Indigenous communities and the Port of Belledune are collaborating on several green energy projects, aiming to create a 'green energy hub' that aligns with First Nations' economic and environmental values.
An Atlantic Indigenous-Led Energy Symposium in Saint John brought together about 500 participants to discuss these partnerships. Karen Narvie, a band councillor at Eel River Bar First Nation, highlighted the shift from combative relationships to constructive ones, attributing this to early, meaningful conversations and First Nations ownership stakes in projects, often facilitated by federal financing programs.
"We want to move past basic consultation and the checklist to actively support models that provide Indigenous communities with long-term revenue streams, decision-making power, and equity stakes," Narvie stated.
Eel River Bar and Pabineau First Nation are involved with private sector partners and the Port of Belledune on projects including a new wood pellet plant (a partnership with Arbec Forest Products and Airex Energy), a potential battery plant, and a small nuclear reactor (SMR) project that could lead to the construction and export of SMRs.
Pabineau Chief Terry Richardson expressed enthusiasm for the green energy hub, emphasizing its potential to create well-paying jobs and opportunities for youth, ensuring economic prosperity for future generations.
"We talk about the next seven generations for the environment, but there's also the next seven generations for the economic side,” Richardson said.
Narvie added that the green energy transition aligns better with First Nations values, citing the clean energy aspects of the wood pellet and SMR projects.
Jennifer Cleversey-Moffitt, CAO of the Belledune Port Authority, explained that the port's shift towards green energy projects and meaningful partnerships with local First Nations communities began during a period of significant local economic transition. This included a court battle over a previous oil export plan and the closure of the local smelter, alongside the province's plan to phase out coal at the Belledune station.
"It's about meaningful relationships [with First Nations]. It's not transactional. It's about developing personal bonds and understanding the community and understanding the historical context of where some of the concerns come from," Cleversey-Moffitt said.
The Port of Belledune underwent a strategy review, deciding to maintain its industrial role but with a green focus, which resonated with Indigenous partners.
"This was really a bit of a renaissance for the port to understand that we can still be industrial, but we're going to do it in a much cleaner, greener way," Cleversey-Moffitt stated. "And we're going to do it in partnership with those communities in the area, including the rights holders."
Narvie concluded that the pursuit of green industrial opportunities will ultimately enhance social and economic well-being in her community, with revenues supporting job creation, elders, youth, and education.
