Indigenous Clean Energy Trailblazing at COP27

Press Release

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 18, 2022 – Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE) is pleased to announce its participation at COP27, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from Nov.6 to Nov.18, which aims to bring communities, civil society groups, heads of state, climate experts, negotiators, business leaders together to tackle climate change. The ICE delegation will lead and take part in a variety of sessions as part of the official United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) events.

ICE will also host an external, interactive event during COP27 demonstrating the immense impact of Indigenous clean energy projects and climate leadership. The event will aim to create an accessible and open space for the sharing of knowledge, collaboration and visioning.

Indigenous communities are the second largest clean energy asset owners and partners in Canada with thousands of small-large scale projects underway and ongoing. These projects have led to community training and job creation, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, advanced gender equity, materially improved economic stability, cultural revitalization and much more. Globally more action needs to be taken to amplify Indigenous voices in dialogues on the development of clean energy resources and climate leadership.

Building from participation and calls to action at COP26, ICE is committed to advancing Indigenous participation in Canada’s clean energy transition and highlighting Indigenous-led climate action ― particularly Renewable Energy Microgrids (REMs) development for Indigenous, island and remote communities globally.

ICE’s COP delegation will bring an array of knowledge, lived experiences and strategies for just climate action work. Participants and relations can expect to hear inspiring Indigenous clean energy voices and perspectives at the forefront of global climate action; interact with global community-centered renewable energy projects as a part of climate solutions; learn about equitable partnership and financing models, and; collaborate on an action plan for community-renewable energy projects to reduce energy poverty and replace reliance on fossil fuels.

ICE is grateful for ongoing partnerships with various departments of the Government of Canada in their commitments to supporting Indigenous climate leadership nationally and internationally. Bridging last year’s objectives and ongoing collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada, ICE looks forward to amplifying Indigenous voices globally this year at COP27.

If you are interested in keeping up to date with ICE at COP27 please click the following link https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/global-hub/ice-at-cop/

ICE invites the public to stay connected to hear about various collaborative sessions at COP27, where the ICE team will share stories and experiences that illustrate leadership from different dimensions to advance inclusive pathways for climate action.

Quotes

Attending COP27 is a tremendous opportunity to connect with other Indigenous Peoples, grassroots organizations, and Nation Leaders from around the world. Building a community of support is central to meeting our climate action goals and continuing our long-standing obligation of being responsible stewards of the land for future generations.

Daphne Kay, Community Energy Specialist, Cowessess Ventures Ltd.

There is immense power in the collective. To me, climate action done in good and sustainable ways means that power of the collective becomes more powerful than that of the individual.

Freddie Huppé Campbell, ICE’s Global Hub Program Lead

We passionately believe that Indigenous leadership for a Net-Zero clean energy future is imperative for the world and local communities. The ICE delegation is honoured to share Indigenous clean energy successes in Canada at COP27

Chris Henderson, ICE Executive Director

I am pleased to see that Indigenous Clean Energy will be attending COP27. Their work on Renewable Energy Microgrids was a highlight at COP26. Whether it involves sharing Indigenous knowledge or showcasing Indigenous energy leadership, I extend my best wishes to Indigenous Clean Energy towards a successful engagement.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

Indigenous communities across Canada are seeing the impacts of climate change first-hand, whether from melting permafrost to coastal erosion, or frequent wildfires to changing migration patterns. They are taking action and leading the way in fighting climate change. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada is pleased to partner with Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise at COP27 to showcase this leadership and the innovative ways they’re addressing this crisis. Our government will continue to be there to partner with, and support, Indigenous-led clean energy projects and climate change adaptation efforts across the North and Arctic – initiatives that also contribute to new opportunities and economic reconciliation in their communities.

The Honourable Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P. Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Quick Facts

• COP stands for Conference of the Parties established by the UN (United Nations)
• COP1 took place in 1995 in Berlin. This year will be the 27th conference
• ICE’s ‘Global REMs Strategy’ session to be Canada’s only official side event.
• Thousands of micro or small renewable energy systems are now in place with Indigenous leadership/partnerships.
• Medium-to-large Indigenous renewable energy projects have experienced a 29.6% growth rate across Canada since 2017

About Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)

ICE is the leading platform in accelerating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in clean energy projects in Canada from coast to coast to coast. ICE supports Indigenous Peoples to be clean energy change agents through capacity building, skills development, career training, and mentorship with high-quality and hands-on programming that is by, for and with community.

Media Contacts

Sydney Howard, ICE Communications Manager

Freddie Huppé Campbell, Global Hub Program Lead

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