Pembina Institute

On the second full day of #RiRC2025, we sat in conversation with clean energy experts and passionate energy advocates to learn about the work that needs to happen now to accelerate the transition.   From plenary sessions that explored the inextricable links between the climate crisis, clean energy development, and Indigenous rights, to field trips showcasing Indigenous-owned renewable power in action – today highlighted the balance that must be struck to build trust and capacity within communities, so that projects can move forward in a way that truly benefits everyone.   As Serena Mendizabal from Sacred Earth Solar told a packed room of delegates: “The climate crisis is not a puzzle that we solve just by counting carbon emissions. It’s about returning to the fact that we are humans on this earth, caretaking the land, for our communities and our territories”.    The key highlights:    💡 Our morning began with an inspiring address from James Jenkins, executive director of Indigenous Clean Energy, who talked about the challenging and unjust history of bringing electricity to his home community of Walpole Island First Nation.   🗣️ “I am empowered to be a leader, but never losing who I am as a traditional person: that inner flame of being a steward,” said Calvin Waquan. Along with Gabriela Lech and Robert Cooke, Calvin gave us an insight into how much can be accomplished through capacity building and peer-to-peer mentorship programs, where community members empower one another through the unique challenges of clean energy development.     💭 Three experienced clean energy leaders shared insights on what they’ve learned in the decade since our conference began. As Malek Tawashy from Northern Energy Capital told us: “Now knowing what the utility deals with on a daily basis to keep the lights on, my perspective has shifted. I now think: how can our project leave the grid in a better shape than it was to begin with? It’s no longer just – how do we generate electrons – but, how can our project help stabilize the grid?” 💨 We visited the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project, the first 100% Indigenous-owned wind energy initiative in northern Canada. We were blown away by the magical view, and the wind on top of the mountain generating clean power!     ⭐ The youth networking space made space for drum making, cultural connection, and music. All led by Wilfred Johnston, founder of Yéi Nasné North.     🍿 We rounded out the day with a moving screening of Old Crow a Philosophy, which follows the remote northern community of Old Crow, Yukon as they achieve their vision of energy sovereignty through one of the largest northern remote solar power installations in Canada. Directors, Erika Tizya-Tram and Daniel Janke alongside Brandon Kyikavik, hosted an inspirational Q&A about the project.     A special thank you to the speakers, moderators, tour guides, and participants who brought invaluable perspectives to today’s discussions!

On the second full day of #RiRC2025, we sat in conversation with clean energy experts and passionate energy advocates to learn about the work that needs to happen now to accelerate the transition.   From plenary sessions that explored the inextricable links between the climate crisis, clean energy development, and Indigenous rights, to field trips showcasing Indigenous-owned renewable power in action – today highlighted the balance that must be struck to build trust and capacity within communities, so that projects can move forward in a way that truly benefits everyone.   As Serena Mendizabal from Sacred Earth Solar told a packed room of delegates: “The climate crisis is not a puzzle that we solve just by counting carbon emissions. It’s about returning to the fact that we are humans on this earth, caretaking the land, for our communities and our territories”.    The key highlights:    💡 Our morning began with an inspiring address from James Jenkins, executive director of Indigenous Clean Energy, who talked about the challenging and unjust history of bringing electricity to his home community of Walpole Island First Nation.   🗣️ “I am empowered to be a leader, but never losing who I am as a traditional person: that inner flame of being a steward,” said Calvin Waquan. Along with Gabriela Lech and Robert Cooke, Calvin gave us an insight into how much can be accomplished through capacity building and peer-to-peer mentorship programs, where community members empower one another through the unique challenges of clean energy development.     💭 Three experienced clean energy leaders shared insights on what they’ve learned in the decade since our conference began. As Malek Tawashy from Northern Energy Capital told us: “Now knowing what the utility deals with on a daily basis to keep the lights on, my perspective has shifted. I now think: how can our project leave the grid in a better shape than it was to begin with? It’s no longer just – how do we generate electrons – but, how can our project help stabilize the grid?” 💨 We visited the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project, the first 100% Indigenous-owned wind energy initiative in northern Canada. We were blown away by the magical view, and the wind on top of the mountain generating clean power!     ⭐ The youth networking space made space for drum making, cultural connection, and music. All led by Wilfred Johnston, founder of Yéi Nasné North.     🍿 We rounded out the day with a moving screening of Old Crow a Philosophy, which follows the remote northern community of Old Crow, Yukon as they achieve their vision of energy sovereignty through one of the largest northern remote solar power installations in Canada. Directors, Erika Tizya-Tram and Daniel Janke alongside Brandon Kyikavik, hosted an inspirational Q&A about the project.     A special thank you to the speakers, moderators, tour guides, and participants who brought invaluable perspectives to today’s discussions!

