Chief to discuss village's awardwinning hydroelectric power project

Chief Abel Bosum of the Ouje-Bougoumou Cree First Nation will discuss hydroelectric power and his village’s award-winning alternative energy project April 24 at 3 p.m. in Skelton Lounge. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The Ouje-Bougoumou Cree First Nation in the James Bay Cree Territory of northern Quebec was selected by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements as one of the 100 Best Practices in Improving Living Environments. A single boiler that burns wood waste products from nearby sawmills provides hot water to all the village’s homes and buildings, which feature energy efficient design. The village also was recognized with a U.N. 50 Communities Award for exemplifying the principles of the United Nations and sustainable development.

Bosum also will deliver the keynote address for Models of Energy Self Determination, a forum focusing on community energy development, April 25 at 9:45 a.m. in Chase Hall. Consumers, environmentalists, activists, students, business owners and government officials are invited to register for the day-long forum by calling the Bates Office of Special Projects at 207-786-6077.