ImaGENation is a capacity-building program that supports Indigenous youth-led clean energy projects grounded in kinship, mentorship, and a shared energy future.

Facilitated in partnership between SevenGen, Indigenous Clean Energy, and Student Energy.

The ImaGENation program creates space for Indigenous youth to imagine a sustainable future for their communities and transform that vision into meaningful project-based action. Teams of up to five Indigenous youth between ages 18 to 30 from across so-called Canada enroll in an 18-month program that provides a culturally embedded ecosystem of support to plan and implement a clean energy project.

Each team receives project-specific mentorship, coaching, cultural guidance, and up to $50,000 in funding, issued in phases, to support their project goals. Their project must be in alignment with Indigenous values and community engagement principles.

Learn more about the program participants.

Ecosystem of Support

Throughout the program, Indigenous youth participants will have access to:

Participants will develop skills in:

Commitments

ImaGENation requires reciprocal efforts and accountability from participants throughout the program. Participants must have an interest and willingness to be mentored and learn about clean energy and its impact on Indigenous communities. As most program sessions are held remotely, online collaboration is necessary.

Teams must commit to:

Approximately 12-20 hours per month for project planning, implementation, and reporting over the course of 18 months;
One-on-one mentorship sessions for 2-3 hours per month;
Group training and webinar sessions one hour per month.

Get Involved

As Imagenation’s core objective is to nurture youth’s leadership potential, experience is not necessary to be accepted. We are looking for Indigenous youth from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

To qualify, participants:

Project ideas must:

Successful applicants will be selected based on their willingness to learn, their motivation to inspire a sustainable future and the thoughtfulness behind their project idea.

Project Themes

Youth participants are encouraged to conceptualize a clean energy project idea that fits their community needs. Consider the energy your community currently relies on, the potential renewable resources you can access, as well as any gaps in cost or energy efficiency that can be addressed.

Project themes can include:

Renewable projects
EVs & transportation
Energy efficiency
Climate and environment
Business and entrepreneurship
Community engagement and education
Clean tech and emerging energy technologies
Research and development

Project Inspiration

Healing Our Home: mînawâcihiwewi-ne-wîkiwnan

Healing Our Home is an ImaGENation project designed by Bohdana Innes, a Cree architect from Moose Cree First Nation in Moose Factory, Ontario. Bohdana designed a prototype net-zero home and housing development plan reflecting community needs, values, and traditional knowledge. The project was informed by community engagement with the Moose Cree First Nation and honours the way of living in the Mushkegowuk Territory. In partnership with the Child & Family Services department, the project addresses a critical need for housing in the community and provides a home for children in foster care.

Sagkeeng Youth Group

The Sagkeeng Youth Group built a sustainable greenhouse in Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. The project was launched with the support of Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School, where the greenhouse now provides a sustainability curriculum, work experience, and quality nutrition to Indigenous high school students. Sara Fontaine and Tikkan Morrisseau aligned the project with their community values, keeping kinship at the center. The project was informed by community engagement sessions, incorporating youth voices and feedback, building relations with high school staff, visiting local food producers to share knowledge, and engaging with elders to reclaim Indigenous teachings and nutrition.

Become a Mentor

Program Mentors are experienced Indigenous leaders and clean energy practitioners who possess deep familiarity with Indigenous culture, traditions, and values. Program mentors guide and support teams of Indigenous youth in the planning, development, and implementation of a clean energy project that serves and/or inspires the Indigenous community.

Mentors must be available for 2-3 hours per month. All mentors receive a stipend. Applicants will be contacted for a follow-up phone conversation.

Partners and Collaborators

ImaGENation is a collaboration between the SevenGen Council, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE), and Student Energy that equips Indigenous youth to launch a community-centred clean energy project.