“It's time for the community to really get off the ground”: Insights of key actors on energy transition in Nunavik Inuit communities

Isolated and remote Indigenous communities of the Arctic are going through an energy transition that has several special features, shaped by the local and national context and self-determination aspirations. As of today, the opposing and congruent positions, visions, and experiences of the different organizations involved in the energy transition remain unclear, complicating the elaboration of adapted policies. In this work, 24 persons from 15 organizations related to the energy supply chain in Nunavik (northern region of the province of Quebec, Canada, inhabited by Inuit) were interviewed. Despite varying levels of optimism regarding the decarbonization of Nunavik, everyone considered the energy transition necessary. Participants revealed several motivations such as increasing energy security, fighting climate change, promoting self-determination, and improving health and wellbeing. Different doubts and preferences regarding how to decarbonize electricity production, space heating and transportation were shared by participants. The main challenges to the energy transition include the climatic and geographical context of Nunavik, lack of financial support, and current regulations and governance. Some energy injustices tied to policies from the South were noted, such as the challenge of finding parts and personnel to maintain oil furnaces banned from the rest of the province. The necessity to position Inuit communities as the cornerstone of the transition was expressed by all. The transition is seen as a unique opportunity to promote self-determination and raise energy awareness. Finally, participants formulated research priority avenues. In particular, ways to determine the overall costs of energy activities (including on health, environment, etc.) are greatly needed. • Semi-structured interviews on energy transition in Nunavik with 15 groups • Energy transition in Nunavik is driven by security, climate and self-determination • Inuit communities must act as central actors rather than passive recipients • There is a critical need to quantify full impacts on health, environment, and cost • Key barriers include remoteness, limited funding and governance complexity