Over the last couple of years, the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC) has been busy. We've stepped up our game in networking and making our voice heard on bigger stages, all to push for sustainable development and better opportunities for Indigenous communities. It’s been a period where our ongoing efforts to connect and advocate have picked up pace, bringing us into crucial conversations about renewable energy and economic growth across Canada.
Making Connections That Matter
Starting in 2023, we found ourselves at a series of influential business conferences. From the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA) National Conference to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) in Halifax, we weren’t just there to listen; we were there to engage, share our projects like the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm and learn from others. These events allow MMBC to build relationships, swap ideas, and explore ways to work together for mutual growth.
Raising Our Voice for Fairness
In 2024, we have kept up. So far, we have made our way to the "Cleantech ITC Lobby Day" organized by CanREA in Ottawa with a clear goal: to advocate for changes to ensure Indigenous groups get a fair shake in the renewable energy sector. We talked about making tax credit rules more equitable, aiming to level the playing field for businesses like ours in the green energy transition. Our efforts involved making a tangible difference for our communities and leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
Learning and Sharing at Conferences
Our CEO led the 2024 AQPER Conference, guiding a session on the skills needed for the green economy's future. But that was just one part of a broader agenda that delved into Québec's energy future, from biofuels for cleaner transport to integrating more wind power into Québec by 2035. By participating in these discussions, MMBC wasn’t just contributing our perspective; we were also soaking up new ideas and strategies to bring back home.
Advocating for What’s Right
Our advocacy work continued with sessions on National Benefits-Sharing Frameworks in Wendake, where we pushed for frameworks ensuring that Indigenous communities see real benefits from energy projects. It was about ensuring that as we move towards greener energy solutions, we do so in a fair and inclusive way.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on 2023 and 2024, these are just some of the networking events our team has participated in, and it’s clear that our active role in these conferences and advocacy efforts has been crucial in bringing more inclusive and sustainable energy policies to the forefront. Our involvement in these forums underscores our dedication to driving sustainable development and ensuring that Indigenous rights and economic empowerment remain part of the national conversation. As we look ahead, the connections we’ve made and insights gained during these years are invaluable fuel for MMBC’s mission to pave a greener, more equitable future.
Enhancing economic opportunities and community well-being for the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi.
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