Success Stories

Environment and Natural Resources

AANDC works closely with Aboriginal and Northern partners to develop strategies to address climate change and environmental issues while facilitating economic development.

The following stories showcase how First Nation and Inuit communities are eliminating contaminants and focussing on sustainable development opportunities.

See other Aboriginal success stories from across Canada.

	First Nations Land Management Signing Ceremony More and more First Nations are beginning to realize the economic development benefits that come from direct management of their reserve lands. On April 13, 2012, 18 First Nations from across Canada signed on to the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, which allows First Nations to move beyond the Indian Act to assume control over their reserve land, resources and environment.
	Science through a Different Lens IPY projects can do more than just contribute to scientific understanding; they can be tools for building community capacity and community development according to IPY Science Coordinator for the Yukon, Bob Van Dijken.
	Getting a Clear Picture on the Effects of Climate Change  Armed with digital cameras and hand-held GPS units, scientists and northern hunters and trappers examined and recorded the changing biosphere of the North.
	Akwesasne Water Treatment Facility Using traditional knowledge to guide modern technology, the Akwesasne First Nation is a role model for other communities wishing to develop their own first class water treatment facility.
	Sharing Knowledge for a Better Future: Adaptation and Clean Energy Experiences in a Changing Climate Highlights of successful projects that have received funding from the current Climate Change Programs at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
	Reflections on Success: A Sustainable Future in a Changing Climate Highlights of successful projects that have received a funding contribution from the current Climate Change Programs at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
	Umbata Falls Hydroelectric Project The Umbata Falls Project is a run of the river power plant that will be a source of renewable energy for the project. This is the second run of the river project in which a First Nation organization has been an integral partner and operator.
	T'Sou-ke First Nation Solar Community Program, British Columbia In a small First Nations community on Vancouver Island, energy meters are spinning backwards. As the sun beats down on the new solar panel installation that the T'Sou‑ke First Nation built, so much clean energy is being produced that there's enough to power the entire community and sell a surplus back to BC Hydro.
	White River Water Power Developments, Ontario This project will allow the Pic Mobert First Nation to generate long term revenue that can be used to support community growth and infrastructure. There will be business and employment opportunities during the construction and operation of the facility.
	A Green Energy Dream Comes Through The Taku River Tlingit First Nation receive international acclaim for the success of their micro-hydro site.
	Tri-Nations/Fort à la Corne Development Corporation 200MW Hydroelectric Project, Saskatchewan When industrial mining developers approached the communities of James Smith, Chakastapaysin and Peter Chapman First Nations, these First Nations conducted some research to investigate the needs of the mining industry. They discovered that the industry requires power, and lots of it.
	Pelly Calamity Prevented Find out how one community averted an ecological disaster.
	Community Energy Plan for Wha Ti, Northwest Territories The Tlicho (Dogrib) people in Wha Ti have made significant progress towards implementing renewable energy technologies and improving energy efficiency in their community.
	A Giant Clean-Up at Giant Mine A Look at the unique process developed to clean up Giant Mine.
	Sustaining the Acadian Woodlands The Province of Prince Edward Island and the Abegweit First Nation have signed a unique co-agreement for the sustainable development of the province’s forests.
	Global Partnership in Renewable Energy for Membertou First Nation The Membertou First Nation supports their commitment to environment and innovation by engaging in an exciting new joint venture project.
	Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation: Run of River Hydro The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s investment in an opportunity to develop an energy project that does not deplete natural resources.