Mi'kmaq, Province Generating Clean Energy, New Jobs

Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq and the province are working together to protect the environment, grow the economy and create new jobs through renewable energy.

These partners will come together with other leaders in renewable energy on Wednesday, Nov. 21, for a seminar to explore ways to seize opportunities from emerging Mi'kmaq expertise.

Participants will also learn about requirements and best practices for the duty to consult with Aboriginal peoples about activities that could impact their rights. More than 200 participants are expected to take part in the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, Expanding Traditions Through Renewable Energy learning seminar in Halifax.

"We are working with the Mi'kmaq to support business development and renewable energy projects that will benefit the entire province," said Darrell Dexter, Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "Mi'kmaq expertise is growing, presenting tremendous opportunities to produce more clean energy while creating new jobs."

The Mi'kmaq have developed their own renewable energy strategy to help create new Mi'kmaq companies and wind projects. Mi'kmaq companies have also partnered with other wind companies for the provincial Community Feed in Tariff Program, including projects in Amherst, Millbrook and Membertou.

"Our people have lived off the lands of Nova Scotia for many generations," said Chief Gerard Julian, the assembly's lead chief on energy. "We are now looking forward and expanding our knowledge on how to best preserve and protect these resources by using clean, renewable energy."

These initiatives have positioned the Mi'kmaq as a key player in renewable energy and established them as valuable partners. It sets the groundwork for new partnerships between industry and Mi'kmaq, leading to new opportunities for future renewable energy developments.

The learning seminar offers essential information for industry, consultants, government and non-government organizations, academics, Mi'kmaq organizations, legal professionals, and those who want to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal consultation and partnering with Mi'kmaq in renewable energy

For more information on the seminar, visit http://novascotia.ca/abor/aborlearn/ .

FOR BROADCAST COPY:

Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq and the province are working together to

protect the environment, grow the economy and create new jobs

through renewable energy.

These partners will come together with other leaders in

renewable energy on Wednesday (November 21st) to explore ways to

seize opportunities from emerging Mi'kmaq expertise Mi'kmaq of

Nova Scotia, Expanding Traditions Through Renewable Energy

learning seminar in Halifax.

Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Darrell Dexter

says Mi'kmaq expertise is growing, presenting tremendous

opportunities to produce more clean energy while creating new

jobs.

The Mi'kmaq have developed their own renewable energy

strategy creating new Mi'kmaq companies and wind projects.

Assembly Lead Chief on Energy Gerard Julian says the Mi'kmaq

have lived off the lands of Nova Scotia for many generations and

are expanding their knowledge on how to best preserve and protect

these resources by using clean, renewable energy.