Questions for Tomorrow: The Future of Energy in Alberta
Jennifer Long, PhD, MacEwan University
Ethnographic research on how Albertans living in the Cold Lake & Lakeland regions think about and experience the future of energy through proposed energy projects.
How do Albertans imagine the future of energy?
An ethnographic study of the social, economic, and cultural realities shaping our province.
This website examines an ethnographic study of how Albertans envision the future of energy and how these visions are influenced by daily social, economic, and cultural realities.
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Through sustained engagement with diverse voices—including Indigenous and non-Indigenous workers, industry insiders, climate activists, and educators—this research asks how Albertans envision energy transitions. It specifically examines how factors like generational location, gender, reconciliation, and environmental responsibility inform these visions.
Key Focus Areas
Community Perspectives
Understanding local views on energy production and transition.
Historical Context
Exploring the impact of resource development and settlement on energy perspectives in Alberta.
Questions for Tomorrow
Analyzing local perspectives on energy against a backdrop of regional, national, and international climate pledges.
About the Researcher
Jennifer Long is an anthropologist at MacEwan University in Edmonton. Her research has examined identity and belonging in the Netherlands, Ontario, and now Alberta, Canada. Jennifer’s most recent book, Abiding Whiteness: An Ethnography of White Racial Identity and Racism in Alberta, Canada (Oxford University Press, 2025), explores Whiteness as part of the racial status quo in Alberta and the role of high-profile events and news stories from 2020–2022 in shaping White Albertans’ racial awareness.
Research Methods
Semi-structured & In-depth interviews
Semi-structured (meaning we have a list of questions but tangents are welcomed) interviews with individuals or couples working in the industry working and/or living in Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul, Calgary or Edmonton.
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I also conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews with local community members who are not involved in the energy industry, and who may volunteer or work in the field of sustainability.
Participant Observation
From time to time, I pack my stuff and go and live in Cold Lake. This means that I attend public meetings and events, and (generally) hang out in community spaces and 'join the conversation'.
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Due to availability of resources, I live locally for about a month at a time, and travel to and from the region when I'm not living at home (closer to Edmonton).
Workshops with the Future
Children are not often included in research about the future. Yet, the next generation inherits our work, our plans, and our beliefs and values. I conduct workshops with design-inspired (read: hands-on) activities to engage children in questions related to this project.
Community Check-Ins
How do I knit all this information together to create a coherent picture that is representative of a broad region? I collect data and then share preliminary results at various local events.
