just transition

At Sacred Earth, we believe a Just Transition prioritizes BIPOC communities, who are disproportionately impacted by resource extraction, and the impacts of climate change. At this critical moment in history, we must ensure that those who shoulder the highest burden are at the forefront of the movement for a living,
and thriving planet. 

While our world transitions to renewable energy from fossil fuels, it is essential that we are critical and aware of the impacts of “clean” energy so we do not replicate the same system of harms that have been perpetuated from the previous energy era. We are in the midst of the transition, and Indigenous nations and communities are the ones leading it. 

Sacred Earth’s perspective on a just transition is rooted in Indigenous values, emphasizing the integration of ancestral wisdom, respect for Mother Earth, and equitable solutions that honor Indigenous sovereignty and community resilience. For Sacred Earth Solar, a just transition means:

  • Ensuring Indigenous communities lead decision-making processes, given their deep connection to and stewardship of the land.

  • Addressing systemic inequalities by prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities, particularly those most impacted by climate change and environmental degradation.

  • Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into climate and energy solutions, fostering a balance between innovation and sustainability.

  • Opposing partnerships or initiatives tied to extractive industries or entities that perpetuate environmental harm.

  • Supporting local and regional efforts that build energy sovereignty, create green jobs, and strengthen the capacity of Indigenous communities to thrive in the transition to renewable energy.

  • Promoting solutions that restore and maintain a sacred relationship with the environment, ensuring a sustainable and thriving planet for future generations.

Sacred Earth views a just transition as a moral imperative to move away from extractive economies toward systems rooted in reciprocity, regeneration,
and justice.

implementing a just transition

Sacred Earth implements a just transition through a variety of strategies and initiatives grounded in Indigenous leadership, equity, and sustainability. These efforts are designed to empower Indigenous communities, restore the balance between humanity and nature, and build a regenerative future. Here are some key ways Sacred Earth Solar brings a just transition to life:

1. Community-Led Clean Energy and Climate Infrastructure Projects

  • Collaborates with Indigenous communities to design and implement renewable energy solutions, such as solar power installations, that are culturally and environmentally appropriate.

  • Ensures projects prioritize community ownership and energy sovereignty, reducing reliance on external, extractive energy sources.

2. Education and Capacity Building

  • Develops and supports climate and energy literacy programs to empower communities with knowledge about renewable energy, climate justice, and sustainable practices.

  • Offers training in green energy technologies and job creation to ensure communities have the skills needed to thrive in the renewable energy economy.

3. Advocacy and Policy Influence

  • Advocates for policies that uphold Indigenous rights and promote equitable transitions to renewable energy.

  • Works to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into national and international climate policy frameworks.

4. Healing Justice 

  • Invests in projects and programs that improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Indigenous communities, recognizing the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being.

  • Creates opportunities for communities to rebuild resilience through access to healing and culture. 

At Sacred Earth, we believe a Just Transition is when Indigenous communities are leaders in the global movement towards an energy transition, energy systems are sustainable, equitable, and locally controlled, that the Just Transition is not just energy, and that we can restore the relationship between humanity and Mother Earth through practices rooted in reciprocity and respect.

Read the
Just Transition Guide:

This Guide is an offering and a resource for Indigenous Peoples and all who are looking for pathways towards implementing an equitable transition. It contains valuable success stories, real life examples, and important technical information, which together outline the ways communities can move forward through a Just Transition. The climate solutions shared here support the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and languages. Indigenous knowledge creates community resilience in the face of climate change. Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island are featured here, as are the stories of communities at the forefront of transition technologies who are leading the way to a just energy future.

While our world transitions to renewable energy from fossil fuels, it is essential that we are critical and aware of the impacts of “clean” energy so we do not replicate the same system of harms that have been perpetuated from the previous energy era. We are in the midst of the transition, and Indigenous nations and communities are the ones leading it. The Just Transition Guide was made possible by way of a partnership between Sacred Earth Solar (SES), Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) in collaboration with Power to the People and the David Suzuki Foundation. Without the inspiring work of the communities involved, this Guide would not exist. This Guide is intended as a collective resource that ultimately makes it easier for communities to both share and build upon renewable energy knowledge.
It is my hope that the Just Transition Guide will inspire and support the implementation of more climate solutions across Turtle Island in the years to come.

Melina Laboucan-Massimo
Lubicon Cree
Founder, Sacred Earth Solar
Co-Founder, Indigenous Climate Action
Research Fellow, David Suzuki Foundation
Host, Power to the People