Beyond Energy Access: A Culturally Grounded Framework for Community Energy in Remote Indigenous Regions
Date
2025-02-19
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0009-0004-8018-8222
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The transition to sustainable energy access has become a global imperative, yet Remote Indigenous Communities (RICs) remain disproportionately impacted by energy poverty. This research addresses a critical gap in renewable energy projects (REP) planning: the lack of culturally relevant frameworks that integrate Indigenous worldviews into energy solutions. Existing approaches prioritize technical efficiency and economic feasibility while overlooking the socio-cultural dimensions central to Indigenous communities, often resulting in limited adoption or rejection of externally imposed projects.
This thesis develops a conceptual framework that identifies nine foundational elements of Indigenous worldviews—such as interconnectedness, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational teachings—and aligns them with the local cosmovision of Sumak Kawsay, a concept rooted in balance, reciprocity, and harmony with nature. The framework was empirically applied to two Andwa communities in Ecuador, Campus and Puka Yaku, to assess its effectiveness in capturing the broader cultural significance of energy use, beyond its functional applications.
The findings demonstrate that energy uses in RICs extends beyond functional purposes; it is deeply interwoven with cultural identity, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship. For the Andwa, the broader cultural significance of energy use, beyond its functional applications. Lighting at night, for example, enables intergenerational knowledge transmission, while aspirations for shared refrigeration support collective food preservation and reduce ecological pressures. As RICs undergo an energy transition, ensuring that REPs align with Indigenous environmental ethics and sustainability values is fundamental to their long-term success. By embedding Indigenous perspectives into energy planning, this research highlights the importance of cultural relevance in fostering ownership, sustainability, and long-term success.
This study makes three key contributions: (1) it demonstrates that culturally aligned energy planning enhances the long-term adoption and sustainability of REPs in RICs, (2) it develops a replicable framework for integrating Indigenous worldviews into energy access strategies, and (3) it advances understanding of the relationship between energy, cultural continuity, and environmental responsibility in Indigenous communities. The research underscores the need for co-creation approaches that prioritize Indigenous values and positions communities as active agents in energy planning and decision-making.
Ultimately, this thesis establishes that culturally relevant energy access is essential for sustaining traditional livelihoods and ensuring the long-term wellbeing of Indigenous communities. It offers a structured pathway for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to align REPs with Indigenous worldviews and priorities, reinforcing the importance of participatory and culturally integrated approaches in the energy transition.
Description
Keywords
Culturally Relevant Energy Planning, Remote Indigenous Communities (RICs), Renewable Energy Projects (REPs), Indigenous Worldviews, Sumak Kawsay, Sustainable Energy Transition, Intergenerational Knowledge Transmission
Citation
Degree
Master of Environment and Sustainability (M.E.S.)
Department
School of Environment and Sustainability
Program
Interdisciplinary Studies