b'CLIMATE CHANGEDiesel storage tanks at Sayisi Dene First Nation. ICE Chair Darrell Brown is working on a wind turbine-solar project that could offset the Nations annual diesel burn by 60 per centif you can get those skills back to people, an unlimited amount of potential exists there for the Indigenous communities.This is already being demonstrated by Catalysts like AJ (Anthony) Esquega, energy projects coordinator for Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek - Gull Bay First Nation, who has helped spearhead Canadas first fully integrated remote renewable-energy-storage microgrid.First Nations Power AuthorityThey launched that microgrid where they would normally [use] a ton of dieselFNPA is receiving an $800,000 investment from every day, and now theyre actually usingthe Government of Canada to create a national electric vehicles and installing chargingIndigenous Advisory Councila positive step toward stations, says Morrison. (For more on the Gull Bay project, see pg. 52) Indigenous inclusion in Canadas energy transition!Another high-profile Catalyst is ChiefSmall Modular Reactors (SMRs)Dana Tizya-Tramm of Yukons Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, the youngest leaderSMRs are nuclear reactors that are smaller than in the First Nations history. A charismatictraditional power plants, and they could be a great figure, Tizya-Tramm is attracting world- step towards climate action and Canadas goal wide attention to his communitys fightto reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Canadas against climate change via solar power.SMR Action Plan is exploring SMRs potential to Theyre taking huge initiatives in termsprovide emissions-free energy for a wide range of climate action, Morrison notes. They have a microgrid as well, and they have aof applications, including electricity generation in partnership with the local utility.remote communities.According to Morrison, the opportunitiesThe Indigenous Advisory Councilare multifold, and Indigenous talent and communities stand to benefit immenselyAs part of the SMR Action Plan, the new Indigenous from the wave of interest in new and inno- Advisory Councilcomposed of First Nations, Mtis vative energy sources. We cant just thinkand Inuit members from across Canadawill allow about those big projects like wind powerIndigenous communities to be more informed about and solar power; there are also opportu- SMRs and their role in addressing key national energy nities for other projects, she says. Bigchallenges, as well as potential opportunities from companies like Costco are looking to buy clean energy. Well, that could bedevelopment and deployment. provided by Indigenous communities.This new partnership between FNPA and the Buying Indigenous clean energy helpsGovernment of Canada will help ensure a coordinated support communities to build their capacity in this space and make decisionsIndigenous leadership voice on SMR development.that are going to help everybody as we move forward.Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT71'