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Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET)

First Nations Utility Study

fnus map
Illustration: Steven Hession

The First Nations Utility Study is a partnership between ACET, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) and the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions (MECS) with the Penticton Indian Band (Snpink’tn), Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, and Quatsino First Nation to advance Indigenous energy sovereignty and equitable clean energy development in B.C.

The study looks at ways participating Nations could successfully develop and operate their own energy utilities. It asks what finances, technologies and policies are needed for these utilities to thrive and then provides a tailored model for each to follow.

The First Nations Utility Study will also review the role that energy utilities have played in the past, while participating First Nations define what utilities mean for their community today.

Through collaboration with the Province of BC and CEBC, this initiative builds on work advanced through the BC Utilities Commission’s Indigenous Utilities Inquiry (2019–2020) and the Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities (ICEO) process (2021 onwards), and supports the Province’s implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. It reflects a shared commitment to reconciliation, First Nations leadership, and the development of economically viable Nation-owned and operated utilities in British Columbia.

Partners

People

ACET

  • Moe Nadeau, Project Manager/First Nations Engagement Lead
  • Basma Majerbi, Principal Investigator Business and Finance Innovation

  • Cecilia Jaques, Climate Action Secretariat Engagement Manager

  • Ali Syed, Researcher
  • Mariia Iakovleva, Researcher

CEBC

  • Ombrielle Neria, Director of Communications & External Relations
  • Jack Magnus, Director of Engagement & Operations
  • Dr. Judith Sayers, Project Advisor
  • Trent Moraes, CEBC Board Member, Project Advisor
  • Chad Norman Day, Project Advisor
  • Nikkayla Gladstone, Administrative Intern

Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions

  • Annika van Roy, Director, Strategic Initiatives
  • Morgan Chandler, Senior Policy Advisor, Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities

Shared Vision

This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration and a shared belief in First Nations leadership as essential to the clean energy future of the province.

Each partner plays a distinct and complementary role:

  • First Nations partners lead the research priorities, define outcomes, and maintain ownership of their data and stories.
  • Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) provides academic and technical leadership through a community-based research approach grounded in reciprocity and respect.
  • Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions (MECS) provides policy alignment and coordination to ensure findings inform future government action.
  • Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) bridges industry, government, and First Nations partners, supporting advocacy, communications, and sector-wide implementation.

Guiding Principles

Nation-led direction. First Nations co-design the goals, approaches and outcomes of this project.

Data sovereignty. Nations maintain ownership of all data they share and receive full access to findings related to their participation.

Collaboration and respect. Each partner contributes distinct expertise while working together toward shared outcomes grounded in mutual respect.

Transparency. Public materials are co-developed and reviewed with Nations prior to publication.

Diversity of models. The study recognizes that there is no single pathway to Indigenous utility development.

Major Milestones

  • November 2023 – First Nations Energy Summit: Provincial and First Nations partners reviewed ICEO findings and discussed pathways for Nations-led utilities to establish a shared commitment to co-develop a working group structure.
  • 2024 – Project Conceptualization: Under the ACET banner, ICEO, the University of Victoria, and supporting organizations came together to co-design the First Nations Utility Study, shaping its vision and intended outcomes. 
  • December 2024: An Expression of Interest was sent out to all BC First Nations through the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and First Nations Energy and Mining Council.
  • August 2025: The Penticton Indian Band (Snpink’tn), Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, Quatsino First Nation we selected out of 19 Expression of Interest submissions by tripartite partners to participate in the Study.
  • December 2025: The First Nation Utility Study is formally announced at the First Nations Energy Summit in Vancouver, B.C. A kick off meeting is hosted by Clean Energy BC with participating First Nations and tripartite partners.
  • 2026 - Research and Model Development: Applied research, policy analysis, and case study development led by the University of Victoria in partnership with participating Nations. 
  • 2026-2027 – Knowledge Sharing and Next Steps: Presentation of findings, including model frameworks, lessons learned, and recommendations for future phases of Indigenous utility development.

About the First Nations

Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation

The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) is part of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw tribal group and the broader Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, whose territory spans the central coast of British Columbia from Wakeman Sound to the waters between Gilford Island and Village Island. Centered at Gwa’yas’dums on Gilford Island, KHFN’s culture and governance are grounded in sustainability, stewardship, and the Kwak’wala language. The Nation continues to exercise sovereignty over its lands and waters, balancing cultural teachings with emerging opportunities in clean energy and sustainable resource management.

Penticton Indian Band (Snpink’tn)

The Penticton Indian Band, or Snpink’tn, is part of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose people have lived within their 69,000-square-kilometre territory since time immemorial. Located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Snpink’tn is guided by the teachings of the Timixʷ and Capti’kʷl, building a thriving, resilient, and self-determining community rooted in language, culture, and stewardship. The Nation is the recognized title and rights holder of its traditional lands and is committed to protecting and managing its territory, people, and culture in alignment with Syilx laws and values.

Quatsino First Nation

The Quatsino First Nation represents the Gwat’sinux, a subgroup of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, whose traditional territory extends throughout the Quatsino Sound region on northern Vancouver Island. As proud descendants of the Gusgimukw, the Quatsino people continue to honour the teachings of their ancestors and the guidance of the Creator. The Nation’s governance and identity are rooted in stewardship, self-determination, and the continuous exercise of inherent rights to their lands and resources, ensuring the protection and prosperity of their community for generations to come.