New report: Indigenous-Partnered Wind Energy in Wabanaki Homeland

Atlantic Canada – Wabanaki homeland – has some of the most powerful winds in the world. Indigenous nations are developing partnerships to build wind projects that use this renewable energy source to generate revenue for their communities and contribute to meeting climate action targets while respecting Indigenous values.

The report was co-published by the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. and the CEDAR research project at St. Thomas University. Access it HERE.

New report: Eight Years on the Roadmap: Assessing Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in Canada.

In 2018, Canada published a strategic plan – a roadmap – to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across the country. An SMR is one designed to generate 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity or less, compared to Canada’s existing CANDU power reactors which generate 500 MW or more.

According to the “SMR Roadmap,” the first demonstration SMR was expected to be operating in 2026. In this milestone year, our report analyzes the financial and developmental status of the 10 SMR designs with some kind of presence in Canada.

Download or read the report HERE.

CEDAR research assistants engaged with the Social Forum in Wolastokuk

The CEDAR project was a co-host organizing the successful Social Forum in Wolastokuk in Fredericton in October. Research Assistants from all three CEDAR universities were engaged.

Mahus Dieuveille Samba, a Masters student in Environmental Studies at the Université de Moncton, was the CEDAR project’s photographer at the event. His photos can be viewed HERE and featured in the stories below.

Bahaar Abbas and Lilly Floerke both Masters students in University of British Columbia’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs published a reflection on their experiences at the Social Forum, HERE.

The Social Forum reflection by Liam McDougall, major in Sustanability and Environmental Studies at St. Thomas University, was published HERE by CEDAR partner, the NB Media Co-op.

The CEDAR project is currently brainstorming ideas for the project’s next in-person meeting in Fredericton in 2027. These reflections from our Research Assistants will contribute to shaping the next event.

Book Launch: Bad Indians Book Club by Patty Krawec

CEDAR and partners are co-hosting a book launch in Fredericton on November 26: Bad Indians Book Club by Patty Krawec.

Drawing on conversations with readers and authors, Bad Indians Book Club delves into writing about history, science, and gender, and into memoirs and fiction, all by “Bad Indians” and those like them, whose refusal of the dominant narrative of the wemitigoozhiwag (European settlers) opens up new possibilities for identity and existence.

More info HERE.

CEDAR submission to the NB Power Review

NB Power, the public electrical utility in New Brunswick, is in a very difficult financial situation. The utility loses money almost every year, mostly due to the poor performance of the nuclear plant, and the major energy generators on its grid are either due in the next seven years for major repairs (Mactaquac hydro station), shut down (Belledune coal plant) or licence renewal (Point Lepreau nuclear plant).

What can be done about this situation? The province launched a review of NB Power in 2025. The Review Panel’s interm report, due in December 2025, has been delayed. The final report is due in March 2026.

The CEDAR project’s submission to NB Power Review team is available at the link below. CEDAR researchers believe NB Power needs a complete overhaul. Key messages:

  • The energy system – climate system connection is missing
  • There is a strong case against nuclear power as a climate-friendly supply option
  • Investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure is “moral and economic madness”
  • Global energy systems are transitioning to renewable energy, and NB Power needs to do the same
  • Renewable energy investments are already signalling the way forward in New Brunswick
  • Customers expect a public electrical utility they can trust; they are getting the opposite.
  • NB Power is frozen in the past. The utility needs a fundamental change of direction.

    Read the full submission HERE.

October 29: A conversation with Sherri Mitchell

Wolastoq Grand Council and St. Thomas University: Wabanaki Student Center, Native Studies Department, CEDAR research project, Women’s Studies and Gender Studies, and Sustainability and Environmental Studies programs invite you to join us to hear from and engage with Sherri Mitchell. More info HERE.

A Conversation with Sherri Mitchell: How to be a good relative

Lakutuwakoneyak Kilun – We are all Treaty People – We are all related 

Wednesday
Oct. 29
3 PM

St. Thomas University
Dawn Russell Lounge
Sir James Dunn Hall

Archive: Social Forum in Wolastokuk, Oct. 4-5, 2025

Event host: NB Media Co-op with partners CEDAR, Madhu Verma Migrant Justice Centre and Wilmot United Church.

The archive of the event, HERE, has links to reflections about the Social Forum published by CEDAR research assistants.

This free event open to everyone featured 40 workshops and 40+ tables at an Info Fair. Download the PDF schedule with clickable links to all the sessions HERE.

This memorable weekend brought together more than 200 people for engagement and community building. Check out the photos by CEDAR research assistant Mahus Dieuveille Samba HERE.