Northwest Territories, Dehcho Region - Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
The Dehcho Region is aiming to reduce its reliance on costly, highly polluting diesel with two new initiatives that will increase energy efficiency, create jobs and explore clean energy opportunities for its communities.
The Kǫ́ kǫni: New Fire-New Energy Project, led by Northern Loco, is helping communities build capacity for a greener future, with Indigenous Knowledge and culture central to the project. The initiative created a community energy committee that is identifying energy priorities and raising awareness of energy efficiency while hiring and training interns and local electricians to implement clean energy projects. The initiative is building capacity, supporting the local economy by creating job opportunities, and will lower heating and electricity bills through energy conservation to make life more affordable for Northerners while also fighting climate change.
Building on the success of the New Fire-New Energy Project, the team that undertook this work is now launching a new energy business called Gonezu Energy. This Indigenous-owned energy company is now working with Dehcho First Nations to develop a regional energy plan that aims to reduce energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced that Canada's Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity Program (Northern REACHE) provided $350,000 to Northern Loco for the New Fire-New Energy Project and $350,000 to Gonezu Energy to undertake regional energy planning as part of Dehcho First Nations' regional climate change strategy.
Many communities in the North continue to rely on diesel for electricity and heat, which contributes to climate change and is costly and polluting. Northern REACHE supports Indigenous and northern communities in reducing their dependence on diesel fuel for electricity and heating by supporting community-driven, innovative clean energy projects such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, biomass heating, and energy efficiency, along with related capacity-building initiatives.
