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Toronto conference to explore how First Nation, Inuit and Métis can benefit from sustainable power projects

Vancouver, BC – October 08, 2010 – First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities are increasingly taking leadership roles in developing community-owned energy projects on their traditional lands. It is through capacity building and resource development that these communities can build a solid, sustainable economic foundation. Power projects provide much needed non-government revenue that can be invested in the community infrastructure and programs.

The Pic River First Nation has three hydroelectric generating stations – the most recent being the Twin Falls hydro electric plant which the community of 964 on and off reserve residents purchased in 2010. The Pic River First Nation also has been awarded development rights on two additional sites on their traditional waterways.

The community now has $400 million worth of renewable energy projects in various stages of development. Revenue from the hydro proceeds has been invested in a housing projects and education programs. These projects will displace nearly 188,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year of operation and generate enough power to meet the residential needs of 30,000 homes.

“Environmentally sustainable energy projects are one of the keys to opening the door to economic independence for Aboriginal communities,” says Bob Joseph, President and CEO of the National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association. Mr. Joseph is just one of many presenters participating in the Aboriginal Energy and Power Conference October 12-14 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel who will discuss how Aboriginal communities can benefit from partnerships in the burgeoning renewable energy industry.

The conference theme is “Setting the Table” and the goal is to bring together the deal makers – Aboriginal leaders, resource developers, financiers, regulators and legal experts. It is a unique opportunity for these groups to meet and build relationships that can lead to mutually beneficial energy and power agreements. 

Speakers include:

• Ian D. Anderson, President, Kinder Morgan Canada;
• Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini, Serpent River First Nation & Lake Huron Regional Grand Chief;
• Joe Heil, Director, Aboriginal Relations, Ontario Power Generation;
• Chief Patrick Waddilove, Munasee-Delaware Nation;
• Karen Clarke-Whistler, Chief Environmental Officer, TD Bank Financial Group;
• Paul Kariya, Executive Director, Clean Energy Association of BC;
• Jack Blacksmith, President & Chairman, Cree Regional Economic Enterprises (CREEco);
• Peter Bettle, Vice President, Project Development, Transmission, Brookfield Renewable Power;
• Sid Quinn, shíshálh nation;
• Donald McInnes,Vice-Chair & CEO, Plutonic Power Corporation; and
• Peter Gregg, Senior Vice President, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Hydro One Networks Inc.

Click here to view the Conference speaker and session chair biographies (opens in new window).

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For additional conference information, media registration and to schedule intereviews, please contact: Bob Joseph at 1 604 619-4720 or Dan Jepsen at 1 604 818-7878.

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Calibre of 2010 Conference Speakers and Session Chairs attracting international interest

Vancouver, BC – October 07, 2010 - The calibre and expertise of speakers and session chairs presenting at next week’s 1st Annual Aboriginal Energy and Power Conference is attracting international interest from delegates, exhibitors and the media.

“We’ve been fielding calls and emails galore from North and South America, New Zealand and other locales,” reports National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association chairman and corporate secretary Dan Jepsen. “I’m delighted at the response and grateful to our respected conference speakers and session chairs for agreeing to present at our inaugural event.”

“There’s still time to register,” adds Dan. “Complete information is available on our website and I encourage people to act today and not miss attending what will be an information-packed and idea-generating event.”

Click here or on the image below to view the speaker and session chair biographies (opens in new window):

About the National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association

The National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association mission is to contribute to the advancement of economic development through support, facilitation, and promotion of an economically and environmentally sustainable Aboriginal energy and power sector. The Association will deliver an annual conference focused on the power production, transmission, and oil and gas sectors with a key focus on Aboriginal community engagement and business development. The annual conference will provide unique opportunities to share information and provide a broad scope of networking opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples, energy and power companies and governments. The annual conference will focus on the positive exchange of knowledge and information related to energy production, transmission, and oil and gas development and operation that balances social, economic and environmental needs through inclusive processes.

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Media contacts: Bob Joseph at 1 604 619-4720 or Dan Jepsen at 1 604 818-7878.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inaugural Aboriginal Energy and Power Conference gaining  support and endorsement from sponsors

Vancouver, BC – October 05, 2010 - Business and government are showing strong strong support for the first annual Aboriginal Energy and Power conference taking place October 12 to 14 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

“We are grateful to those sponsors who have come on board in support of our first annual conference,” says National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association president and chief executive officer Bob Joseph. “These companies share our belief that this event will help facilitate the advancement of economic development through an environmentally sustainable Aboriginal energy and power sector.”

Conference sponsors to date include:

Hydro One Networks Inc
Kinder Morgan Canada
Northern Ontario Heritage Development Corporation
Ontario Power Generation
TD Bank Financial Group
Terasen Gas
TransAlta

The two-day, national conference and trade show features speakers from the energy and power sector and  Aboriginal communities that have developed innovative, proactive partnerships with the energy sector.

For additional information, visit www.naepa.ca

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Media contacts: Bob Joseph at 1 604 619-4720 or Dan Jepsen at 1 604 818-7878.

Sponsorship contact: Ian Tait at 1 888 986-4055 Extension 3 or ian@naepa.ca

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National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association Management Team Announced

Vancouver, BC – February 26, 2010 – The National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association is pleased to announce its senior management team.

Robert (Bob) Joseph, has been retained as President and Chief Executive Officer
Dan M. Jepsen, RPF has joined as Chairman and Corporate Secretary
P. Jerry Asp has joined as Senior Vice President

Bob Joseph is son of a hereditary Chief and member of the Gwa-wa-aineuk Nation located in coastal British Columbia. Bob is co-founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., a certified master trainer and former associate professor in the Indigenous Corporate Relations Program at Royal Roads University. Bob has been intimately involved for the past 19 years in training, education and awareness programs targeted at working effectively with Aboriginal Peoples. Bob has extensive hands on experience in the resource sector with specific expertise in hydro generation and transmission sector as a past senior staff member of BC Hydro. “Bob is a staunch believer in the need for economic independence for all Aboriginal peoples,” says Jepsen. “Bob brings a unique perspective based on his own experiences – a perspective sought by Indigenous peoples, companies and governments worldwide.”

