THUNDER
BAY, ON, Oct. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - 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.
Quotes
"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."
The Honourable 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."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous
Services and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic
Development Agency of Northern
Ontario
"As the way of life of Indigenous communities continues to be
impacted due to our changing climate, especially in the North and
Arctic, it is more important than ever that they be a driving force
in how we adapt to these changes. Starting Phase 2 of this
clean-energy initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to
reconciliation and the power of meaningful relationships with First
Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in tackling how we can
actively adjust our actions to support a cleaner future for the
next seven generations."
The Honourable Dan Vandal
Minister of Northern
Affairs
"The transition to clean energy continues to be important to
Indigenous communities and the Government of Canada as we work together toward
reconciliation. The Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative projects
announced today are a great example of the way we can encourage
self-determined priorities by supporting communities in increasing
their control over their energy future and well-being."
Michael V. McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest
Territories
Quick Facts
- Cohort 2 of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) is part
of the $300 million announced in
Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan
to support clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote
communities.
- IODI is a clean energy training and funding program that
supports Indigenous-led climate solutions in remote Indigenous
communities that currently use diesel or fossil fuels for heat and
power.
- IODI was first launched in 2019 and was designed based on 18
months of engagement with Indigenous communities, rights holders
and organizations. It is delivered in collaboration with the
Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE SE) and the
Government of Canada.
- Applicants who were not selected to participate in Cohort 2 of
IODI were invited to meet directly with a member of the
Wah-ila-toos federal team and the team at the Indigenous Clean
Energy Social Enterprise to discuss their priorities and other
possible funding options. They were also invited to join the ICE
Network, an online collaborative space for everyone working on
Indigenous Clean Energy projects, and to attend future ICE Network
events.
- The IODI is delivered 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. The Government of
Canada will continue to develop
meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities to advance
reconciliation and self-determination, advance clean energy
projects and help ensure new economic opportunities through strong
Indigenous climate leadership.
- 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.
Related Information
- Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative
- Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative – Cohort 2
- Canada's Strengthened Climate
Plan
- Wah-ila-toos
- 20/20 Catalysts program
- Indigenous Clean Energy
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada