Aboriginal Power – Clean Energy and the Future of Canada’s First Peoples

 There is a new reality emerging in the Canadian energy landscape – namely the game-changing potential of ecologically-sensitive hydro, wind and biomass projects being developed across Canada by or in partnership with Canada’s First Peoples.

GLOBE-Net, May 27, 2013 – There is a new reality emerging in the Canadian energy landscape – namely the game-changing potential of ecologically-sensitive hydro, wind and biomass projects being developed across Canada by or in partnership with Canada’s First Peoples.

Our country is at an energy crossroad, notes Chris Henderson, author and clean energy advisor to dozens of Aboriginal communities.

“Canada can follow the expedient course, characterized by short-term economic gain associated with continued reliance on power generated from coal, natural gas and nuclear energy. Or the country can chart a path toward a more sustainable future by embracing its abundant supply of renewable energy.”

[stextbox id=”custom” float=”true” width=”200″ bcolor=”add3d5″ bgcolor=”add3d5″ image=”null”]Aboriginal Power fuses Aboriginal prosperity with a more resilient energy supply. It presents a future wherein our First Peoples play a central role in the development of clean-energy resource.[/stextbox]

Henderson’s just released book Aboriginal Power, describes how Aboriginal co-ownership of renewable energy projects can contribute to “a new Canadian story” in a history of “broken trusts, shattered promises and unrealized opportunities that characterizes Canada’s relationship with its First Peoples.”

“We celebrate our history,” notes Henderson, “but in truth by any account, the social and economic reality of many First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the US border to the Arctic is dire. Poverty-ridden, these people live in stark contrast to Canadian ideals of fair play, justice and equal opportunity for all.”

While the book touches on many issues related to redressing the many inequities that have locked Aboriginal communities in devastating cycles of poverty,Aboriginal Poweris based on current energy-market dynamics and on the need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

In addition to information on renewable energy project snapshots from every region of Canada, Aboriginal Power examines the commercial dynamics of clean energy and profiles the human dimensions of a new generation of Aboriginal leaders anxious to play a central role in the development of Canada’s clean-energy resources.

The book outlines a number of mega trends affecting Aboriginal power in Canada and highlights critical success factors for clean energy projects, whether Aboriginal owned or not.

It also provides useful guidance on Aboriginal renewable energy partnerships, information on indigenous community decision-making processes, options for project financing and economic development, and provides insights on Canada’s northern and remote communities from a First People’s perspective.

[stextbox id=”custom” float=”true” width=”200″ bcolor=”add3d5″ bgcolor=”add3d5″ image=”null”]Canada’s indigenous population has taken to the sustainable energy path with drive and commitment of an eagle; the question is whether the rest of the country will pick up and build on its lead.[/stextbox]

The book’s contents will appeal to ordinary Canadians interested in understanding the growing importance of clean energy and the role Aboriginal peoples will play in bringing these new energy resources on line.

More importantly Aboriginal Power should be required reading for elected officials, business executives, finance companies, and policy makers not just in the energy sector, but in any area of business that needs to adjust to the new realities of First People’s emerging power in the Canadian economy.

Aboriginal Power addresses the power that comes when a nation’s progress is truly based on the ideals of fair play, justice and equal opportunity for all, says Henderson.

It may take a generation – 20 years or more – to realize the full economic potential of Aboriginal clean-energy in Canada, he notes. But if this opportunity is developed according to the principles of sustainability, it will fuse Aboriginal prosperity with a sustainable energy future.

Henderson, President of Lumos Energy Clean Energy Value Advisors Inc., is one of Canada’s most respected commentators on Aboriginal clean energy opportunities. As a mentor for Aboriginal clean energy projects from coast-to-coast-to-coast, he works to make hydro, wind and biomass projects a reality that can fuel sustainable prosperity for Canada’s First Peoples.

As noted in the book, his professional focus is on the intersection of clean energy, sustainable development, environmental action, and economic development for Aboriginal communities.

Details about the book can be seen at www.aboriginalpower.ca, including purchasing information.  The website also includes the schedule for launch events across the country in June.  GLOBE-Net readers can sign up to receive monthly information on Aboriginal energy projects, policy developments and peoples which will be posted at www.aboriginalpower.ca. 

Dr. John Wiebe, President and CEO of the GLOBE Foundation of Canada will be hosting a Book Launch of Aboriginal Power on Wednesday, June 12th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the  Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, which will feature a Book Reading and Presentation by Chris Henderson, and a commentary by Don McInnes, BC Clean Energy Association. (See here for more details).