Stephen Buhler, Community Engagement Officer

Stephen BuhlerRed Seal Machinist

Stephen has been working in the oil and gas industry as a journeyman machinist for the past 13 years. Always keenly aware that a transition to a net-zero economy was going to be required, he wanted a trade that would give him skills to work on infrastructure both in oil and gas, and renewables. After feeling that a transition to low-carbon energy was not happening with the urgency required, he got involved with grassroots climate organizations in Edmonton, where he used his experience as an oil and gas worker to help build connections between the work of young climate activists and fossil fuel workers.  Now he is bringing the energy and passion from his experiences with youth climate organizers to help his fellow fossil fuel workers advocate for the support and investments needed to transition to a low-carbon future.

Iron & Earth was founded and operates on Indigenous land within Treaty Six Territory and Métis Region 4 in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (in Nehiyawewin/Cree), so-called Edmonton. The home of many Indigenous Peoples including the Nehiyawak/Cree, Tsuut’ina, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, Dene Suliné, Anishinaabe/Ojibway/Saulteaux, and the Inuk/Inuit.

We pay our respects to all Indigenous Peoples of this land. Through their spiritual and practical relationships with the land, a rich heritage for our learning and our life as a community has been created and maintained. We recognize that the transition to a low-carbon future must be led by Indigenous Peoples and that there will be no justice unless we acknowledge and repair our relationship with the land.

We are committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and acknowledge that we are always learning and unlearning practices that minimize harm and lead to the development of trust between us and Indigenous Peoples across Nations and urban centers.