New film “The Sun on Top of the House” profiles the Haida Heritage Centre solar project
Last summer, through our community renewable projects program, we were honoured to be a part of Skidegate Band Council celebrating the launch of the Haida Heritage Centre solar project on Haida Gwaii in British Columbia. The solar rooftop offsets the building’s electricity use and reduces the community’s reliance on fossil fuels.
“All projects in our Community are born out of our Comprehensive Community Plan, which is the guiding tool used from the input of Community Members,” says William Yovanovich, Chief Councillor, Skidegate Band Council. “Skidegate’s next major project is to install solar and battery packs to all 360 homes. Our goal is to lower hydro costs for everyone in Skidegate, as well as reduce our imprint on Mother Earth.”
Today, we’re sharing the news that The Skidegate Band Council, in partnership with W Dusk Energy and VoVo Productions, is pleased to announce the launch of the film “The Sun on Top of the House” or Jiigawaay Naay Unguu.
The film, directed by award-winning filmmaker Farhan Umedaly, is the story of building the largest community-owned solar project in British Columbia.
“The outfitting of solar panels on Kay Llnagaay, The Haida Cultural Centre perfectly embodies the fusion of ancient tradition with state-of-the-art renewable technology,” says Farhan Umedaly, the film’s director. “It also exemplifies that the Haida are in charge of their destiny and are taking direct measures to move away from fossil fuels imposed on them through colonization.”
“We are grateful for the privilege of being part of a such a significant solar project with the Haida Nation. We are also honoured that this project will further the great storytelling tradition of the Haida to be shared globally,” says David Isaac of W Dusk Energy Group and the Project Developer.
Skidegate Band Council and partners plan to take the film to festivals around the world to help inspire other communities to take action and develop renewable energy projects. The film will make its debut at the ELEMENTS Film Festival on April 14 and 15 at the TELUS World of Science in Vancouver.
For more on the Haida Heritage Centre solar project, check out Bullfrog’s own video showing the impact our community is having in supporting the development of new green energy projects across Canada: