Vancouver, BC – May 27, 2025 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) concluded its flagship conference, Generate 2025, earlier this month with a celebration of Indigenous leadership, policy progress, and clean energy excellence. More than 500 participants from Indigenous Nations, industry, and government gathered over two days of panels, strategic dialogue, and connection highlighted by the launch of CEBC’s new First Nations Steering Committee and the presentation of the 2025 CEBC Clean Energy Awards. 

Held in Vancouver on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Generate 2025 reinforced CEBC’s commitment to collaboration, reconciliation, and accelerating the clean energy transition in British Columbia.

This year’s conference featured remarks from the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, who praised CEBC’s role in uniting government, First Nations, and clean energy leaders. “It is an important time for the partnership between government and Clean Energy BC,” Minister Dix stated. Reflecting on his keynote at CEBC’s First Nations Energy Summit in December, he highlighted the urgency of energy self-sufficiency and climate leadership. “This is the largest shift towards clean energy the province has ever seen—bigger than any other jurisdiction in Canada. It’s a statement to all of you who have worked so hard at Clean Energy BC.” He offered special recognition to Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, CEBC Executive Director, calling him “a provincial leader in clean energy” and thanking him for his insights and support. Minister Dix also confirmed that early 2026 remains the target for the next round of electricity purchase agreements and emphasized the importance of collaboration, investment, and decisive action as B.C. continues to scale up renewable energy.

Launch of CEBC’s First Nations Steering Committee

One of the most anticipated announcements of Generate 2025 was the official launch of CEBC’s First Nations Steering Committee, a new initiative designed to provide policy guidance, foster Nation-to-Nation collaboration, and support capacity building for Indigenous communities participating in clean energy.

“This initiative builds on the vision of former CEBC Board Chair Judith Sayers and marks a formal step in strengthening First Nations direction in the sector,” said Stephen Rayner, CEBC Board Chair. “We’re honoured to have Chief Chris Roberts as the inaugural Chair and Tricia Thomas as the committee’s facilitator.” Nations interested in joining are encouraged to contact CEBC. More information will be shared in the days ahead.

2025 CEBC Clean Energy Award Winners

Presented midday on Day 2, the Clean Energy Awards celebrated leadership, innovation, and community-driven success across B.C.’s clean energy landscape.

  • Project Excellence Award – quA-ymn Solar Limited Partnership
    Owned by shQUAQUAsh Energy Limited Partnership (Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council) and BluEarth Renewables, the 15 MW quA-ymn Solar Project is British Columbia’s first utility-scale solar facility. Located on reclaimed Highland Valley Copper land, it was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The project demonstrates principled leadership in Indigenous title, jurisdiction, and economic development.
  • Community of the Year Award – Dzawada’enuxw First Nation
    Honoured for its new run-of-river hydro facility on Padakus Creek, which now powers the off-grid village of Gwayi and displaces up to 100 percent of diesel use in high-flow years. The project was guided by community values and led by Nation members, embodying a vision for clean, sustainable energy.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Bert Casavant
    Recognized for decades of leadership as CEO and Plant Manager at Upnit Power. The award was accepted in absentia by former CEBC Chair Judith Sayers.
  • Anitra Paris Female Youth Leadership Award – Kara Wilson
    Celebrated for her contributions as a young woman advancing clean energy solutions in B.C. This award, selected by the Paris family, honours the legacy of Anitra Paris and supports the next generation of female leaders in the sector.
  • Student Scholarship Award – Karrissa Kirkwood
    Thanks to the generous support of Ecofish Research Ltd., A Trinity Consultants Company, CEBC awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Karrissa Kirkwood, a student pursuing post-secondary studies with a focus on clean energy and sustainability.

Join Clean Energy Association of British Columbia

CEBC is committed to supporting the growth of a clean, inclusive, and Indigenous-partnered energy future in British Columbia. To learn more or become a member, visit www.cleanenergybc.org/join.

About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia

For over 30 years, the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) has been the voice of BC’s clean energy sector “advocating for policies and partnerships that advance the transition to a low-carbon future. CEBC represents clean energy developers, First Nations, service providers, academic institutions, and students, fostering collaboration across industry, government, and Indigenous communities. With a focus on economic reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination, CEBC champions clean energy projects that strengthen local economies and protect the environment, helping to build a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all British Columbians.

For further information, please contact:  

Ombrielle Neria

comms@cleanenergybc.org