On March 23 & 24, 2022, JEDI hosted the winter plenary on Clean Energy: Opportunities, Best Practices & The Future. This 2-day event saw a record number of speakers, a unique new virtual experience on a platform called Hopin, and over 100 guests walking away optimistic about the future of clean energy driven by First Nation Communities.
In 2016, JEDI hosted our first plenary on Sustainable Development for Indigenous communities. At that time there were only talks about clean energy projects in communities in New Brunswick, so we reached out to Gespe’gewa’gi and Six Nations to tell us about their inspiring wind projects. Fast forward to 2022 and we see the majority of First Nation Communities in New Brunswick completing and starting clean energy projects of their own, which have proven both profitable and sustainable. Education behind these projects and future Indigenous-led clean energy projects was one of the driving forces behind this plenary. With that, let’s dive in!
Day 1: March 23, 2022
Opening Remarks & Prayer with Elder Cecelia Brooks, Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation, and our Emcee of the event and JEDI’s CEO, Stanley Barnaby.
Clean Energy 101 & Opportunities:
· Terri Lynn Morrison of Indigenous Clean Energy shared an overview of what clean energy is and what opportunities are on the horizon. Check out her video below to see her session.
Why Clean Energy is Important for Indigenous Communities:
· Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation shared a heartful and educational presentation on why Indigenous communities are best fit to be the leaders in a greener future for New Brunswick. His session is viewable below.
“Painting the Picture” Panel: An Overview of Existing Projects in NB
· An overview of all clean energy projects currently underway in New Brunswick, with panelists Brad Coady from NB Power, Austen Hughes from Natural Forces, and Kevin Gallant, a consultant with the North Shore Mic Mac District Council. These experts dove into the Indigenous-led and non-Indigenous projects taking place, the success of some of these projects, and key players who are supporting communities through these initiatives. Watch this panel below.
Hot Topics World Café: Fast Round Table Discussions on Multiple Clean Energy Topics
· Experts were stationed at 10 expo booths to share information about their assigned topic with guests as they switched booths every 15 minutes.
1. Solar Energy with Chris Turner of Natural Forces Solar
2. Wind Energy with Jason Parisé of SWEB
3. Micro-Grids & Energy Storage with Meaghan Seagrave and Andrew Byrne of BioNB
4. SMR Cluster with Rick Gauthier of NB Power, Fawn Zeuchner and Rachel Kierstead of Arc Clean Energy, and Erin Polka of Moltex
5. Addressing Funding Challenges for Training with Terri Lynn Morrison of Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)
6. Youth in Clean Energy with Ricky-Lee Watts of Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)
7. Biogas/RNG with Andrea Cardenas of Anessa
8. Electric Vehicles & Charging Stations with Donald Jantz and Esther Ibang of Green Economy New Brunswick
9. Innovative Financing with Kevin Gallant
10. River Turbines with Tagwongo Obomsawin of ORPC
Day 2: March 24, 2022
Best Practices & Partnerships Panel
· This panel featured Chief Ross Perley of Neqotkuk First Nation, Chief Terry Richardson of Pabineau First Nation, Austen Hughes with Natural Forces, and Denis Caron with the Port of Belledune. Each speaker shared why partnerships have been vital in their clean energy projects’ successes, how to initiate these partnerships, and best practices to maintaining them. Check out this great panel below.
How to Get to Net-Zero
· Priyanka Lloyd of Green Economy Canada shared how each community, business, and individual can contribute to a net-zero environment. Lots of great information in this session, be sure to check it out.
The Future of Clean Energy
· Greg Gaudet from Summerside, Prince Edward Island shared his presentation on the Future of Clean Energy and how Summerside is making waves in their province through clean energy projects. Check out the presentation below.
Breakout Session 1:
· The first session welcomed Terri Lynn Morrison with Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) back to the virtual stage to share how to get more Indigenous community members hired on your clean energy project.
Breakout Session 2:
· The second session welcomed Joe Allen with Energia Ventures who delivered his presentation on how to start a new clean energy business or project.
Breakout Session 3:
· The last session welcomed Kevin Gallant, a consultant with the North Short Mic Mac District Council, who shared how to find innovative financing opportunities for these clean energy projects.
Thank You!
The JEDI team would like to thank all of the speakers and key players who helped make this event a success. Despite taking place virtually, Hopin was able to help our guests connect with individuals across communities and to collaborate on how we can collectively create more clean energy initiatives for our province.
We’d also like to extend a special thanks to all of you who attended our plenary. We hope that you walked away with new knowledge, passion, and connections. We appreciate your continuous support!