THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Executive Council, NAN Chiefs, NAN Tribal Councils, industry, government and other interested parties will gather together later this month for a three-day NAN Chiefs Energy Conference taking place January 31 – February 2, 2012 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, ON.
“We look forward to working with NAN First Nations to assist them in maximizing the energy potential that exists in the North,” said NAN Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit. “With mineral exploration booming in our traditional territories, it is important that there be an adequate energy supply and proper infrastructure in place in order for NAN communities to be full participants in the opportunities that are derived from our natural resources. We hope this Conference will provide a good stage to begin to develop an NAN First Nations Energy Strategy.”
Currently, many NAN First Nations rely on diesel fuel to power their communities which comes at an extremely high cost. The Conference will provide an opportunity for NAN Chiefs to discuss energy issues, share experiences and challenges in meeting community needs, and work together to develop an overall strategic plan for affordable and sustainable electrical energy in the North.
There will also be presentations in the areas of energy needs and diesel dependency, energy distribution and renewable energy, energy and resource development in the Ring of Fire area, and transmission initiatives and planning in NAN territory. Panel speakers include First Nation leaders, federal and provincial government representatives, and industry players.
More information on the NAN Chiefs Energy Conference is available at www.nan.on.ca