November 21, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
Indigenous Peoples have traditional knowledge and expertise to help address climate change and protect the environment.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson welcomed the release of Kinship and Prosperity: Proven Solutions for a Clean Energy Landscape, the Wah-ila-toos Indigenous Council's Report. The report provides recommendations to power more Indigenous, rural and remote communities with clean energy while recognizing the various challenges these communities face. It affirms that Indigenous Peoples are leaders and knowledge keepers, and that they have the skills and experiences needed to establish a thriving economy while living in reciprocity with the environment.
The recommendations outlined in the report will help inform the development of future climate strategies and policies, providing a framework for integrating Indigenous voices into this work. The Government of Canada will continue to work with Indigenous Peoples and other energy partners to identify opportunities to advance joint priorities including in response to the Council's advice, which will also be reflected in Canada's upcoming Clean Electricity Strategy.
We thank the Council for the significant and important work it has done over the past two years, including on this report. These recommendations will play a key role in guiding action to reduce the use of expensive and polluting fossil fuels for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and instead advance clean energy solutions that have the potential to save people money on energy and create economic opportunities and jobs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
