the utilities and corporations for a common understanding of our way of life.
Read More: https://fnemc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EPS-Newsletter-Nov-CD-dec-8-2025.pdf
