2018 First Nations Energy Symposium
The theme of this year’s Symposium was Supporting Community Transformation through Energy. Building on the success of the 2017 Indigenous Community Energy Symposium, the IESO brought together First Nation community members, energy champions, industry experts and youth delegates for a robust discussion of Indigenous energy matters, including the transition from developing to implementing a community energy plan.
The 2018 Symposium focused on transformation through knowledge that stays within First Nation communities. This important event enabled attendees to share learnings and experiences in the areas of community energy planning, renewable generation, capacity building, project development and management, and energy conservation.
Guest speakers covered a broad range of topics including financing and funding, preparing communities for partnerships, building community energy resilience and revenue, employment opportunities in energy, regional/bulk planning, and the IESO’s planned Indigenous conservation programs. On the final day of the Symposium, attendees had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the IESO’s Indigenous Energy Support Programs to start or modify an application for funding.
Post-Symposium Summary
The IESO works closely with Indigenous communities across the province to ensure their unique perspectives, knowledge and leadership are considered. To facilitate information sharing and idea exchange, the IESO hosted a conference in late 2018 that brought together Ontario First Nation communities, First Nation youth representatives, industry stakeholders and leading community energy experts. Over the course of 2.5 days, attendees were able to share learnings, build collaboration and promote community energy planning and project development.
Read the report.
2018 Symposium Program and Presentations
Documents referenced on this page, but not posted, can be obtained by contacting indigenousrelations@ieso.ca with a link to the web page that lists the document and advise whether it needs to be provided in an accessible format. Please allow a minimum of one business day for a response.
2018 First Nations Energy Symposium Agenda
See the list of speakers and their bios.
Economic Development
Funding Panel
- Idas Levato, Angel Investors Ontario
Education & Capacity
Employment Opportunities: Creating a skilled and sustainable workforce
- Matthew Dupuis, Chief of the Red Rock Indian Band
Transforming Communities through Knowledge that Stays in the Community
Past, Present, Future - Energy Initiatives
- Melissa McDonald, Energy Initiatives Officer for the Red Rock Indian Band
Community Energy Planning and Implementation Program
- Roopa Rakshit, Community Energy Planning Specialist, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation
Community Engagement
Moving from a Plan to Implementation
- Darryl Hill, Energy Planner, Six Nations of the Grand Development Corporation
Moving from a Plan to Implementation
- Michelle Shephard, Economic Development Officer, Eagle Lake First Nation
Building community energy resiliency and revenue
- Matthew Dupuis, Chief of the Red Rock Indian Band
Continuing the Discussion
The IESO hosted a series of Regional Electricity Forums in the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. These forums focused on the broader role of regional and community involvement in energy planning. Learn more about the Regional Electricity Forums.