The Future of Electricity—Empowering Progress Through Partnerships
The 8th annual First Nations Energy Symposium was hosted by the Independent Electricity System Operator in Toronto on November 5th and 6th 2024. Gimaa Kwe Patrica Tangie along with Councillors Christine Lewis, Chad Edgar and Community Energy Champion, Gina Simon attended the 2024 First Nations Energy Symposium. The symposium provided an opportunity for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to hear from the various perspectives on what needs to be done to support First Nations leadership in the electricity sector.
As the system operator and planner, the IESO works closely with generators, transmitters, technology providers, consumers, municipalities and Indigenous communities, as well as many stake holders to secure, plan and monitor our shared energy future. As the electricity demands continue to grow at an alarming rate, so does the work ahead require billions of investments and years of hard work and collaboration, said Lesley Gallinger, President and Chief Executive Officer IESO.
During this time, we heard about the importance and need for First Nations partnership and leadership to bring essential knowledge, skills and perspectives to inform the sustainable design of energy projects, to protect cultural spaces and to provide economic opportunities for current and future generations. Transmission lines need to be built, new sources of energy generation and power require investments and new technology to ensure the electricity system is prepared to support our growing electricity needs.
A variety of panels spoke to the importance increasing Indigenous participation in the procurement and supply chain opportunities by integrating Indigenous businesses and individuals into economic activities. This incorporates developing supportive policies, fostering partnerships, and ensuring fair access to contracts, that ultimately promote economic growth and diversity, Other sessions attendees heard from prominent Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives regarding success stories, challenges and lessons learned from other First Nation communities implementing energy projects.
Now that MFN has completed their first CEP Community Energy Plan 2024, the hope is we can revisit the comprehensive, long-term plan to improve energy efficiency, for our part reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster local sustainable energy solutions in the community. We will continue to work together to understand the role that energy plays within our lives, the role it plays in planning for the future growth and the role it plays in protecting and advancing the community’s environmental footprint.