On the second full day of #RiRC2025, we sat in conversation with clean energy experts and passionate energy advocates to learn about the work that needs to happen now to accelerate the transition.   From plenary sessions that explored the inextricable links between the climate crisis, clean energy development, and Indigenous rights, to field trips showcasing Indigenous-owned renewable power in action – today highlighted the balance that must be struck to build trust and capacity within communities, so that projects can move forward in a way that truly benefits everyone.   As Serena Mendizabal from Sacred Earth Solar told a packed room of delegates: “The climate crisis is not a puzzle that we solve just by counting carbon emissions. It’s about returning to the fact that we are humans on this earth, caretaking the land, for our communities and our territories”.    The key highlights:    💡 Our morning began with an inspiring address from James Jenkins, executive director of Indigenous Clean Energy, who talked about the challenging and unjust history of bringing electricity to his home community of Walpole Island First Nation.   🗣️ “I am empowered to be a leader, but never losing who I am as a traditional person: that inner flame of being a steward,” said Calvin Waquan. Along with Gabriela Lech and Robert Cooke, Calvin gave us an insight into how much can be accomplished through capacity building and peer-to-peer mentorship programs, where community members empower one another through the unique challenges of clean energy development.     💭 Three experienced clean energy leaders shared insights on what they’ve learned in the decade since our conference began. As Malek Tawashy from Northern Energy Capital told us: “Now knowing what the utility deals with on a daily basis to keep the lights on, my perspective has shifted. I now think: how can our project leave the grid in a better shape than it was to begin with? It’s no longer just – how do we generate electrons – but, how can our project help stabilize the grid?” 💨 We visited the Haeckel Hill-Thay T’äw Wind Energy Project, the first 100% Indigenous-owned wind energy initiative in northern Canada. We were blown away by the magical view, and the wind on top of the mountain generating clean power!     ⭐ The youth networking space made space for drum making, cultural connection, and music. All led by Wilfred Johnston, founder of Yéi Nasné North.     🍿 We rounded out the day with a moving screening of Old Crow a Philosophy, which follows the remote northern community of Old Crow, Yukon as they achieve their vision of energy sovereignty through one of the largest northern remote solar power installations in Canada. Directors, Erika Tizya-Tram and Daniel Janke alongside Brandon Kyikavik, hosted an inspirational Q&A about the project.     A special thank you to the speakers, moderators, tour guides, and participants who brought invaluable perspectives to today’s discussions!

Weren’t able to make it to Pembina Institute's RiRC2025? Here’s my quick recap—a reflection and overview of the conference, sharing key insights and takeaways from this incredible event. The Renewables in Remote Communities Conference brought together over 350 participants to explore community-led renewable energy solutions for remote communities across Canada. From discussions on multi-solving energy challenges to the importance of youth leadership, the event highlighted the powerful role renewable energy can play in tackling social, economic, and environmental issues in rural and isolated regions. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/guDNmSAv #RenewableEnergy #CommunityLed #NetZero #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #RemoteCommunities #EconomicResilience #SocialImpact #EnvironmentJournal #RiRC2025