As the impacts of climate change are being felt across Canada, Indigenous and remote communities are leading the way in the deployment of clean, renewable and reliable energy sources. These are integral in the fight against climate change and to create a more secure, resilient future.
Today, the Government of Canada is pleased to announce that 10 remote Indigenous communities and First Nations have completed Phase 1 of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) Cohort 2:
Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government, British Columbia
Tahltan Band, British Columbia
Uchucklesaht, 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
Each of the 10 communities and First Nations has successfully assembled a team of clean energy leaders in each community and completed the 20/20 Catalysts program delivered by the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise.
Through Phase 2 of IODI coming later this fall, these 10 communities will be eligible to receive funding for projects that include training, community energy planning and community engagement.
The Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative is part of the $300 million announced in Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan to support clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. This is done through Wah-ila-toos, a single window access point for Indigenous, rural and remote communities to obtain Government of Canada funding and resources for clean energy initiatives.
Wah-ila-toos is administered by Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Infrastructure Canada. The name Wah-ila-toos was gifted by three Grandmothers and Elders. It represents kinship with all and our duty to be in good relations with all.
The Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise is co-delivering Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative in these 10 communities with Wah-ila-toos.
In the spirit of Wah-ila-toos, the Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation and self-determination, while building a low-emissions energy future and creating jobs.
