Kehewin looks at Alternative Energy

The Honourable Richard Feehan, Minister of Indigenous Relations, had the opportunity to tour Kehewin Cree Nation and sit down for a round table discussion with Chief, Council, Elders, and community program representatives, on Monday. One topic discussed with the Minister was the importance of finding alternative energy sources, and community initiatives to use solar panels to power some of the communities most important facilities; including the band office and the schools.

Preston Huppie, Education Manager for Kehewin Cree Nation, spoke to the solar panel initiative, “one of the initiatives coming from the Alberta Government is the solar panel project. For First Nations, this is a good project that we initiated this year. What we’re trying to do, is put a solar panel on our high school and our band office.” Huppie explains a company, Grid Works Energy Corp, has assessed the buildings and have determined they are good to go for solar panels.

Minister Feehan commended Chief and Council for the initiative, “I really think [Kehewin] is heading in the right direction. The Government has a vision of exactly where we want to go and I think Kehewin shares that (vision). I appreciate that [Kehewin] has already made steps in the right direction.”

A quote on costs has been received by Kehewin, from Grid Works. Huppie explains funding will be split between the Province and outside funding, “60 percent of the funding is going to come from Alberta and the other 40 percent will come from other funds, or in kind funds.”

“It is a very good initiative, especially for us, when looking at wanting to go to a more environmentally friendly practice. Not only for our students, but also for our community,” Huppie explains plans are in the works to design a student program. “For our students to look at solar panels projects and modules, and get credits for that. At the same time, get the community trained in maintaining solar panels and start to maintain ours and eventually, the whole community.” Huppie sees expansion and growth of this project, “perhaps one day we can put solar panels on all of the houses and save money that way.”

“Ultimately, the climate change initiative is about the earth,” Minister Feehan explains the Government’s driving force behind exploring alternative energy sources, “we do want employment to out of it, we do want electrical bills to go down. But, whatever we do, we have to be able to demonstrate that we’re cleaning up the earth. We’re not polluting. That’s always going to be our number one issue. I believe Chief Joly, and all of [Council] are very nicely aligned with us.”

Councillor for Kehewin, Benjamin Badger praised Minister Feehan for the Government’s work in promoting alternative energy and more environmentally friendly practices, “it’s honourable what your team is doing. It’s hard, I imagine you get a lot of push-back; especially in Alberta. In Kehewin, we’re trying to think about diversifying and how that aligns with our morals and ethics. Not only as Canadians, but humans on this earth, we have a responsibility to care for the earth. I admire our Chief in supporting our Councillors. Solar has been a big thing for me and something I’ve pushed for, since I’ve got in (Council).”

“It’s going to save us a lot for energy costs for our community, our school and our budget. We always want to make sure our budget is going to work, year in to year out. It’s going to give us an idea of how we can be environmentally friendly and train for the future,” Huppie sees the ability for Kehewin to one day be green leaders.  There are plans for a new elementary school to be built in Kehewin in 2017, with plans to incorporate a solar panel in the build.

Minister Feehan suggested that Kehewin look into the Alberta Indigenous Community Energy Program, can help pay for an assessment of the community. The Minister also suggested looking into bio mass and the Pan Canadian Initiative from the Federal Government.