Interactive Workshops – Workshop 3: Reconciliation in Action: Building Relationships, Respect, and Resilience in the Energy Sector
June 11 @ 8:30 am - 12:30 pm EDT
Join us for a half-day workshop designed for energy professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives and enhance their engagement with First Nations communities. Grounded in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, the session provides space for honest reflection, practical learning, and skill-building rooted in both Indigenous and Western worldviews.
Through interactive exercises, case studies, and guided discussions, participants will:
- Gain insights into the current realities of First Nations communities concerning energy usage, including the impacts of access and infrastructure.
- Explore systemic barriers such as housing, policy, and capacity that affect energy equity.
- Identify personal and organizational biases and blind spots that may hinder meaningful engagement.
- Learn cultural humility and allyship practices that build trust and foster long-term relationships.
Participants will leave with:
- A certificate of participation outlining the core competencies addressed during the session
- A personalized action plan with practical, achievable steps to advance reconciliation and energy equity.
- A deeper understanding of how to show up differently and more effectively as partners to Indigenous communities.
This is not a lecture or a compliance exercise. It’s a professionally facilitated, reflective, and practical workshop designed to shift how energy professionals can do meaningful work in and with Indigenous communities.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Workshop Facilitation
Facilitators: Adam McLaren: Boozhoo! Adam McLaren n’dizhnikaaz, Neyaashiinigmiing n’doonjibaa, waabsheshii n’doodem.
Adam is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. He is a dedicated father, grounded by community and family. Although he has no formal post-secondary education, Adam has used his cultural teachings, lived experience and the guidance of incredible mentors to move through life and work.
About Ishkoday: Ishkoday, meaning “flame” in Oji-Cree, was founded in 2023 by the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association (ONWAA) to support energy sustainability, accessibility, and affordability in First Nations communities. Born from decades of experience delivering low-income energy programs and responding to the impacts of unsafe housing, Ishkoday provides grassroots, culturally grounded solutions to advance energy justice in and with First Nations communities.