Reducing the effects of climate change is one of society's top priorities at many levels. Scientists and lobbyists debate the type and magnitude of change. Governments and industry grapple with the meaning of carbon credits. Innovators race to be the first to develop new technologies. At the same time, progress is being made at the community level.

Aboriginal and Northern communities in particular stand to gain much from improving energy efficiency, taking advantage of renewable energy and contributing to the control of climate change. Not only are energy costs typically very high in these communities, but the effects of climate change are likely to be more pronounced in their localities.

Aboriginal and Northern communities across Canada have, in recent years, undertaken numerous projects involving energy efficiency and renewable energy. In 2002-2003, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Natural Resources Canada undertook to profile some of these community-driven projects. The project was funded by the Aboriginal and Northern Climate Change Program.

This document presents the profiles of projects in the following areas:

Renewable Energy

Small Hydro
Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation (ON)
Deer Lake First Nation (ON)

Wind Power
Piikani Nation (AB)
Rankin Inlet (NU)

Solar Energy
Alaittuq High School, Rankin Inlet (NU)
Recreation Centre, Fort Smith (NT)
Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit (NU)

District Heating - Wood
Kluane First Nation (YT)
Grassy Narrows First Nation (ON)
Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation (QC)

Energy Efficiency

Housing
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (ON)
Kahnawake Mohawk Territory (QC)

Waste Heat Recovery
Fort McPherson (NT)
Fort Severn First Nation (ON)

The profiles demonstrate through various project examples the ways in which Aboriginal and Northern communities are developing innovative approaches to energy efficiency and renewable energy. These initiatives are consistent with Aboriginal values of environmental stewardship and society's goal of creating a sustainable way of life.

The experience gained by those undertaking the profiled projects indicates that there are many ways in which energy efficiency and renewable energy projects can contribute to self-sufficiency at the local level. This self-sufficiency has benefits of reduced fuel transportation and energy transmission costs, local employment, capacity building opportunities and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In some cases, the revenues generated by such projects can be directed to other community purposes.

In undertaking energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Aboriginal and Northern communities, great care must be taken to select the technical applications most suited to the community's situation in terms of physical setting, availability of resources and energy requirements. Often, the most simple and robust technologies are most applicable. Technical advancements in innovative areas are typically gradual, requiring patience and persistence, so realistic expectations and committed community support are critical.

Aboriginal and Northern communities have built a positive track record through these projects and have gained valuable experience in the managerial aspects of project development. As energy demands and costs increase, innovative technologies will become more cost-effective. It will, however, be critical that the true cost of energy be recognized and integrated in policy and decision-making processes.

Issues such as global warming, climate change control, and sustainable living are top priorities for society. Aboriginal and Northern communities have a vested interest in addressing these issues and have made significant progress through innovative projects such as those profiled in this document.

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