Bridging Gaps In Energy Planning for First Nation Communities

ABSTRACTThere is a link between energy security, economic prosperity, sustainability and sovereignty for indigenous communities in Canada. Geographically remote locations, absence of all-season roads, off-grid status, diesel dependency and lack of alternative energy access causes energy insecurities along with economic, social, and local environmental problems for the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario. Being free of diesel dependency and scoping sustainable energy solutions are immediate priorities. Both are key motivational factors for effective community energy planning (CEP). However, most CEP is based on top-down decision making approaches which lack effective community engagement to design culturally appropriate, community-centeric energy plans. Such approaches fail to acknowledge local socio-cultural drivers as indicators of energy planning.This article details the disconnects between theory and practice in energy planning for First Nation communities. The...