Turning the tide: A just transition to low-emission marine propulsion solutions in coastal Indigenous communities

The renewable energy transition in Canada is marred by colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous lands. Despite these continuing historical legacies, many Indigenous communities are actively addressing the climate crisis and spearheading renewable energy initiatives. This research employs a sociotechnical approach to bridge existing knowledge gaps in the field of energy transitions, specifically focusing on the decarbonization of fishing and passenger vessels in coastal Indigenous communities in British Columbia. As marine vessels are an important consideration in the net-zero targets of these coastal communities, this study, conducted in collaboration with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, seeks to address the potential opportunities and barriers in this transition. Research methods include a narrative literature review, semi-structured interviews, a policy scan, and a comparative policy analysis. The results provide a roadmap for future actions while delivering policy recommendations tailored to support an inclusive and equitable transition to low-emission marine propulsion solutions in coastal Indigenous communities.