Before Projects Begin

Exploring context, priorities, and timing before decisions are made.

NIERI supports early, exploratory thinking about energy reliability before projects, funding applications, or technology choices are put forward. This stage is often compressed or skipped, even though it is where governance, priorities, and long-term outcomes are shaped.

This page outlines what that early stage can look like and how NIERI approaches conversations that focus on understanding conditions and timing, rather than moving straight to action or commitments.

Who This Is For

This page may be useful if you are:

• An Indigenous community thinking ahead about energy reliability, including reducing diesel reliance or strengthening backup power over time

• A community leader, technician, or administrator reflecting on future energy needs and decision timing

• A regional or Indigenous organization interested in coordinated planning or shared approaches across communities

• An organization wanting to understand how Indigenous-led, governance-first energy planning can support long-term resilience

• A technology provider, manufacturer, or consultant interested in the principles of Indigenous-governed, technology-neutral planning, without any expectation of access, selection, or procurement

You do not need a finished plan, secured funding, or technical expertise to engage with the ideas described here. This stage is about understanding context and priorities before projects take shape.

What Happens When a Conversation Begins

NIERI begins by listening.

Early conversations are informal and exploratory. They focus on understanding context and timing before any projects, funding applications, or technology choices are considered.

Depending on the situation, conversations may touch on:

• What questions or uncertainties need attention before decisions are made

• Governance considerations and how decisions are approached locally

• Possible planning or sequencing considerations, without presuming next steps

Not every conversation moves forward, and no outcomes are guaranteed.

NIERI does not advance projects, select technologies, or act on behalf of vendors, governments, or funders. All decisions remain community-driven.

Starting a Conversation

If you would like to share some context or begin an early conversation, you can do so below.

This is not an application, proposal submission, or funding process. There is no obligation to move forward.

It is simply a way to open a conversation.