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Healthy Energy Living
Now and for future generations

The Project Accelerator is designed to support the development of Indigenous energy efficiency housing projects. We accept applications from all First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities, and Indigenous housing organizations who are committed to making improvements to housing.

Over 18 months, participating communities will receive virtual and in-person training and access to a national network of experts and mentors to support the creation of a project plan.

Each community is represented by a Project Steward, who leads the development of an energy-efficiency housing project to bring healthy energy living to their members.

Each community will select a Project Steward to participate in training and lead the project development, using knowledge and resources gained from the program. The Project Accelerator is a community-scale initiative. Strong projects are rooted in community with active involvement of leadership, staff, and members.

$125,000 in project grants will be available to participants to assist with the development of an energy efficiency project.

How it Works

The program will guide participants through two phases:

Phase 1 (January – June 2025) – In the first 6 months of the program, participants will attend a webinar series and a week of in-person training. The curriculum covers the basics of energy efficiency and project development practices. Using this knowledge, participants will begin initial community project work and submit a project development work plan.

Examples of project work include:

Phase 2 (July 2025 – July 2026) – Over 12 months, participants will go through comprehensive project development to complete their project plan. This phase includes a second week of in-person intensive learning and hands-on training.

On-Site Intensives

May 4-11, 2025 – Osoyoos, BC

August 3-10, 2025 – Wakefield, QC

The in-person training takes a deep dive into project development and includes site visits, hands-on activities, and time to work on projects. Sessions are led by Indigenous mentors, industry experts, and leaders across many areas of energy efficiency and housing.

Examples of session topics include:

Program Supports

Commitments

The scale of energy efficiency work that will be developed through the program is a major undertaking and a significant time commitment. Project Stewards must commit to all virtual and on-site learning. The workload can be similar to a medium-sized renewable energy project. The Project Accelerator Program is 18 months long, but an energy efficiency project can span multiple years. 

We understand that issues do arise, and we will work with participants through any challenges they face and make arrangements as needed. 

Program Impacts

We recognize that energy efficiency is rarely the top priority for housing in Indigenous communities. However, energy efficiency can drive co-benefits that are important to community members, such as improved health, durability, and availability. By enhancing capacity in energy efficiency, we believe that communities can use the connection between clean energy and sustainable investment to make lasting improvements to housing.

Through this program, participants will walk away with:

A comprehensive energy efficiency project plan
The ability to lead energy efficiency project work
Enhanced literacy and knowledge of financing for energy efficiency
Knowledge of healthy housing and how to make lasting change
An established network with other communities, energy efficiency leaders, and partners
Enhanced skills related to community engagement, asset management, and maintenance

Testimonials

When I had started my journey as a Project Steward for the BIH Project Accelerator program, I was entering with little knowledge of the role. Through my continued participation in the BIH program, I have not only expanded my knowledge regarding energy use and consumption, but also my awareness of where and how my community has the potential to progress and reduce its carbon footprint.

Chantelle Kechego

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

Being part of the first cohort for the BIH Project Accelerator program has been a transformative experience. I've had remarkable personal growth, honing my skills and forging meaningful connections within the energy sector that have not only enriched my life, but also increased my confidence as a project manager, allowing me to make a tangible impact on my community.