Media.Knet.Ca

Keewaytinook Okimakanak, (KO), created the position of an energy expert for an initial period of one year, (January - December 2003), to raise awareness, build capacity, promote and assist in the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and programs among First Nation (FN) communities in Ontario, as outlined in the Federal Government’s Action Plan 2000.  This will provide a mechanism for First Nation communities to become, within a very short time period, more actively involved in energy and climate change issues that affect them.  

Its intention is to promote and implement appropriate renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies that help build local self-sufficiency, provide economic development opportunities, and develop indigenous capacity, all the while respecting local customs, traditions and beliefs.  From a First Nation’s perspective it is essential that renewable energy technologies and energy conservation measures promote self-sufficiency and be complimentary to local philosophies and beliefs.  The Assembly of First Nations believes this is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the best way to develop and implement practical solutions to local problems.

To reduce greenhouse gas production in the FN communities the energy expert will create awareness of energy production and use in global warming, the effects of using less energy more effectively and the mitigating effects of generating more of the energy needed for improved quality of life and economic development from renewable sources.  Developing First Nation capacity in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and techniques, identifying, facilitating and deploying  the knowledge is a priority.

The energy expert, Robin Hughes - Energy Advisor/Facilitator, will travel to many communities and to various Aboriginal meetings and functions to raise awareness of the issues involved.  He will use KO’s K-Net network and Tribal Council, technical and Band Council meetings to promote the objectives and progress of the program.  He will constantly review and modify proposed community approaches, activity plans and progress with elders, Band Councils, Tribal Councils and staff at KO to ensure that traditional knowledge, community customs and culture are respected and used to benefit the program.

When asked about the progression of the project Robin replied, “We have completed awareness presentations at North Spirit FN, McDowell Lake FN, Poplar Hill FN, Deer Lake FN and Keewaywin FN with Chief Council and many others. We’ve had a good response from the communities and the energy efficiency has their attention because it can save in their heating costs. They are very interested in renewable energy.”

One Aboriginal trainee, Collin Meekis - Energy Facilitator, has been selected to apprentice to Robin, to work on all aspects of the project. Collin was selected for follow-on work through KO in subsequent years, if project extension or other funding is determined.  When asked if he is enjoying his new job Collin responded, “Definitely, I’m enjoying it. What we would like to see happen is better awareness of the energy resourses we use on a day to day basis and put that knowledge to use.  Collin also mentioned, “I want everyone involved to be comfortable with calling me if they have any questions, if I can’t help them I will find someone who can.”        
          
This first year of project operation is a pilot effort.  It is not expected that Collin will be in a position to completely take over from Robin at the termination of this trial period.  It has been anticipated that over the next one to two years, Robins’ services will be required on a diminishing basis, eventually to an advisory role.  Robin, is key to the initial success of this proposal.  His job will be many-sided.  First he will have to initiate and give momentum to the program through integration of this renewable energy and energy efficiency Pathfinder Program into KO’s infrastructure and related activities.  It was important to acquire someone who is very knowledgeable in the field, who has experience working with First Nations across the region and who has the respect of community members, elders, Chiefs and energy and building stakeholders in the communities, in the Tribal Councils and in the region.  He will have general responsibility for carrying out most of the activities and specifically in training Collin who will  eventually take over the tasks and responsibilities.

Robin will provide, to all interested parties, information and documentation on Federal Government assistance and incentive programs. He will ensure provision of practical workshops and training to FN technical personnel and groups, interested community members and others on tools and the techniques and will  acquire or develop appropriate training materials, arranging for training venues and technical trainers when required and coordinating instruction and follow-up sessions to accommodate efficient training of technical and other persons from across the region.

The net will be cast wide in the identification process and will incorporate, for many communities, new energy-related projects such as building construction or renovations, upgrades or refurbishing of any power generation, heating and cooling equipment, potential renewable energy replacements for existing power generation and heating and cooling equipment, and any potential for co-generation with existing or new equipment.

The project will attempt to be pro-active in identifying areas of involvement.  He will follow-up on KO’s Technical Service’s housing assessment in Fort Severn FN by implementing either full or scaled-down versions of similar studies in several additional communities in the Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 areas.  Part of the  process will be project pre-feasibility analysis to determine if specific projects are viable.

Once potential projects are identified and other conditions are determined to be promising, he will make every effort to follow through on moving these projects towards completion by  searching out appropriate assistance in all areas of project development including funding, training and project implementation.  Projects that have been earlier identified in the Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 areas will be reviewed to determine their current feasibility in light of the current economic and energy situation in Ontario and new Provincial and Federal Government initiatives.

KO, primarily through the position of the Energy Advisor, but also using other staff, will track progress and provide input and encouragement where needed to facilitate successful completion. Once milestones have been reached, or projects have been completed or terminated, status reports will be prepared and submitted.  Throughout the duration  communities will be kept informed of upcoming plans and activities, the progress of  projects and  completed projects. This will be done through anouncements in K-Net, in Band and Tribal Council meetings and in public gatherings that are called for other reasons or for this specific task.

This Pathfinder Project is consistent with the direction of future training initiatives.  Robin has worked with members of the Seven Generations Education Institute out of Fort Frances, which is currently developing curricula for an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Certificate Program.  Robin will work with Seven Generations to promote awareness of their curricula, to identify potential candidates for the Certificate Program from communities across northern Ontario, and to work to place graduates in suitable work positions. Seven Generations is considering offering their course as a web-based distance learning course.  A close working relationship between KO and Seven Generations would be beneficial in bringing their different expertise together to develop and provide the necessary on-line training services.

Ron Alward is a Technical Coordinator from the Ministry of Natural Resources Canada who assisted with the workshop held in North Spirit FN March 14-16 as a demonstrator (wind turbines and solar PV) as well as an observer. Over 60 people attended.   There will be at least three new northern Ontario renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects underway by June 2003.  These projects will either be completed by that time, or will be well advanced. Also 6 potential projects will be identified and an evaluation report completed for each.

The success of this pilot project will be evaluated against achievement of the indicators at the completion of the trial period.  It is anticipated that a minimum of twenty people will receive the training to be renewable energy technicians including Collin, and will be able to complete a RETScreen Feasibility Analysis, R2000 as well as energy audits at the termination of the pilot phase.  KO wants to be a world leader in reduction of greenhouse gasses through the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency and construction of energy efficient homes.

KO is very aware of the climate change problems and is excited about being part of this Climate Change initiative.   Every year more problems are experienced moving fuels and supplies to isolated communities.  “This project would reduce some of the dependency on winter roads and fuel shipments while  reducing our input of greenhouse gas.  If objectives are being met, and funding resources are available, project extension is anticipated,” concluded Mr. Hughes.