Community Energy Transitions Workshop – Faculty of Engineering

Community Energy Transitions Workshop 

Overview

This two-day workshop, hosted by McMaster University and First Nations Power Authority, will bring together researchers and community partners to explore pathways to low-carbon energy security for remote communities. Building on the success of last year’s workshop, the 2025 event will provide opportunities for researchers, community members, and government representatives to discuss innovative projects, partnerships, and initiatives in community energy planning.

The two-day workshop will include talks and break out sessions focussing on:

Statistics

  • Indigenous energy sovereignty and development

  • Frameworks for community engagement on energy planning issues

Statistics

  • Digital twins for microgrids, SMRs, and renewable energy systems

  • Knowledge sharing, training, and mentorship programs for Indigenous youth and community members

Attendees will have the chance to tour the McMaster Nuclear Reactor—Canada’s most powerful research reactor and primary neutron source—as well as other research centers and institutes. Insights gained from these discussions will guide the development of collaborative partnerships, advancing tools and programs that enable communities to evaluate new technologies.

If you have any questions, please contact engresearch@mcmaster.ca

Provisional Agenda

Wednesday, April 30

TimeEvent Details
6:00 – 8:00 PMWelcome Reception at David Braley Health Sciences Centre (Bayview Room, 6th Floor) in Downtown Hamilton

Thursday, May 1  

TimeEvent Details
8:30 – 9:00 AMRegistration & Continental Breakfast at David Braley Health Sciences Centre (2nd Floor) in Downtown Hamilton
9:00 – 9:15 AMOpening: Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
• Rick Monture, Professor, English & Cultural Studies and Indigenous Studies, McMaster University
9:15 – 9:30 AMWelcome Remarks
• Dave Novog, Professor, Engineering Physics, McMaster University
9:30 – 10:10 AMClean Energy and Transition to Net Zero
• Guy Lonechild, CEO, First Nations Power Authority
10:10 – 10:45 AMFireside Chat: Community Benefits and Capacity Building
• Guy Lonechild, CEO, First Nations Power Authority
• Chief Jonathan Pasap, White Bear First Nations
• Moderator: Mikayla Woodward, Clean Energy Intern, First Nations Power Authority
10:45 – 11:00 AMCoffee Break
11:00 – 11:50 AMCreating Pathways: Community Energy Champions
• Elaina Guilmette, Assistant Professor, Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan  
• Dawn Martin-Hill, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology and Indigenous Studies, McMaster University 
• Moderator: Margot Hurlbert, Professor, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina  
11:50 AM – 12:30 PMLunch
12:30 – 1:30 PMDigital Tools for Community Engagement
• Jason Cook-Studer, Community Energy Manager, Lac La Ronge Indian Band  
• Dennis Michaelson,  Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University  
• Michael Carter, Director, Creative Enterprise Hub, Toronto Metropolitan University  
• Moderator: Dave Novog, Professor, Engineering Physics, McMaster University 
1:30 – 1:45 PMOverview of Afternoon Facilities Tours
1:45 – 2:30 PMTravel to Main Campus (transportation provided)
2:30 – 5:30 PMFacilities Tours
• McMaster Integrated Community Energy Harvest Lab
• McMaster Nuclear Facilities
• Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM)
• W.J. McCallion Planetarium
5:30 – 8:00 PMNetworking & Evening Reception at The Buttery, Alumni Memorial Hall (McMaster University)
8:00 – 8:30 PMTravel to Downtown Hamilton/Hotels (transportation provided)

Friday, May 2 

TimeEvent Details
8:30 – 9:00 AMContinental Breakfast at David Braley Health Sciences Centre (2nd Floor) in Downtown Hamilton
9:00 – 9:20 AMElectrons+: A Transformative Approach to Community Energy Planning
• Dave Novog, Professor, Engineering Physics, McMaster University
9:20 – 10:00 AMFireside Chat: The Case for Clean Energy
• Robin Manley, President, Paradymshyft Nuclear Advisory Ltd  
• Jim Cotton, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University 
10:00 – 10:15 AMCoffee Break
10:15 AM – 12:30 PMBreakout Sessions by Theme
• Advancing Indigenous Leadership in Energy  
• Developing Digital Tools for Community Energy Planning  
• Unlocking Community Benefits: Beyond Energy Transitions  
• Expanding Opportunities for Indigenous Youth: Knowledge, Training, and Careers 
12:30 – 1:30 PMLunch
1:30 – 2:30 PMModerated Discussion
• Led by Dave Novog, Professor, Engineering Physics, McMaster University
2:30 – 2:45 PMReflection & Closing
• Rick Monture, Professor, English & Cultural Studies and  Indigenous Studies , McMaster University

REGISTRATION FORM IS NOW CLOSED

Please email Gregor Lawson, Director (lawsong@mcmaster.ca) or Gwenyth Lu, Program Coordinator (lug@mcmaster.ca) if you still need to register.