Thunder Bay – First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada are at the forefront of efforts to address climate change and adapt to the environmental and economic impacts of our changing climate. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting self-determined action in addressing Indigenous Peoples’ climate priorities to create a healthy and resilient future for all.
Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce Phase 2 of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) Cohort 2. During this phase, the following 10 Energy Champion teams from remote Indigenous communities and Nations will receive up to $500,000 to conduct community engagement, complete training and develop their Community Energy Plan.
- Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government, British Columbia
- Tahltan Band Council, British Columbia
- Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, British Columbia
- Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nation, British Columbia
- Hamlet of Paulatuk, Northwest Territories
- Fort Chipewyan, Alberta
- Mountain Cree Camp, Alberta
- Pangnirtung, Nunavut
- Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek – Gull Bay First Nation, Ontario
- Kangirsuk, Nunavik, Quebec
Comprising clean energy leaders, the 10 Energy Champion teams completed the 20/20 Catalysts program delivered by the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise, the federal government’s delivery partner on the Initiative. An Energy Champion from each team has also been paired with mentors to receive tailored support in areas including technical knowledge, community engagement and project management.
Following the successful completion of Phase 2, these 10 Energy Champion teams may be eligible to receive additional funding to advance project design and development, guided by their Community Energy Plan, as part of Phase 3 in 2025.
“Indigenous Peoples face significant and unique climate challenges that threaten livelihoods, cultures, knowledge systems and lives. In the face of these threats, Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast are taking remarkable action to fight climate change and adapt to its impacts. Indigenous-led climate solutions offer better resiliency, better outcomes and more space for expert voices as we move together along the path to a clean and prosperous future. I am pleased to see these 10 projects enter a new phase and look forward to seeing the innovations to come.” – Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Indigenous Peoples are on the front lines of climate change in Canada, and as the original stewards of our lands and waters, they are uniquely positioned to lead solutions to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. I am consistently inspired by the clean energy projects carried out in Indigenous communities, and I applaud the Energy Champions for entering this exciting new phase of community engagement, training and planning for a more resilient future where all can benefit from a sustainable and strong economy.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency of Northern Ontario