Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake, Nunavut
Published June 4, 2024
Meeting with the Baker Lake Council, Nunavut, March 2024 PHOTO: Ruben den Uyl
In March 2024, Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE), a partnership between Northern Energy Capital (NEC) and Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC), travelled to the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut on a mission to advance wind energy projects while ensuring deep-rooted community engagement and alignment with local values. Our dedicated team members, Dana May, VP Development & Engineering, and Ruben den Uyl, Renewable Energy Analyst, embarked on a mission to advance wind energy projects while ensuring deep-rooted community engagement and alignment with local values.
Dana and Ruben’s journey began in Rankin Inlet, where they joined forces with Blaine Chislett, our Kivalliq Alternative Energy partner from Sakku Investments. The air was filled with anticipation as they met with the Hamlet Council of Rankin Inlet and a representative from the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA). The discussions were vibrant, centring on the proposed wind project and the critical role of community involvement at every stage. The passion and commitment from the local representatives underscored the importance of this project to their future.
The next leg of their journey took them to Baker Lake, a community rich in tradition and resilience. Here, the team engaged with the Community Land and Resources Committee (CLARC), the Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO), and the Hamlet Council. These meetings were pivotal, laying the groundwork for meaningful community engagement and collaborative planning. The energy in the room was palpable as stories were shared, and mutual goals were set.
Dana eloquently captured the essence of our mission: “It is so important that these wind projects serve the needs of the local communities and do so in a way that allows them to co-exist with community values like wildlife, traditional food harvesting, and stewardship of the land. Our intention with this work is to align the projects with each community’s goals and desires, and ensure residents are involved and informed throughout.”
Group photo by Ruben den Uyl wiht Dana May from NEC & Blaine Chislett of Sakku Investments
Ruben echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the foundational values of trust, openness, and transparency. “Both communities indicated that trust, openness, and transparency are very important values to them. We agree, and that is exactly why coming into the communities and engaging with them is so important.” This approach ensures that our projects not only meet energy needs but also respect and incorporate local and traditional knowledge.
Throughout various meetings, Dana and Ruben introduced the wind projects, shared the outcomes of wind data collection campaigns, and discussed the framework for ongoing community engagement; always emphasizing the importance of aligning the projects with community values, such as wildlife preservation, traditional food harvesting, and land stewardship.
The trip was a resounding success. The team forged strong relationships with key stakeholders in both communities, setting the stage for the projects' future success. These initial conversations provided invaluable feedback and insights that will shape the ongoing community engagement process and project development.
As we reflect on this journey, we recognize the invaluable lessons learned about life in these local communities, their goals, and the values they hold dear. Topics identified for focus during the community engagement process include project location, capacity building, energy education, and maximizing local employment opportunities.
Looking ahead, NEC is steadfast in our commitment to fostering sustainable growth, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship through the development of community-level renewable energy assets. This trip was a vital step in ensuring that the wind energy projects in Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake are developed in a way that benefits and respects the communities they serve.
We are excited to continue this journey and look forward to working closely with the residents of Rankin Inlet and Baker Lake to create a brighter, cleaner future for the northern communities. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance these important projects!
About Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE) is a leader in the clean energy transition in Nunavut's Kivalliq region. By developing renewable energy-generating projects, KAE is increasing energy independence for the remote communities it represents. KAE's projects nurture community benefits, grow local capacity and lay the foundations for powering the region's clean energy future. KAE is an Inuit-led partnership between Sakku Investments Corporation (SIC) and Northern Energy Capital (NEC).
Follow KAE
For more information about KAE's projects, please visit kivalliqalternativeenergy.com
For project updates and upcoming events, follow KAE on Facebook: KivalliqAlternativeEnergy
About Northern Energy Capital
Northern Energy Capital is a renewable energy development company, established in 2015, dedicated to empowering northern and remote communities in their transition from fossil fuel consumption to clean energy asset ownership. NEC is the development partner of choice for off-grid and remote communities that seek to achieve energy independence through locally owned and locally produced renewable energy.
Are you interested in working with Northern Energy Capital on your next renewable energy project? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at contact@northernenergycapital.com or 250-213-8185 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your energy goals.
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