HEET sparks Indigenous leadership and joy in the energy space. By connecting communities, sharing knowledge, and celebrating culture, we empower healthy, happy homes and a sustainable future—together and with fun.
Our first community stop, Garden River First Nation, set the tone for the Tour-warm, hopeful, and full of shared learning. “The best education is an education you don’t even realize you’re getting,” reflected 2024 Catalyst Evan Belleau.
Discover how the Home Energy Experience Tour continues to inspire through community stories and leadership. From deep connections to the land to bold steps in clean energy, each stop reveals new lessons and hope. Stay with us as we explore the next
chapter in this journey toward a brighter
energy future.
Pinaymootang’s Home Energy Experience Tour stop highlighted strong local leadership and teamwork. Through hands-on workshops and open dialogue, the community is driving forward energy-efficient homes and a sustainable future—led by champions like Dakota Marsden.
The HEET stop at Sagkeeng First Nation celebrated Indigenous Clean Energy leadership, with Tikkan Morrisseau and Sara Fontaine sharing how mentorship and past projects sparked lasting change. The hands-on workshops brought the community together to tackle home challenges, explore practical solutions, and inspire meaningful climate action.
The HEET stop in Île-à-la-Crosse, led by Jordyn and Emile Burnouf, showcased the community’s leadership in clean energy. From hands-on workshops to projects like a solar-powered sawmill, the visit highlighted family, collaboration, and a strong commitment to shaping a sustainable future.
Over two weeks with the HEET, Desiree Maurice’s journey took her to Lac La Ronge, Frog Lake, Cold Lake, and Osoyoos, with each stop offering lessons in pride, community, and possibility. From reconnecting with her home to witnessing youth leadership and fostering meaningful connections, the tour became a transformative experience. For Desiree, it was not just about workshops but about rebuilding futures and finding purpose through connection and collaboration.
Frog Lake Youth Take the Lead in Clean Energy
The HEET stop at Frog Lake First Nation put youth leadership front and centre. Over two days at Tus-Tuk-EE-SKAWS High School, students engaged in hands-on workshops exploring heat loss, energy-efficient building design, and climate action using innovative tiny home kits. Led by the local Clean Energy Team—Ay’Den Abraham and Samuel Marty—with support from ICE’s Cedric Pepelea and Desiree Maurice, the sessions sparked excitement and ownership among participating youth. Beyond the classroom, community tours highlighted Frog Lake’s deep commitment to clean energy and Indigenous values. Inspired by the philosophy “the future is always forward,” this stop showcased how empowering young people creates energy champions and builds a strong foundation for a sustainable, Indigenous-led energy future.
Honouring the Past and Energizing the Future
The HEET stop in Lue Chok Tue (Cold Lake First Nations) highlighted the community’s pride, culture, and vision for a sustainable future. Welcomed by the striking band administration building, participants gathered for hands-on workshops led by local leader and 20/20 Catalyst alum Demetri Scanie, alongside ICE facilitator Cedric Pepelea and Desiree Maurice. The sessions explored energy efficiency and housing challenges through practical, visual activities, grounded in Dënesųłı̨né identity and collaboration. Cross-community connections were strengthened with the support of past HEET champions from Frog Lake and Lac La Ronge, adding inspiration and solidarity. Guided by the teachings of Elders and a vision of “A Community Healed,” the workshop empowered participants, built confidence, and reinforced the power of shared learning for healthier homes and a brighter energy future.
The HEET stop in Nuxalk Nation was about more than energy education—it was about building relationships and capturing community spirit. Surrounded by the ancient rainforest of the Bella Coola Valley, this workshop marked the first time HEET brought in professional videographers to document the experience. With a warm welcome from Climate Energy Coordinator Elijah Mecham, participants of all ages engaged in hands-on learning, connecting energy efficiency with local realities and lived experience. The workshop’s open, respectful atmosphere encouraged real conversations, laughter, and shared problem-solving. Through storytelling, both on camera and in person, the Nuxalk Nation demonstrated that real leadership and climate action start with trust, culture, and community pride. This memorable stop reinforced the power of learning together and the importance of sharing stories to inspire others across Turtle Island.
Each stop on the tour features flexible sessions, focused on community experience and needs.
Workshops include:
The 2025 tour is fully booked, but we still want to hear about your interest! Send us an email letting us know what community you would like to see HEET at, and help us plan for the future of the tour.
