Meet the Experts: Jamie Kneen and Melina Laboucan-Massimo on Mining, Indigenous Rights, and Renewable Energy

By

I chose Jamie Kneen, a Canadian environmental and social justice activist, who is passionate and knowledgeable about mining. He currently works as the Program Co-Lead and Outreach Coordinator at MiningWatch Canada. He has a degree in Biology (Ecology) from McGill University and a wealth of experience both in Canada and around the world. Kneen has worked on various mining related issues in Africa and Latin America, and he is well versed in topics such as mine waste management and mining and Indigenous rights.

(MiningWatch, 2023)

In his current position at MiningWatch, he has access to a plethora of resources that would help with research, communication, and advocacy. MiningWatch is a non-profit organization that promotes environmentally and socially responsible mining practices and supports communities affected by mining activities.  

Kneen has previously researched and written about the negative impact of nickel mining on the Island of New Caledonia, and I am certain he would be immensely helpful in researching and communicating about the situation in Sulawesi. 

I also chose Melina Laboucan-Massimo, the founder of Sacred Earth Solar. Laboucan-Massimo is Lubicon Cree, a climate activist, and an advocate for Indigenous rights. She holds a master’s degree in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, where she focused on renewable energy. Laboucan-Massimo has campaigned and worked around the world and her areas of interest include resource extraction, climate change impacts, media literacy, and Indigenous rights.  

(Sacred Earth Solar, 2023)

Laboucan-Massimo is a very competent researcher and communicator. She is the inaugural fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation, and she currently hosts a TV series called “Power to the People” which looks at renewable energy initiatives in Indigenous communities. She has been featured in various publications such as Global Citizen, Elle Magazine, Chatelaine, Flare, and the CBC, and she has been invited to speak to numerous international groups, including the US Congress and the British Parliament.  



References:
MiningWatch. (n.d.). Home: MiningWatch Canada. MiningWatch. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://miningwatch.ca

Sacred Earth Solar. (n.d.). Sacred earth solar. Sacred Earth Solar. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://sacredearth.solar