OTTAWA, ON, - Across the country, Indigenous communities are leading the way on cleaner, renewable and reliable energy projects, fighting climate change and building a more secure, affordable and resilient future. The Government of Canada is investing in these communities to help displace the use of fossil fuels and advance reconciliation and self-determination.
Today, the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson; the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Dan Vandal; and the Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, announced that communities can now apply for funding through the second cohort of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI). Individuals and teams from remote Indigenous communities in Canada who want to become Clean Energy Champions in their community are encouraged to apply.
Delivered in collaboration with the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise and the federal government, the IODI is a successful clean energy training and funding program that supports Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote Indigenous communities currently using diesel for heat and power.
The IODI supports a cohort of participants, or Energy Champions, in their journey — from training through to project implementation. Ten spots are available in the second cohort. Those who are selected have the opportunity to participate in all three phases of IODI and are eligible for up to $1,525,000 in funding. The phases are:
- Phase 1: $25,000 each. In summer 2023, Energy Champions complete clean energy training through the 20/20 Catalysts program.
- Phase 2: $500,000 each. In fall 2023, Energy Champions receive funding and resources to support community engagement, training and skills building for the team and community, and the development of a community Clean Energy Plan.
- Phase 3: $1 million each. By spring 2025, Energy Champions and teams lead their communities in planning and implementing community-scale clean energy projects.
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