ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the disconnects between theory and practice in energy planning for First Nation communities. Geographically remote locations, absence of all-season roads, off-grid status, diesel dependency and lack of alternative energy access causes energy insecurities along with economic, social, and local environmental problems for the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Nation communities in northwestern Ontario. The chapter examines community insights on local energy planning to elicit drivers and determinants for a conceptual, bottom-up energy planning framework. Sources on energy planning in urban settings were excluded since the context of the chapter focuses on remote communities. Based on interview responses, researcher's observations, and the conceptual framework, the following recommendations are proposed: The overarching purpose of the chapter was to bridge the knowledge gap about socio-cultural requirements for energy planning and to advance academic literature on indigenous perspectives on energy planning. The process involves selecting the problems to be resolved, developing a strategy for resolution, implementing interventions and resolving the problems.
