FNEMC EPS Update
My Name is c̓ḷ́q̓ḷá t̓út̓u̓a Crystal Dixon from the Heiltsuk Nation. I have worked for the First Nations Energy and Mining Council as the Energy Program Specialist since October 17,2021. I have been working in partnership with BC Hydro and Fortis BC to develop and support capacity building for Nations within BC. Our partners have provided a supportive pathway to guiding this position to suit my skill set.
FNEMC and our partners have developed a process to support the Energy Program Specialist (EPS) position for success by providing mentorship with the utilities and two mentors; one for policy and guidance and one with communications and facilitation. I have been very interested in what effective community engagement looks like with institutions and First Nations.
I have been encouraged to look at multiple dynamics, for example: How do Nations engage with institutions in protection of the land, waters, and animals. How do we utilize our traditional knowledge and transfer of knowledge within our Nations? Through these questions I intend to focus on increasing First Nation voices in the rooms and through that method, increase our learning with partners who are committed to enhancing our people’s knowledge of the systems they work within.
I also intend to support growing the knowledge base to assist First Nations in incorporating the laws of our ancestors. With the focus to assist BC First Nations Communities with capacity building, as I create space for learning, I will also be working on getting to know the program partners funding opportunities. As we all know the complexities of some programs, this may take some time.
The vision for the future I would like to keep in mind is creating space for First Nations to elevate the messages collectively by creating opportunities to share our stories, experiences and to transfer our way of life and shared values with the utilities and corporations for a common understanding of our way of life.
FNEMC Information Sessions
Over the past year, we delivered several key sessions and initiatives to support Nations with clear, accessible information on energy programs, regulatory processes, and emerging opportunities.
In June we hosted an RNG 101 session that introduced the fundamentals of Renewable Natural Gas, including the potential benefits and opportunities for Nations. The FNEMC RNG Discussion Paper was shared as part of this session, with coordination from Fortis’ Kris Feeney. As a follow up to conversations there was interest in hearing from the community engagement perspective with the Nation.
We also delivered a follow-up session on the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). This included an Indigenous intern panel held in July, focused on First Nations involvement in the regulatory process, the BCUC’s role in assessing the adequacy of Consultation, as well as some of the steps that the BCUC is taking to support reconciliation.
In June, we launched a two-part introduction to the integrated Partners in Indigenous Energy Efficiency and Resilience (PIEER) program. These sessions were offered to two groups—Housing Administrators, and Chief & Council—to support tailored learning and engagement.
Finally, we would like to coordinate with FortisBC on an information session centered on Nation-to-Nation sharing, RNG, and the Dual Fuel Offer.
Survey – FNEMC Information Sessions
Key questions we would like to engage with you on include:
Are interested in virtual information sessions, and
What you would like to learn about?
Please participate by clicking on the Google Form Survey:
Towards Sustainable RNG Project Development for First Nations in British Columbia
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) offers First Nations a practical pathway to clean energy, reduced emissions, and stronger local economies. By converting organic waste into low-carbon fuel, communities can improve waste management, cut diesel use, and create jobs.
Small modular systems now make community-scale RNG projects more affordable and flexible, while partnerships with utilities like FortisBC can provide technical support and long-term purchase agreements. Strong Indigenous environmental oversight ensures projects protect land, water, and air.
The report outlines financial tools to assess project viability and stresses the need to properly value First Nations’ land, feedstock, and governance in partnership models. A key barrier is limited funding for early-stage studies, highlighting the need for increased provincial and federal support.
RNG can significantly contribute to Canada’s climate goals, and First Nations are well positioned to lead this transition—on their own terms, with long-term environmental and economic benefits for their communities.
Further Reading:
Get in Touch
For further information, please reach out to us at: crystal.dixon@fnemc.ca
Phone: 778-875-7426