ESF had a packed agenda, which provided a lot of learnings and insightful dialogue on energy realities, with representatives from diverse industries and regions of Canada and the world.
- ESF hosted a spotlight panel entitled “Gas Energy at the Forefront of Social Innovation.”
- ESF’s delegation, which included 15 Indigenous leaders from across Canada, met with representatives of G-7 nations to build support among G7 nations to prioritize the discussion and support for liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- ESF’s delegation met with Magatte Wade – Entrepreneur and Thought Leader from Africa – to discuss Indigenous opportunity creation.
Gas Energy at the Forefront of Social Innovation
Moderated by ESF Chair, Shannon Joseph, the panel featured: Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation; Bernadine Coleman, Councillor, O’Chiese First Nation; John Desjarlais, Executive Director, Indigenous Resource Network; and Stephen Buffalo, President and CEO, Indian Resource Council of Canada and Chair, Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation.
Panelists provided real world examples where Indigenous communities and Canadian energy companies have worked together to develop new models for natural gas project development and success. These offer lessons not only for work with Indigenous communities in Canada but Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world. New approaches are about creating value and opportunities for all involved.
“Social Innovation brings Indigenous interests, government and industry interests into alignment for shared benefit. We need further social innovation and further conversations like this to make it happen.”
– John Desjarlais, Executive Director, Indigenous Resource Network
“The energy sector affects so many different aspects for First Nations. It is time for us to work together in partnership on how projects happen, and are maintained. With the Cedar LNG project we have seen it is possible.”
– Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation
“Partnership with energy companies is imperative for Indigenous nations. There is one constant in the equation of energy development – First Nations are not going anywhere. So, developing relationships is important.”
– Stephen Buffalo, President and CEO, Indian Resource Council of Canada
ESF Dialogues with Magatte Wade and G7 Representatives
On May 14, long-standing and new Indigenous leaders in the Energy for a Secure Future network had a great a dialogue on opportunity creation on the sidelines of the conference. They shared insights and experiences with each other and with leaders from Colombia and Senegal, including Magatte Wade, an advocate for affordable and reliable energy access in Africa. A big focus was on translating energy and infrastructure projects into a foundation for prosperity, reconciliation and economic diversification. The dialogue provided an opportunity for leaders to share real world success stories from their communities, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and exchange ideas.
Looking ahead
The International Gas Research Conference was an impactful week for Energy for a Secure Future with great engagement and discussion on energy, social innovation, partnerships, including with international allies. ESF would like to thank the entire delegation, and we look forward to sharing the message of social innovation and smart energy system transformation in our work going forward.
