Help us power an inclusive energy transition
The support of generous donors has made Indigenous Clean Energy a leader in amplifying Indigenous participation in clean energy projects in Canada. But there is so much more work to be done. We need your support to deepen our impact.
Indigenous Clean Energy is uniquely positioned to address the overlapping crisis of climate change and the lack of access to energy experienced by Indigenous communities. Our work in every province and territory across Canada helps build capacity for Indigenous climate solutions.
Read more about Indigenous Clean EnergySupport Indigenous Clean Energy
In Anishinaabek language, the medicine wheel is expressed as the four seasons: Mnookmi (Spring), Niibin (Summer), Daagwagi (Autumn) and Bboon (Winter). Every transition of the seasons teaches us, sometimes in subtle small ways and sometimes in a catalyzing, life-changing manner. Our work at ICE is inspired by this transformative spirit. As an organization and a broader community, we commit ourselves to a just transition: a new way of being that is economically sustainable, ecologically restorative, and socially equitable for Indigenous Peoples.
– Darrell Brown, Chair, Board of Directors
– Chris Henderson, ICE Executive Director
Need
For many Indigenous communities across Canada, the lack of clean and reliable energy exacerbates the daily experience of grinding poverty. Approximately 200 communities are not connected to an electricity grid and must rely on diesel generators for their power. Meanwhile, the climate crisis disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities.
Amidst these troubling realities, we are hopeful because Indigenous communities are leading the way in the transition to a clean energy future. About a third of First Nations and some Métis and Inuit communities are actively involved in clean energy opportunities. At the same time, two thirds of communities are not actively involved. Far too many Indigenous communities currently lack access to information and skills training related to clean energy opportunities that provide a variety of economic benefits and employment opportunities.
Our work
We have the unparalleled ability to address these needs. We have a robust and knowledgeable network that spans current program participants, over 105 alums from the Catalysts program, and 200 mentors with expertise in community engagement and clean energy.
Our work today includes:
Indigenous Capacity-Building and Clean Energy Project Development
- Working alongside Indigenous champions and communities who partner with us
- Building Indigenous clean energy skills through hands-on, mentorship-based training with the 20/20 Catalyst Program
- Equipping Indigenous clean energy champions to transition away from diesel to clean energy through the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI)
- Increasing Indigenous capacity, skills, and projects in energy efficiency through the Bringing It Home Program
- Developing zero-emission vehicle infrastructure with Indigenous community partners through our Charge Up Program
Youth Employment and Engagement
- Advancing Indigenous youth employment in the clean energy sector with the Generation Power Program and advancing equity in the sector through our employer equity trainings
- Supporting youth to launch their own clean energy projects grounded in cultural identity and peer-to-peer support through ImaGENation
Building Connections for Clean Energy Impact
- Enhancing global cooperation and knowledge-sharing on clean energy through Global Hub and the Decolonizing Power podcast
- Mentorship drawing on the talent and experience of Indigenous and clean energy industry experts
- Fostering collaboration across sectors through the ICE Network
- Bringing together Indigenous and clean energy leaders from across the country for clean energy collaboration through The ICE Gathering
Contribute today!
Our mission is to stimulate leadership and meaningful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples in the transition to clean energy.
We advance towards our mission by:
- Responding to the climate and energy crisis with tangible solutions
- Building the capacity of clean energy champions to reach a growing number of communities
- Developing innovative programs that respond to rapidly changing times
- Stewarding funds in a responsible manner to enhance our efficiency and maintain the trust of our donors. ICE can accept charitable contributions—and issue tax receipts through its partnership with the Ottawa Community Foundation.