Agenda
Day One
- Welcome and Land Acknowledgement and Hoop Dancer Performance
- Welcome Song - Smoke Trail Singers | Drumming
- Dance Performance - Red Sky Performance | Contemporary Dance Performance
As Canada reimagines its energy future, Indigenous Nations are shaping the power generation landscape and making choices that will shape our energy mix for years to come. This panel brings together leaders from utilities, community-owned power, and advocacy organizations to discuss how Northern, remote, and off-grid communities will drive the transition to sustainable, sovereign energy systems.
Includes optional drop-in activity: Designated tables for IESO Ask Me Anything – chance to connect and ask questions of IESO staff
Despite frequent references to consultation and consent, many Indigenous communities remain excluded from early, informed decision-making. This session unpacks how Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is being applied or misapplied in energy and infrastructure projects. Drawing on recent legislation like Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5, panelists will explore practical gaps, legal interpretations, and what meaningful consent really requires.
As Indigenous communities increasingly pursue equity stakes in energy and infrastructure projects, the need for strong internal governance, risk management, and negotiation readiness has never been greater. This panel explores how Nations can structure major project partnerships to ensure long-term benefit, maintain control, and protect community priorities.
Contemporary Dance - Red Sky Performance
An informal evening gathering to continue conversations and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. Light refreshments will be provided.
Day Two
- Welcoming Remarks and Introduction
The National Indigenous Electrification Strategy (NIES) is Canada’s first Indigenous-led roadmap to accelerate clean power development, expand transmission, and ensure Indigenous Nations lead in the build out of clean electricity infrastructure. This panel explores how Indigenous nations can align local priorities with the NIES to strengthen energy sovereignty, secure equitable ownership, and shape the future of Canada’s electricity system.
This session will spotlight Indigenous communities that are actively invested in renewable energy solutions. Speakers will share real project experiences: what made them possible, what barriers they faced, and how these efforts align with long-term visions of energy sovereignty.
This panel will bring together Community Energy Champions (CECs) leading innovative projects in areas such as renewable generation, conservation, and energy efficiency. Speakers will spotlight community-led solutions, sharing stories that highlight their roles, their areas of greatest impact and learning, and possibilities for the future of CECs in today’s evolving energy landscape.
Tribal Councils play a vital role in shaping the future of Indigenous energy leadership. This panel will explore how councils are driving local-to-regional energy planning, advancing partnerships, and supporting member Nations in pursuing sovereignty, capacity building, and clean energy development.
- Performances
- Red Sky Performance
- Buffalo Charging