First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities committed to improving housing through energy efficiency are strongly encouraged to apply for this capacity-building initiative.
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by Indigenous Clean Energy
OTTAWA, ON. June 3, 2024 – Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) and the Bringing It Home initiative are excited to announce the opening of applications for the second cohort of the Project Accelerator program.
The program, launched in 2022, aims to support the development of energy-efficient housing projects within Indigenous communities across the country. The goal of these projects is to make long-lasting improvements to housing, now and for future generations, with communities leading the work.
The program, designed to respond to the housing crisis faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, offers a blend of virtual and in-person learning, mentorship, and up to $125,000 in project grants to participants.
Currently, Currently, the program supports 18 participants, known as Project Stewards, from the first cohort, representing 15 Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. Over the past year, these Project Stewards have been learning about energy efficiency project development and capacity building to acquire the necessary skills and tools to lead large-scale energy retrofit and high-performance new build projects within their communities.
“It’s beyond exciting to open applications for the second cohort of the Project Accelerator program. The housing impacts we can create through energy efficiency are crucial on multiple levels. We recognize the importance of this work being community-led, and that’s exactly what we are looking to support; to grow community capacity and support participants to determine their own path forward based on their unique needs, culture, and vision. We encourage any Indigenous community to apply and reach out if they have any questions.” Said Corey Cote, Bringing It Home Program Manager
Applications for the second cohort are now open. First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations committed to improving energy efficiency and housing conditions are encouraged to apply to this 18-month-long program.
The Project Accelerator program will offer participants wrap-around support to cover childcare or other personal needs, enabling their full participation. They will also benefit from one-on-one mentorship and technical support from a network of experts and mentors.
For more information about the Project Accelerator program and to apply, please visit: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/bringing-it-home/project-accelerator/
To hear from program participants, check out the news coverage during the second on-site session in Wakefield, QC, featured on CBC Ottawa Morning, APTN National News, and Canada’s National Observer.
A virtual information session about the program and the application process is also scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. Register here!