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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.
A Platform for Economic Reconciliation
At its heart, the summit was a testament to the power of partnerships. Panels and workshops explored how clean energy can drive economic reconciliation, offering pathways for First Nations to assume leadership roles and share equitably in the benefits of B.C.’s growing energy sector. From discussions on equity ownership in transmission projects to innovative policies that support Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives, FNES highlighted the importance of ensuring that reconciliation is more than a concept — it is actionable, measurable and transformative.
This initiative aligns with BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan, which identifies the need for additional energy resources by late fall 2028. Industry’s response to this call was substantial, with 21 proposals submitted by First Nations and independent power producers across B.C., collectively offering over 9,000 GWh/y — three times the targeted amount.
These proposals encompass a diverse mix of energy sources — approximately 70 per cent wind, 20 per cent solar, and 10 per cent biomass and hydro projects — and represent nearly every region of the province.
As BC Hydro’s call for power signals the province’s commitment to expanding clean energy capacity, with a minimum 25 per cent First Nations equity stake, the need for Indigenous participation has never been greater.
Ensuring First Nations have the tools and opportunities to engage as equity owners and leaders in project governance is critical to building a resilient and inclusive energy future. Reconciliation through clean energy production is the path forward.
FNES showcased numerous success stories of collaboration and innovation, serving as a reminder that economic reconciliation is not only possible but essential for B.C.’s clean energy transition. First Nations, as stewards of the lands and waters on which we live, work and play, bring invaluable perspectives that ensure projects are guided by respect for ecological balance and cultural values within their home territories.
Delegates gather at the 2024 First Nations Energy Summit, hosted by the Clean Energy Association of BC, to explore pathways for reconciliation and clean energy partnerships. Photo by CEBC
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth
Collaboration to spur sustainable economic growth emerged as a recurring theme throughout the summit. Participants recognized that achieving B.C.’s clean energy and broader economic goals requires a collective effort. The summit facilitated meaningful dialogue between First Nations, government officials and industry representatives, creating a space where ideas could be exchanged and partnerships forged.
Three provincial ministers — the Hon. Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions; Hon. Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; and Hon. Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship — delivered their first public speeches since being appointed to cabinet, emphasizing the province’s support for Indigenous-led initiatives and its commitment to responsibly accelerating affordable clean energy projects.
Building Momentum for BC’s Clean Energy Future
One of the summit’s greatest strengths is its ability to inspire action. FNES underscored the transformative potential of clean energy projects to benefit not only Indigenous communities but all British Columbians, focusing on addressing barriers to participation and fostering trust. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. As B.C. strives to increase its supply of clean electricity to power our communities and industries, the insights and solutions generated at FNES will be instrumental in shaping the path forward.
A Call to Action
The success of the 2024 First Nations Energy summit reflects a growing recognition of the pivotal role First Nations play in B.C.’s energy transition. However, the work is far from done. Achieving a resilient, inclusive and sustainable energy future requires continued collaboration, sustained public and private investment, and a steadfast commitment to reconciliation.
As we look forward, CEBC remains dedicated to fostering partnerships and supporting Indigenous-led and partnered clean energy projects. Together, we can attract continued investment in B.C.’s clean energy sector and build an electrical grid that powers our province, uplifts our communities, and protects our environment for generations to come.
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers is the Executive Director of the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia. A member of the Hupačasath Nation, Kwatuuma is a recognized leader in advancing Indigenous-led clean energy projects, fostering economic reconciliation, and shaping policies for a sustainable future.
Comments
This is great news. Over all the negative news about emissions increases across the land and conservative governments pushing oil & gas and shutting down renewables, BC has eight new wind power projects under application at present. Now this fabulous news about Indigenous participation as full partners in BC's clean energy and economic future.
This will secure stability moving forward, even as BC LNG fails to achieve the overly generous export narratives of proponents and billions are written off in the mid to late 2030s and the terminals start to rust.
With a little imagination one can foresee Indigenous-owned wind, solar and geothermal projects on First Nations land connected to regional grids and eventually a national clean energy smart grid, like pearls on a necklace. Given the legally confirmed jurisdictional predominance of federal energy corridors and infrastructure (see the BC v. TMX Supreme Court case), a federal grid should be free of belligerent provincial interference, especially when connected to Indigenous lands and assets with further protections under the Constitution.
A national clean electricity smart grid to all three coasts with a big chunk of every kilowatt hour being Indigenous owned ... that's a vision big enough to catalyze climate action right up into high gear.