Empowering Remote Indigenous Communities with Sustainable Energy Solutions
In late August, we had the privilege of visiting the Fort Chipewyan community in northern Alberta, a region known for its rich Indigenous culture and its geographical isolation. The community is accessible only by ice roads in the winter or by air in the summer, which presents unique challenges for energy efficiency and infrastructure development.
During our week-long visit, we worked closely with Calvin Waquan from Askiy Energy, who has been a champion for clean energy in his community. He previously led a significant solar farm project and is now spearheading efforts to improve housing energy efficiency. Our trip had three primary objectives:
Residential Energy Audits: We conducted 20 residential energy audits in collaboration with Gabriel Nadeau from Nadeau Energy Solutions. These audits identified key inefficiencies in homes, such as poor insulation and outdated windows, and offered solutions for improvement.
Commercial Energy Audits: Former professor Ian Kilborn audited three commercial buildings, including a nearly century-old administrative building and a wellness center with humidity control issues. His findings will help the community improve their energy management.
Youth Engagement with the Heat Loss House Workshop: We hosted a community workshop where youth competed to build the most energy-efficient house models. The winning team of two 16-year-olds was awarded electric scooters, a testament to the community’s commitment to sustainable living.
This holistic approach allowed us to share insights from both residential and commercial audits, enhancing the community's understanding of energy efficiency and empowering them to make informed decisions. It was a unique experience, blending technical work with community engagement, and we are eager to see the continued progress as Fort Chipewyan moves toward a greener, more sustainable future.