Co-Development
Nunavut has a long history of Southern groups coming into communities and doing what they think is best. We have seen time and again how this approach does not work.
Typically, a project is developed behind closed doors until the very end when it’s time to present a finished concept to the regulatory bodies. Only then are Inuit consulted and asked for feedback. That’s not how we operate at NNC.
Our approach is to work collaboratively from the very beginning.
At NNC, we see a direct connection between renewable energy co-development, and economic reconciliation with Inuit. One way we can start to repair some of the harms of the past is by shaping and building projects together; doing it in a way that has a smaller impact on the land and brings a steady flow of profits to Inuit. We want to empower communities to be project drivers; to lead us in the direction they want to go, and use renewable energy development as a tool to strengthen Inuit sovereignty.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the Rights of Nunavummiut and the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). As a fully Inuit-owned renewable energy developer, NNC takes this even further. From deciding which project best suits the community to the first day shovels are in the ground – absolutely nothing moves forward without a strong majority’s approval from community members.
We know that communities have many competing priorities, with limited staff and budget. All the work that goes into developing a renewable energy project can put a large strain on Hamlet resources. To make it easier, NNC promotes a regional-community ownership structure. This way, communities can lead projects that respect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and maximize benefits to Inuit, without the administrative strain. We want to help your community’s renewable energy vision become a reality.