Strategic Workshop on Renewable Energies
On February 19 and 20, with the help of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan team, we organized our 4th strategic workshop on renewable energies in Mashteuiatsh.
We were delighted to bring together a host of leaders and professional participants for a dynamic, First Nations-led exchange on the future of renewable energy. Topics covered included project financing, social acceptability, the outlook for photovoltaic solar energy and much more.
One event, many opportunities for exchange and learning
The event kicked off with an exploration of energy opportunities for First Nations, presented by Hydro-Québec speakers, followed by an introduction to the financial resources available through the First Nations Financial Authority and the Financial Management Board. These presentations laid the essential groundwork for understanding the current economic and institutional landscape.
The meeting continued with the landmark case study of the Hertel-New York interconnection line in Kahnawà:ke, illustrating an innovative partnership between an Indigenous community and Hydro-Québec.The first day ended with a panel discussion on the technological aspects of solar energy, and how it can be harnessed in and by communities.
The following day, the crucial issue of social acceptability was addressed, highlighting the conditions necessary to develop projects that respect community values and priorities
Part of the day was devoted to partnership agreements in wind power development, with two concrete examples from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation. These presentations demonstrated how aboriginal communities can become strategic and active partners in the energy transition, while ensuring sustainable economic benefits for their members.
In short, these two days offered a global vision of economic development opportunities in the energy sector, placing First Nations as key players in the governance and management of projects on their traditional territories.
Before parting company, we had the opportunity to visit the Val-Jalbert hydroelectric power station, a shining example of how renewable energy can be produced with minimal impact.
We would like to warmly thank all the individuals and organizations who contributed to the success of this event, and reiterate our gratitude to our hosts and co-organizers, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan.
A big thank you also to the presenters and panelists: Émilie Sénéchal and Steve Blackburn– Hydro-Québec, Steve Laveau, Community Services Manager – CDEPNQL, Nadia Robertson, Member Services Manager and Vice-Chief – Micmac Nation of Gespeg, Jacky Papatens, Member Services Information Manager – AFPN, Ghislain Bruneau, Bilingual Financial Analyst – AFPN, Patrick Courtois, AFPN Board Member, Aniane Germain-Savard, Manager – Client Relations First Nations Financial Management Council, Eric Doucet, lawyer – Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK), Celine Umurenzi, Project Manager – Research and Innovation– Nergica, Yanick Paquet, Ph.D., Director Research and Innovation– Nergica, Patrick Déry, Physicist-Researcher and specialist in photovoltaic solar energy –Cégep Jonquière), Alexandre Gauthier, Piekuakami Ilnuatsh Development (DPI), Jonathan Launière, Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, Laurence Maher, lawyer – Political and Legal Affairs Advisor – Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, as well as our colleagues from FNQLSDI for their excellent work!
