Young Indigenous leaders from across Canada gathered in Iqaluit for the SevenGen Energy Summit, where they discussed clean energy solutions and climate action rooted in traditional knowledge.
Jamin Mike reports for The Narwhal.
In short:
- Indigenous youth participated in workshops and panels focusing on clean energy, food sovereignty and water issues at the SevenGen summit.
- Arctic communities face immediate climate impacts, despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, spurring urgent collaboration for clean energy.
- The event emphasized family, community and Indigenous teachings as key to driving energy transitions and climate resilience.
Key quote:
“Folk here in the North are contributing the least to [greenhouse gas emissions], but are facing the most impacts from the global south.”
— Mihskakwan James Harper, co-chair of SevenGen
Why this matters:
Northern communities face rapid warming and heavy reliance on unsustainable diesel fuel. Advocates say Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives offer a pathway to reducing emissions, preserving culture and creating new jobs in these regions.
Related: Op-ed: Ending toxic threats to Alaska from plastics and petrochemicals
