Kivalliq Alternative Energy
Baker Lake, Nunavut
Published August 21, 2024
PHOTO: Ruben den Uyl, Rankin Inlet, NU
After days of intensive meetings and town halls in Rankin Inlet, our very own Dana May and Ruben den Uyl found themselves on the final leg of their summer community engagement trip in Baker Lake, Nunavut. This remote yet vibrant community, nestled in the Kivalliq region, held its own unique charm and challenges. Dana and Ruben were eager to make meaningful connections and advance their renewable energy projects on behalf of Kivalliq Alternative Energy (KAE) in partnership with Sakku Investment Corporation (SIC).
The day began with a purposeful stroll through town, visiting local businesses that form the backbone of Baker Lake's economy. From hotels and supermarkets to construction and logistics companies, Dana and Ruben understood that these businesses were not just commercial entities but vital community stakeholders. Armed with hand-outs detailing their renewable energy project, they moved from door to door, explaining the potential benefits and inviting business owners to fill out an online survey.
This survey wasn’t just a formality; it was a platform for these local entrepreneurs to voice their concerns, ask questions, and even offer their services to support the project. Each interaction was a small but significant step in ensuring that the community felt involved and informed about the developments taking place in their own backyard. It was about ownership—ensuring that everyone had a chance to contribute and influence the project’s direction.
As they continued their rounds, Dana and Ruben made sure to distribute the Express of Interest for the Nunavut Artist Opportunity for the Naujaat project. Just as they had in Rankin Inlet, they reached out to as many local artists as possible, knowing that art is a profound way to connect with the cultural heartbeat of a community.
One of the highlights of this effort was reconnecting with a local artist they had met during a previous visit. This artist had shared with them not just her talent but also her life story—tales of living in the Kivalliq region during the 1960s and the journey that brought her to Baker Lake. Dana, who had previously purchased a piece of her artwork, was particularly touched by this reunion. It was a moment that transcended business, reminding them of the deep human connections that lie at the heart of their work.
PHOTO: Dana May, VP Development & Feasibility of Northern Energy Capital & Community Member
“The community of Baker Lake has been really welcoming and engaged on this project every time we’ve been here, and we’re so pleased to be working with them to bring this project to life. On this trip we made great progress meeting with all of the different groups and stakeholders to ensure everyone is heard and has their opportunity to participate. We’re looking forward to being back in the fall to keep the momentum going.” -Dana May
Their day wasn’t all about meetings and hand-outs. Dana and Ruben also took the time to visit the project site, located just a short distance from town. The site, where wildlife cameras were already installed to monitor the area, was a stark yet beautiful reminder of the vastness and potential of the land. They walked the 300 meters from the road, taking in the landscape and imagining the future wind turbines that could one day stand there, turning the harsh Arctic winds into a sustainable energy source for the community.
PHOTO: Dana May, VP Development & Feasibility of Northern Energy Capital
No trip to Baker Lake would be complete without a visit to the Geographical Centre of Canada. As they drove a few kilometers north to this symbolic landmark, Dana and Ruben found themselves reflecting on the enormity of the land around them. The vast expanse that stretched out before them was a powerful reminder of the scale of their work. It wasn’t just about installing wind turbines; it was about bringing energy, opportunities, and growth to a region that often feels distant from the rest of the world.
PHOTO: Ruben den Uyl, Rankin Inlet, NU
Monday was a whirlwind of meetings, each more significant than the last. The first was with Sheldon Dorrey, the Senior Administrative Officer of Baker Lake. The discussion centered around validating the progress made since their last visit and planning the next steps for the Energy 101 course—a collaborative effort with Yukon University aimed at boosting energy literacy and skills in the community. Identifying an Energy Learning Champion within the community was key to ensuring that this course would meet local needs and have a lasting impact.
Next, Dana and Ruben met with the Baker Lake Community Lands and Resources Committee (CLARC), part of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. This meeting was crucial for understanding the project’s impact from a traditional land use perspective. The conversation was open and constructive, with the CLARC members sharing their concerns and offering valuable insights into how the project could align with traditional practices.
The day continued with a meeting at the Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO). Here, the discussion focused on sustainable harvesting practices and how the wind energy project might affect these traditional activities. Dana and Ruben knew that any project in this region needed the support and understanding of those who live closest to the land, and this meeting was a critical step in ensuring that their project would be a boon rather than a burden to local hunters and trappers.
PHOTO: Dana May, VP Development & Feasibility of Northern Energy Capital Presenting to the Baker Lake Community
In the afternoon, they met with the Youth Council of Baker Lake. This group, representing the voice of the younger generation, brought fresh perspectives to the table. The youth provided valuable insights into the project's potential benefits and risks, and the way it could impact their future. Dana and Ruben left the meeting inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the young people, who clearly saw the project as a chance to shape their community’s future.
The day culminated in a community town hall at the Baker Lake Recreation Centre. The team had spent the afternoon preparing for this event, ensuring that every detail was perfect—from the hand-outs and refreshments to the door prizes, including a solar cabin kit as the main prize.
Despite the summer season, which often sees residents out on the land, hunting, fishing, and enjoying their cabins, the town hall drew a diverse crowd. Among the 25-50 attendees, the Youth Council stood out, engaging actively with questions and comments. The presentation went smoothly, and the Q&A session that followed was lively, with critical and positive feedback alike. It was clear that the community was deeply invested in the project’s outcomes, and Dana, Ruben, and Blaine left the event feeling optimistic about the future.
PHOTO: Baker Lake Community
The final day of their trip was spent traveling back home—a journey that required three flights, from Baker Lake to Rankin Inlet, Rankin Inlet to Winnipeg, and finally to either Calgary or Vancouver. The long travel time gave Dana and Ruben a chance to reflect on their experiences, to review their notes, and to plan the next steps.
As they flew over the vast, clear lands of Nunavut, they couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The connections they’ve made, the stories they heard, and the insights they gained would all play a crucial role in shaping the future of their renewable energy projects. It was a journey of discovery, connection, and collaboration—a journey that would continue as they worked to bring sustainable energy to the Kivalliq region.
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 (NEC)
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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