The 20/20 Catalysts Program is an intensive capacity-building program unlike any other. The program provides practical and applied learning on clean energy projects.
By Indigenous Clean Energy
UNAMA’KI, NS, May 1, 2023 – Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) is proud to announce the first on-site intensive session with the 2023 cohort of Catalysts taking place in Mi’kmaw traditional territory of Unama’ki (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) and home of Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, and We’koqma’q First Nations.
From April 30 to May 5, 24 program participants (Catalysts) from across Canada will gather with mentors, coaches, and ICE staff to learn about clean energy projects, energy storage, energy efficiency, community energy planning and leadership, and other fundamental energy skills to create social change and maximize economic benefits.
“Our aspiration for the program is for participants (Catalysts) to leave these on-sites experiences with a sense of confidence and readiness to initiate or advance clean energy initiatives in their communities. Each person has their own unique skills and talents, we envisage a rippling impact that amplifies and catalyzes an inclusive energy transition led by Indigenous Peoples,” expressed Eryn Stewart, Managing Director of ICE.
The 20/20 Catalysts Program is ICE’s flagship capacity-building program, which is led by the most knowledgeable and experienced Indigenous leaders and clean energy practitioners from across the country. The program connects First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Catalysts with a network of mentors and coaching specialists involved in clean energy project development who share experiences and facilitate hands-on learning sessions.
Each year, the program hosts three on-site sessions throughout the summer in different locations across the country. Sites are chosen based on their proximity to Indigenous-led clean energy projects, allowing participants to learn from other community experiences and foster an open learning environment.
“The 20/20 catalysts program has not been to the Atlantic region in over four years. This on-site provides this cohort Catalysts with a chance to continue to build and grow relationships with our kin on unceded Mi’kmaw territory,” said Justice Morningstar, Program Manager.
A networking reception will also take place in Sydney, NS, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. This will be an open opportunity to learn more about the program, meet the 2023 cohort, and discover how Indigenous Peoples and communities are advancing an Indigenous-led clean energy future. To attend this event, please register using this link.
Quick Facts
- The 20/20 Catalysts Program is an intensive Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program unlike any other.
- The Program provides practical and applied learning about renewable energy projects, community energy planning, energy efficiency and conservation, business management, and advanced energy systems. In addition, participants (‘Catalysts’) are supported to move clean energy projects forward on the ground.
- 20/20 Catalysts Program Mentors bring valued experiences and facilitate learning sessions using various teaching techniques, exposing Catalysts to the breadth and depth of project development all the way to project completion, including hands-on learning.
About Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)
ICE is the leading platform in accelerating First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participation in clean energy projects in Canada from coast to coast to coast. ICE supports Indigenous Peoples to be clean energy change agents through capacity building, skills development, career training, and mentorship with high-quality and hands-on programming that is by, for and with community.