Power to the People: From a devastating oil spill to solar energy success
The Piitapan Solar Project has brought reliable carbon-free energy to Little Buffalo in Alberta.
Melina Laboucan-Massimo is one of Canada’s leading climate change activists and the host of Power to the People.
Born in Little Buffalo, Alta., Laboucan-Massimo directly experienced the damaging effects of oilsands extraction, which motivated her to create change in her community of the Lubicon Cree.
“Power to the People is about a journey across the country that brings you into communities that are implementing climate solutions from renewable energy, eco-housing, and food security,” Laboucan-Massimo explained.
Laboucan-Massimo, centre, speaking with reporters in Episode 1. (Power to the People)
The Power to the People series documents Laboucan-Massimo’s experiences across Canada as she explores the renewable energy revolution and how it can empower Indigenous communities across Canada, and around the world.
"I think it's so important to shine a spotlight on people, leaders, communities, that are doing things against all odds," Laboucan-Massimo added.
Watch Episode 1 above to learn more about Laboucan-Massimo’s community, the devastation an oil spill can bring, and the 80-panel solar energy system she brought to Little Buffalo.
'We need to be the leaders in our own projects,' said Laboucan-Massimo, who launched a successful solar project on her traditional homelands. (Greg Miller/University of Victoria)
Learn more about The Weather Network’s presentation of Power to the People here. All new episodes will follow in the coming weeks.
Thumbnail image: An oil spill occurred in Little Buffalo, Alta., in 2011 and caused extensive damages to the environment and negative impacts on human health. (Power to the People)
