Lauren Peng

Topic

“A New Way of Working” – Expanding First Nations Involvement in British Columbia’s Renewable Energy Sector

School of Environmental Studies

Date & location

• Wednesday, September 4, 2024

• 1:00 P.M.

• Clearihue Building 

• Room B021

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Karena Shaw, School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Deborah Curran, School of Environmental Studies, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Clifford Atleo, Resource & Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Danu Stinson, Department of Psychology, UVic 

Abstract

As the climate crisis worsens, there is growing urgency to transition away from GHG intensive energy systems, which has prompted extensive efforts to advance renewable energy alternatives. Within British Columbia (BC), the Provincial Government has set emissions reduction targets which will stimulate a need for more clean energy sources to support decarbonization efforts in the years to come. Over the last few decades, many First Nations in BC have expanded their involvement in renewable energy development on their territories through small-scale and community-owned renewable energy projects, advancing these projects as an avenue for self-determination, a source of economic opportunity, self-sufficiency, and energy security. Many First Nations in BC have expressed a desire to continue growing their involvement in the renewable energy sector and are well positioned to meet the growing demand for clean electricity sources. However, many have also faced institutional barriers that have stymied their efforts to advance these ambitions. This thesis begins by developing an analysis of how energy policy and governance in BC shapes opportunities for First Nations involvement in renewable energy development. It then draws upon interviews with Indigenous and non Indigenous experts working in the field of renewable energy development to better understand First Nations’ aspirations for involvement in BC’s renewable energy sector, the barriers that are inhibiting these aspirations, and potential pathways to overcome these barriers.

Interviewees expressed clear aspirations for self-determination, self-sufficiency, and meaningful partnerships across the electricity system. Insights from interviews combined with the policy and landscape analysis clarified barriers embedded in utility models, mandates, policies, and processes that constrain these aspirations, and highlighted potential pathways to more effectively advance goals of ‘reconciliation’ through the renewable energy sector. Findings emphasize that First Nations are not solely seeking to expand their involvement in energy at the iv local level, but are also seeking fundamental change to the electricity system that would enable meaningful, self-determined partnerships with the state where First Nations can play a role in energy governance more broadly, and can work collaboratively with the state to achieve shared goals. Advancing these goals will require establishing trust-based and equitable partnerships between First Nations and state energy actors to enable greater collaboration within energy governance and decision-making, as well as institutional changes to policies, decision-making processes, and mandates in support of this work.