This era represents an intense increase of colonial industrialization and exploitation built upon cultural and biological genocide of Indigenous peoples throughout the Northwest Coast, including purposefully introduced disease with vaccines withheld, the formation of colonial governments, Indian Act, potlatch ban era and residential schools. Colonial exploration and exploitation of Haida Gwaii’s energy sources begins in the 1850s when Europeans attempt to prospect and mine coal.
Read MoreColonial industries including whaling, logging, mining, fishing and fish processing continue to increase. Coal oil and kerosene lamps provide lighting; boilers fueled by wood or coal provide heat and power, as do water wheels and woodstoves.
Read MoreSmall communities start to be powered by diesel generating stations and for the first time, households on Haida Gwaii are hooked up to the electrical grid.
Read MoreColonial oil and gas exploration continues to increase around Haida Gwaii, as do proposals for large-scale energy projects from off-Island corporations. At the same time, the Haida Nation and neighbours increase efforts to protect Haida Gwaii lands and waters from fossil fuel projects.
Read MoreThe 1980s is a time of increased assertion of Indigenous Rights and Title, as well as environmental protection. The resistance to fossil fuel projects on Haida Gwaii is further fueled by the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill in Alaska.
Read MoreThe south grid on Haida Gwaii is partially powered by hydro for the first time.
Read MoreAs off-Island corporations continue to pitch energy proposals, Haida Gwaii residents increasingly insist that any energy projects must be sustainable and in the best interest of Haida Gwaii.
Read MoreHaida Gwaii continues to fight against energy projects that are not in the interest of the people, lands, or waters of Haida Gwaii. Locally-owned sustainable energy projects begin to grow, such as solar panels on buildings, a tidal-generated power prototype, and small wind power installations. Communities strengthen their commitment to work together to create a diesel-free Haida Gwaii.
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