Quebec's First Nations come together to discuss energy future

First Nations communities in Quebec met recently to discuss entrepreneurship opportunities in the province's green and renewable energy sector.

Organized by the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI), the strategic workshop on renewable energy was intended to support Indigenous communities in establishing a position of leadership within the energy sector and securing new business opportunities by focusing on renewable energies.

"The idea was to offer First Nations an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Quebec's energy context," said Laurence Cloutier-Pouliot, an attorney for the FNQLSDI. "We wanted to create a place where they could interact with key players and help them develop renewable energy projects in their respective territories."

To achieve its objective, the FNQLSDI proposed a 3-day event schedule. More than 60 participants, including more than 20 First Nations communities and organizations, gathered for the training days organized as part of the strategic workshop.

On the first day, participants attended presentations led by experts in renewable energies. Topics covered included:

• forecasts of Quebec's energy needs
• existing partnerships between First Nations and key players in the field
• available financing programs
• business models that maximize community benefits
• the legal frameworks necessary to foster partnerships and Indigenous participation in renewable energy projects

Participants were able to deepen their knowledge of Quebec's energy industries and possible ways to finance renewable energy projects. Using this acquired knowledge, participants will be able to develop projects that meet energy needs, determine the resources needed to negotiate agreements, and establish relationships with potential partners more easily.

On the second day of the event, participants had the opportunity to network and share lessons learned, experiences and best practices in renewable energy projects. In addition, they formed relationships that could lead to potential business partnerships. For Cloutier-Pouliot, this second day remained a memorable moment.

"We witnessed a lot of generosity from the participants in our panel on First Nations leadership in renewable energy projects," she said. "The panellists generously shared their knowledge and expertise without expecting anything in return. They explained in detail the steps they have taken to implement promising projects for their communities, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, the successes and benefits these projects have generated. It was the highlight of the event."

Finally, on the third day of the workshop, participants visited the Centrale Gabrielle-Bodis photovoltaic solar power plant in La Prairie, Quebec. They gained a deeper understanding of the operation and equipment of this type of plant. As a result of this visit, they will be inspired to develop similar projects for their communities.

In order to implement its strategic workshop on renewable strategy, the FNQLSDI received support from the Quebec Green Initiative. The Quebec Green Initiative is part of a Strategic Partnerships Initiative co-administered with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions and designed to promote renewable energy projects in Indigenous communities in Quebec.

To learn more about how the FNQLSDI supports Indigenous communities in sustainable development, check out Centre of Expertise on Impact and Benefit Agreements: an important ally.