This week, on April 22, we celebrated Earth Day—a day dedicated to reflecting on our responsibility to protect Mother Earth. For many of us, Earth Day is not confined to a single day but is an ongoing commitment. We extend our gratitude to all who share in this care and understanding.
It was moving to learn about a Water Ceremony organized by community members in Bay St. George to commemorate this occasion. Despite adverse weather conditions with snowfall and strong winds at Black Bank near St. George’s, they gathered to honor and pray for this precious resource.
All over the world, there is a growing consensus in favor of renewable energy options like wind energy and green hydrogen. While we are still learning and trying to understand what this means for us here in Newfoundland, we know that we must emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and building strong relationships. These projects are not solely about financial gains; they encompass people, land stewardship, the environment, and the well-being of future generations.
Projects such as Atlas Salt and Project Nujio’qonik, recently received approval through the provinces rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment process. These projects represent unprecedented opportunities and can only be successful by listening to the voices of the residents, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
We want to assure our membership that we hear your feedback and appreciate the diverse perspectives within our communities. We are committed to understanding and addressing your concerns and work collectively with municipalities, local groups and industry partners to ensure our voices are heard and respected.
From the moment we wake up each day, we all have an impact on our environment. Together, we will navigate these challenges and continue to strive for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Wela’lin,
Chief Jenny Brake
