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MP Hanley announces $164K in clean energy support for indigenous communities

WHITEHORSE — On Nov. 18, Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon announced a grant of $164,000 for Affinity North to establish a negotiations program that will seek to advance Indigenous leadership in the energy sector through workshops and dialogue with key First Nations leaders, lawyers, negotiators and others.

The program will work to maximize impact while reflecting Indigenous perspectives in its delivery. Workshops are scheduled for late 2022 and early 2023.

Affinity North and its partners also contributed to the project, bringing the total investment to over $200,000.

Federal funding for this project is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, a $453-million program that strives to reduce reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy projects, encouraging energy efficiency and building local skills and capacity.

To support Indigenous, rural and remote communities as they transition to clean energy, the Government of Canada has also created a single-window approach to access resources and energy funding. Building on reconciliation efforts, an Indigenous Council is being formed that will guide the programming and project approval process.

“Across the country, Indigenous communities are leading the way in transitioning to clean energy. The Government of Canada is pleased to be working in close partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples to increase this engagement in the energy sector. The funding announced today is a step forward toward a more inclusive and equitable low-carbon economy,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.