2024 Haida Gwaii Renewable Energy Symposium

SAVE THE DATE!
September 21 + 22, 2024

More updates to come!

 
 
 

2023 Haida Gwaii Renewable Energy Symposium

March 11 + 12, 2023

“On a cold and snowy morning, five years after the first Renewable Energy Symposium in Gaw Tlagée, enthusiastic Islanders arrived at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay for the second Renewable Energy Symposium…

The purpose of the two day gathering was to offer a space to come together, share information and bring forward Island-wide climate awareness. By celebrating the work that we have accomplished and focusing on the work ahead, the people of Haida Gwaii were invited to set goals to inspire individual and collective action.”

 
 

Keynote presentation

 
 
 

2018 Renewable Energy Symposium 

“On September 29 and 30, 2018 an impressive 160 people gathered at Gaw Tlagée Old Masset to talk power.

The Haida Gwaii Renewable Energy Symposium was co-hosted by the Council of the Haida Nation and Swiilawiid Sustainability Society had informed presentations and a strong showing of support for unplugging the extension cord to fossil fuels.” – Michael Nicoll Yagulaans, Symposium MC

 
 

Organizing team huddle with Facilitator Gid Uuwans Dana Moraes, MC Michael Nicoll Yagulaanas and K’aahlt’aa Haanas.

Rights and Responsibilities in a Changing Climate (Kii’ijuus Barb Wilson)

Discussing food sovereignty with Jisgang Nika Collison

 

Three themes emerged at the Symposium that continue to guide Swiilawiid’s values and mission: 

  • We need to chart a different course because we know what kind of energy we don’t want (that’s fossil fuels) 

  • Haida citizens and all Island communities can look to the past to lead us into the future

  • Local ownership and control is a must

 
 

“To get off diesel is something we can do proactively instead of just fighting against something...We’ve got to look after this place and hopefully other people look after their corner of the world...We’ve got to make that shift away from diesel to the energy sources around us.”

– Jaalen Edenshaw, Haida Gwaii Renewable Energy Symposium (2018)