Ile-a-la-Crosse Community Embraces Solar Power, Inspires Youth

Strategic Insights -

The community of Ile-a-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, has taken a significant step towards becoming more self-sufficient by embracing solar power. High school students recently completed a project to install solar panels, courtesy of W Dusk Energy, an Indigenous energy company from British Columbia. The panels will power the school's greenhouse, providing a hands-on learning experience for the students. This initiative is part of a larger effort to diversify the community's economy and become more resilient in the face of food insecurity and other challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The community of Ile-a-la-Crosse has installed solar panels, courtesy of W Dusk Energy, to power the school's greenhouse.
  • High school students took an active role in the project, gaining hands-on experience in solar power and renewable energy.
  • The project is part of a broader effort to bring solar power infrastructure to the community, a goal that has been pursued for the past five years.
  • Mayor Duane Favel hopes the project will inspire students to pursue careers in solar power and renewable energy.
  • The community is also working to diversify its economy and become more self-sufficient, with a focus on food sovereignty and regrowth programs.
  • Historically, families in the community had gardens and understood the importance of growing their own food, but this knowledge has been lost over time.
  • The community aims to reintroduce gardening skills and knowledge to the younger generation through backyard gardens and a horticulture class.

Statistics:

  • 5 years: The amount of time the community has been working on bringing solar power infrastructure to the community.
  • Past 5 years: The time period during which the community has been trying to diversify its economy and become more self-sufficient.

Sources:

  • "Community of Ile-a-la-Crosse Embracing Solar Power". Global News.