As clean energy becomes an ever-bigger driver of economic development, job creation and net-zero progress globally, First Nations are increasingly front and centre of the transition. 

First Nations clean energy development around the world is being driven by recognition of sovereignty and ownership standards across borders. 

And First Nations clean energy projects are demonstrating a better way to generate sustainable energy and support reconciliation.

That was the message of The Gathering: Powering an Indigenous-led clean energy future, an event held during the last week of November 2024 which representatives from the First Nations Clean Energy Network attended and spoke at.

Hosted in partnership with the Globe and Mail and Canada’s Indigenous Clean Energy, The Gathering brought First Nations people from various countries, governments, utilities, investors, and the private sector together to discuss approaches to speed the development of clean energy, net-zero progress and economic reconciliation.

Discussion focussed on advancing Indigenous leadership, ownership and involvement in clean energy, clean energy capital, capacity and strategies at the local level, skills and career paths for Indigenous young people, investment, climate and health, with the aim of cross-continental solidarity-building, identification of opportunities and barriers, and learning about clean energy development with old friends and new from South America, Aotearoa and Canada.

While in Canada, team members of the First Nations Clean Energy Network visited a reservation to see one of the many solar projects The Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation have underway. A spokesperson there was forthright in their ambition with a clear message to proponents and government: "you can either partner with us or we'll leave you behind".

Our team members also attended Indigenous Clean Energy’s 20/20 Catalyst, an intensive program designed to propel participants to become clean energy leaders, and which formed the basis of our successful PowerMakers program.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn and share with our First Nations brothers and sisters.