Clean energy infrastructure and efficient-housing for Canada's Indigenous communities

Representatives from 18 communities across Canada attended three week-long intensive sessions last summer as part of the clean energy capacity-building 20/20 Catalysts Program, sharing knowledge and experience in the development of clean energy infrastructure. Riding on that success, this summer the focus will be on energy-efficiency and conservation in community housing.

The 20/20 Catalysts Program currently includes 40 mentors from a wide range of fields; from Indigenous leaders who have completed projects, to the clean energy practitioners who supported them through that process.

"There is an opportunity here to fundamentally change the landscape of energy across Canada. By breaking down silos and enabling Indigenous communities to gain the knowledge needed to enhance their participation in clean energy projects, we unlock potential not found anywhere else." -  Chris Henderson, Lumos Energy

Participants in the 2016 20/20 catalyst program © Indigenous Clean Energy

From the Indigenous Clean Energy website :

OUR MISSION.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific and into the Arctic, Canada’s First Peoples are embracing clean energy as a powerful force for change and are partnering, owning, and operating projects. Our mission is to create an inclusive and open Indigenous clean energy community of practice across Canada.

OUR VISION. OUR PASSION.

We believe clean energy projects can be a substantive part of Canada’s future and a restorative force for Indigenous communities. We trust in the inherent wisdom of Indigenous communities as active partners in clean energy projects, respecting cultures and traditional territory. We have faith in the abundance of renewable energy initiatives to respect ecology, reinvigorate economies, and reconcile relationships. We have conviction that the earnings from clean energy projects can be reinvested in the future of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities across the country.

Our Passion lies in translating this Belief, Trust, Faith and Conviction into enduring change for a better Canada.

WHO WE ARE.

The Indigenous Clean Energy website is championed by Lumos Energy, Clean Energy Advisor and Mentor to Indigenous communities across Canada. Lumos Energy brings extensive experience and innovative strategies to clean energy project development generating a suite of social and economic benefits for Indigenous communities and peoples. We are Facilitators, Collaborators and Team Builders openly sharing our knowledge and know-how with Indigenous communities to strengthen capacity and leadership skills. Our eyes are on the end result: clean, sustainable clean energy projects for all.

All are encouraged and welcome to contribute content and resources to the Indigenous Clean Energy website. If you want to be a part of this great initiative, contact Eryn Stewart at [email protected] for more details, learn more about this initiative in the video below.