Dan Jepsen is the former President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC), co-author of the bestseller Mineral Exploration, Mining and Aboriginal Community Engagement: A Guidebook, and former Manager, Aboriginal Affairs and Environment for one of British Columbia’s largest forestry companies. Dan maintains his role as Chairman and CEO of C3 Alliance Corporation, a private company that works closely with Indigenous peoples, governments and business. “Dan’s vast experience in association management and governance, and over 25 years of conference planning and execution will be the cornerstone of our association and of our annual conference,” says Joseph.

Jerry Asp is the founder and Vice President of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association (CAMA), former chief of the Tahltan First Nation, founder of the Tahltan Nation Development Corp., and President of C3 Alliance Corp. “Jerry has devoted much of his career to raising awareness of the need for economic independence for all Aboriginal peoples, here in Canada and around the world,” says Joseph. “Jerry’s depth of experience in business development, conference planning and international reputation is invaluable.”

About the National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association

The National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association mission is to contribute to the advancement of economic development through support, facilitation, and promotion of an economically and environmentally sustainable Aboriginal energy and power sector. The Association will deliver an annual conference focused on the power production, transmission, and oil and gas sectors with a key focus on Aboriginal community engagement and business development. The annual conference will provide unique opportunities to share information and provide a broad scope of networking opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples, energy and power companies and governments. The annual conference will focus on the positive exchange of knowledge and information related to energy production, transmission, and oil and gas development and operation that balances social, economic and environmental needs through inclusive processes.

For additional information, please visit www.naepa.com

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Media contacts: Bob Joseph at 1 604 619-4720 or Dan Jepsen at 1 604 818-7878.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcing the launch of the National Aboriginal Energy & Power Association

Vancouver, BC – February 24, 2010 - The National Aboriginal Energy & Power Association (NAEPA) will act as a resource and guide for Aboriginal groups across Canada to better understand and realize the economic potential of power and energy development within their traditional territories.

Founded by Bob Joseph, Dan M. Jepsen and Jerry Asp in January 2010, the Association will deliver an annual national conference focused on the power production, transmission, and oil and gas sectors with a key focus on positive and respectful Aboriginal community engagement, government and utility outreach, and relations and business development.

Canada has a wealth of power and energy resources and huge untapped opportunities for Aboriginal communities to capitalize on the economic potential of this sector. NAEPA will facilitate the advancement of economic development through support and promotion of an economically and environmentally sustainable Aboriginal energy and power sector.

Bob Joseph, son of a hereditary Chief and member of the Gwa-wa-aineuk Nation, is the Association President and Chief Executive Officer. Bob has been intimately involved for the past 25 years in training, education and cultural awareness programs targeted at working effectively with Aboriginal Peoples.  Joseph has extensive hands on experience in the resource sector with specific expertise in hydro generation and transmission sector as a past senior staff member of BC Hydro.  Joseph said, “The energy and power sector represents a great source of economic opportunities for Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples. NAEPA has received outstanding support from Aboriginal groups, major utilities and the power and oil and gas sectors to create the Association.”  Joseph went on to say, “the Aboriginal Energy and Power Association will focus on encouraging positive and collaborative approaches to energy and power development that respect Aboriginal culture and heritage, maintain high environmental standards and deliver opportunities to foster community stability and prosperity.”

NAEPA was formed due to an expressed need by Aboriginal communities to encourage the creation of an Aboriginal managed association focused on power production, transmission and oil and gas.

Dan M. Jepsen has joined NAEPA as Chairman and Corporate Secretary and will apply his 30 years of Association and Conference Management skills to achieve the Association’s mission.  Dan said, “I’m very pleased to join NAEPA, there is an obvious need and a strong interest for the creation of this national association to support relationships based on mutual respect and trust, and open and frank sharing of information and ideas.  The Association’s annual national conference will focus on sharing the many opportunities and success stories of aboriginal communities, governments and the energy and power sector working together in a positive, respectful and mutually beneficial manner.”

Jepsen is the former President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC), co-author of the bestseller Mineral Exploration, Mining and Aboriginal Community Engagement: A Guidebook, and former Manager, Aboriginal Affairs and Environment for one of British Columbia’s largest forestry companies.

Canada’s history is littered with examples of how to not develop its resources in terms of recognizing Aboriginal Peoples as key players or respecting their unique relationship with the land and its resources. The formation of the National Aboriginal Energy & Power Association is a solid step towards ensuring a healthy, prosperous, respectful and dynamic, Aboriginal energy and power sector.

About the National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association

The National Aboriginal Energy and Power Association’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of economic development through support, facilitation, and promotion of an economically and environmentally sustainable Aboriginal energy and power sector. The Association will deliver an annual national conference focused on the power production, transmission, and oil and gas sectors with a key focus on positive Aboriginal community engagement and business development.  The national annual conference will enable delegates, speakers and sponsors to share information and provide a broad scope of networking opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples, energy and power companies and governments. The conference will focus on the positive exchange of knowledge and information related to energy production, transmission, and oil and gas development and operation that balances social, economic and environmental needs through inclusive processes.

Plans for the Association’s first annual conference are well under way and will be hosted October 12 to 14th, 2010.

For additional information, please visit www.naepa.com

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Media contacts: Bob Joseph at 1 604 619-4720 or Dan Jepsen at 1 604 818-7878.