Reclaiming Power: Indigenous Communities Lead the Way to a Just Energy Future

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A dramatic shift is underway in the global energy transition, and it's being led by Indigenous communities. No longer content to be bystanders or victims of large-scale energy projects, these communities are stepping into roles of leadership and ownership, transforming the conversation from one of extraction to one of empowerment. This movement is rooted in ancestral wisdom and a deep respect for the land, proving that a cleaner energy future can also be a more just and equitable one.

From Extraction to Empowerment: A New Era of Energy

For generations, Indigenous lands have been a prime target for resource extraction, often without the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the people who live there. This has led to environmental damage, loss of traditional territories, and a lack of real power in decision-making. The traditional energy transition model risks continuing this cycle, viewing Indigenous lands as mere locations for renewable energy projects rather than recognizing the people as key partners.

However, a new model is emerging, one that centers on Indigenous rights, co-ownership, and benefit-sharing. This shift is not just about fairness; it's about building more effective, resilient, and sustainable energy systems. When Indigenous leadership is at the forefront, projects are developed with respect for culture, values, and land, ensuring that economic benefits support the entire community—families, education, and future generations—not just corporations.

Global Examples of Indigenous Leadership in Clean Energy

Across the globe, Indigenous communities are demonstrating how to build a clean and just future.

Canada: The Dokis First Nation's Hydroelectric Co-ownership

The Dokis First Nation in Ontario, Canada, is a powerful example of this new model. After decades of advocacy, the community now co-owns a 10-MW hydroelectric facility. This partnership grants them equity participation and benefit-sharing, allowing them to support ecosystem restoration and advance their own economic self-determination. This is a clear demonstration of how rights-based collaboration can deliver clean energy while respecting Indigenous sovereignty.

New Zealand: The Tauhara Māori Trust's Geothermal Partnership

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), the Tauhara Māori Trust has become a significant player in the geothermal energy sector. The trust owns 35% of a major geothermal project and has the right to increase their share to 50%.  This project is developed on the community’s terms, with deep respect for Māori culture, values, and land. The economic benefits directly support their whānau (family) and the well-being of future generations, making it a powerful example of climate solutions rooted in indigenous self-determination.

The Philippines: Community-Led Micro-Hydro Systems

In the Philippines, Indigenous communities are not just participating in energy projects; they are co-creating them. With over 20 community-based micro-hydro systems in the Cordillera and other regions, Indigenous peoples are building their own solutions.  These systems, with a combined capacity of approximately 400 kW, are built with appropriate technology tailored to local needs. They provide clean power to homes, schools, and local livelihoods, bringing local control and resilience to rural areas.

The Path Forward: A Call to Action

These groundbreaking examples show that the energy transition must be a move from taking to sharing, from exclusion to participation, and from imposed projects to Indigenous-led solutions. Major challenges remain, including a lack of FPIC, weak protection of Indigenous rights in clean energy governance, and the risk of digital exclusion in tech-driven energy systems. Without Indigenous leadership and consent, the energy transition risks becoming just another form of extractivism.

As we honor International Indigenous Peoples Day, we are called to center Indigenous rights, share the benefits of a clean energy future, and co-create a truly just and sustainable world. This future, guided by ancestral wisdom and community power, promises to be cleaner, fairer, and more respectful of both the planet and its people. 

Photo from Mongabay

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