Dr David Brake, Community Engagement Officer
As a scientist, for decades I have been increasingly worried we need to change how the economy works to reduce the severity of the climate emergency that we are living through. I moved from the UK to Newfoundland in 2015 and here I found a way to make a positive difference. Coming out of an oil boom, much of the province still believed itself permanently dependent on that industry for economic survival. But I met Delia Warren as she was starting Iron & Earth East, and was inspired by her passion and the practical alternative vision the organization provides. I became part of her team which showed there were other, better opportunities for oil and gas tradespeople - jobs that would be good for workers and for the planet.
I have re-joined at a critical time. The instability in the energy sector, the unstoppable momentum behind green energy alternatives and increasingly severe climate impacts are at least making our message impossible to ignore. I look forward to working together with partners across the country to learn what kind of a Just Transition fossil fuel workers and the communities they live in are looking for, and to help them get it.
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Iron & Earth is committed to partnering with Indigenous workers to empower their communities to become self-sufficient in training programs, clean energy transition projects, and employment opportunities to combat environmental racism.
It falls to all of us to continue the work of healing and reconciliation in our communities and our organizations. Our relationship with the land and the people who live here shapes who we are. It is in the spirit of reconciliation and honouring the past that we recognize treaties and agreements wherever they are and wherever we work.
We also acknowledge all peoples who live, work, and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory.
As individuals and teams we may make mistakes along the way, but we are dedicated to growth, openness, compassion, and forgiveness. These principles in our work are essential to building successful and healthy relationships with individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.
We look forward to building a path to lead us to a better relationship with Indigenous nations and the environment around us based on peace, friendship, and respect.
