GEO Case assignment

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School

Capilano University *

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Course

435

Subject

Electrical Engineering

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by lohitgoyal451

Week 3 Activity: Energy Landscapes and Indigenous Rights GEO 435 Name – Lohit Goyal Student Id – 100159127 Submitted to – Prof. Heather Chappells Submitted on – October 9, 2023 1

Like many other nations, Canada has a complicated relationship with energy production, particularly as it relates to Indigenous communities. In the past, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately borne the costs of resource extraction and energy delivery to support local and national goals. Human rights have been violated, territory has been lost, cultures have been degraded, and conventional ways of life have been disrupted as a result. However, there have also been instances where Indigenous communities have taken ownership of their energy destinies, engaging in sustainable, community-based projects that are in line with their traditional values and support self-determination. This essay contrasts two case studies: the Site C Dam Project, which exemplifies disempowerment, and the T'Sou-ke Nation Solar Project, which illustrates empowerment. Case Study 1: Disempowering Indigenous Communities - The Site C Dam Project Description of Energy Development : BC Hydro in north-eastern British Columbia, Canada, is the organization behind the Site C Dam project, a sizable hydroelectric development. The project, which started construction in 2015, aims to use the Peace River's power to supply the province with sustainable energy. An area of 9,000 acres along the Peace River is included in the project's spatial scope (Bakker, K. (2019)). Purpose of the Energy Project : The Site C Dam was essential, in the eyes of BC Hydro and the provincial government, for guaranteeing a reliable energy supply and meeting the needs of businesses and households (Bakker, K. (2019)). The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations, in particular, paid a hefty price for this, as did other Indigenous communities. Perspectives of Indigenous Peoples : Native American populations expressed worry over the destruction of traditional hunting and fishing areas, the alteration of wildlife habitats, and the danger to locations that are considered to be important cultural landmarks. Construction of the dam resulted in flooding of regions with enormous cultural and ecological significance, which damaged these populations' traditional way of life. Outcomes of the Project : The Site C Dam Project was finished in spite of objections and legal issues, resulting in the loss of land, cultural heritage, and livelihoods for Indigenous peoples. Although some monetary compensation was given, it was insufficient to remedy the social and environmental impacts (Bakker, K. (2019)). Indigenous concerns were not adequately addressed by attempts at resolution, such as court cases and consultations, leaving the impacted communities with unresolved tensions and difficulties. Case Study 2: Empowering Indigenous Communities - T’Sou-ke Nation Solar Project Description of Energy Development : On the T'Sou-ke Nation Reserve in British Columbia, Canada, on Vancouver Island, there is a community-based solar energy project called the T'Sou-ke Nation Solar Project. The 2008- born project entails the installation of solar panels on infrastructure, houses, and community buildings in order to develop a micro-solar micro-grid on a small scale (nation, 2007). 2

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