Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
Clean energy is rapidly growing, adding approximately US$320 billion to the global economy in 2023. Indigenous communities, the largest owners of clean energy assets in Canada, are poised to lead the country’s transition.
The Globe and Mail, in partnership with Indigenous Clean Energy, hosted a full-day event on November 28th to discuss accelerating clean energy development, net-zero progress, and economic reconciliation.
Missed the live event or would like to view it again? Scroll down to watch full replays (English and French versions).
Our opening ceremony was led by Gary Smith of the Naicatchewenin First Nation, Master of Ceremonies, and Daniel Secord of the Mississauga Nation (Nishinaabek), representing The Three Fires Confederacy People. Following this, Andrew Saunders, President and CEO of The Globe and Mail, and Ogiima Kwe, Chief Claire Sault of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, delivered the opening remarks.
James Jenkins, Executive Director of Indigenous Clean Energy, then presented insightful data on Indigenous energy leadership. This was followed by an address from National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations.
Afterwards, Globe and Mail Staff Reporter Willow Fiddler and Climate Environment & Resources Editor Ryan MacDonald moderated discussions on advancing Indigenous ownership and raising clean energy capital. After lunch, attendees participated in breakout sessions led by Ryan, Willow, and Freddie Huppé Campbell, Director of Energy & Climate at Indigenous Clean Energy.
Later, Matthew McClearn, Data Reporter with The Globe and Mail, and Sarain Fox, Artist and Activist, facilitated conversations on investing in energy infrastructure and the intersectionality of housing, climate change, health, and economic participation. The event concluded with a keynote chat hosted by Sierra Bein, Content Editor at The Globe and Mail.
Speakers:
- Matt Jamieson, President & Chief Executive Officer of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation
- Chief Erica Beaudin, Cowessess First Nation
- Chief Bruce Archibald, Taykwa Tagamou Nation
- Hillary Thatcher, Managing Director, Investments, Canada Infrastructure Bank
- Crystal Nicholas, President and Interim General Manager, Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd.
- Cherie Brant, Partner and National Leader, Indigenous Law, Borden Ladner Gervais
- Jason Schulz, Executive Director, Strategic Advisory Services, Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
- Karrina Nolan, Executive Director, Original Power
- Søren Hermansen, Manager, Samsø Energy Academy
- Aura Balanta, Afro Colombian Activist and Artist; Grassroots Movement of Movements
- Alexandra Thomson, Senior Director of ICE’s Youth Programs, Indigenous Clean Energy
- Mihskakwan James Harper, Business Development Manager, NRStor Inc.
- Robert Burns, SevenGen Manager, Student Energy
- Don Richardson, CEO, Minogi Corp.
- Jason Rioux, Chief Development Officer, NRStor
- Janna Wale, Indigenous Research and Partnerships Lead, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS)
- Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association
- Xàkújághá (Minor Chief) Steven Crowchild, Tsuut’ina Nation
- Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Founder and Executive Director of Sacred Earth Solar; Co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action
View full replays (English & French) here:
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