Youth engagement in community renewable energy in northern and Indigenous communities: Lessons from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Frog Lake First Nation, Canada

Transitioning from centralized, fossil fuel-based energy systems to decentralized renewable energy is critical for addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. Youth are key actors in the global energy transition, but there is limited understanding of the role of youth as energy citizens in rural and remote communities – especially Indigenous communities. This study examines the role of Indigenous youth in community renewable energy transition, drawing on semi-structured interviews with community members from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and Frog Lake First Nation, Alberta, Canada. Results show that notwithstanding the rise of youth engagement in the international energy space, the role of Indigenous youth participation in community energy transition is limited. Facilitating Indigenous youth engagement in local energy transitions requires intentionality, including formal means and opportunities to engage in energy governance; improved understanding of youths' envisioned social value of energy; addressing many of the enduring social challenges that disproportionately impact Indigenous youth; and integrating Indigenous culture and land-based learning in community energy programs and educational initiatives.