Indigenous Clean Energy

What Indigenous Clean Energy does

Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ottawa on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. It operates as the leading national platform for Indigenous clean energy capacity building in Canada, delivering programs and convening services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across the country. ICE was originally incubated as a subsidiary of Lumos Energy and completed its transition to an independent organization in 2019 with the establishment of its Board of Directors; the organization is Indigenous-governed, with a Board and Indigenous Advisory Council composed entirely of experienced Indigenous clean energy leaders, project developers, lawyers, engineers, and executives.

ICE's core products are educational and capacity-building programs rather than technology products. The flagship 20/20 Catalysts Program (launched 2016) is an intensive capacity-building curriculum with three on-site intensives and action-project coaching that has produced 150+ alumni across Canada. Bringing It Home and its Project Accelerator submodule deliver energy-efficiency-in-housing programming across six domains (Governance & Leadership, Asset Management, Maintenance, Skills, Design & Construction, Financing), with the 2023 inaugural Project Accelerator cohort enrolling 156 Indigenous communities. Generation Power provides 3-12 month subsidized clean energy internships for Indigenous youth ages 18-30 with a 75% wage subsidy (up to $19,200) for employers, while ImaGENation funds Indigenous youth-led clean energy projects with up to $50,000 per team in phased grants. Cross-cutting services include ICE Mentorship, the ICE Network online community platform (1,500+ members), the Decolonizing Power podcast, the Regional Energy Coach Program, and the Charge Up and ZEVs Across the Land transportation programs. The Energy & Climate team operates National and Global Hubs, the latter extending ICE's model internationally to Indigenous communities in Colombia, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand.

ICE is funded through a combination of federal and provincial government grants (Natural Resources Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), private foundation support (Mastercard Foundation, McConnell Foundation), and corporate partnerships with utilities, energy developers, and financial institutions (SaskPower, ATCO, BC Hydro, FortisBC, IESO). All programs are delivered free of charge to Indigenous participants, with costs (travel, accommodation, wages, project grants) covered by funder contributions. Donations are processed through the Ottawa Community Foundation. Distribution is primarily direct-to-community through virtual programming and in-person on-site intensives held across multiple Canadian provinces and territories, supplemented by the biannual National Gathering event (500+ participants in 2024), the ICE Network platform, and word-of-mouth through the Catalysts alumni network. ICE employs approximately 30 staff members distributed across Canada.

Name

Indigenous Clean Energy

Legal name

Indigenous Clean Energy

Website

https://indigenouscleanenergy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Indigenous Clean Energy is a Canadian not-for-profit founded in 2016 that delivers capacity-building programs — including the 20/20 Catalysts Program, Generation Power, ImaGENation, and Bringing It Home — to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities advancing participation in Canada's clean energy transition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Indigenous Clean Energy Capacity Building

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Land Use, Indigenous & Community Engagement Policy (EUAMANAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Minority, Indigenous & Disability Rights (BPADAGAH), Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM)

Keywords

• Clean energy capacity building
• Indigenous energy programs
• Energy efficiency housing
• Youth workforce development
• Community-led sustainability

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Philanthropic Grants: ICE receives funding from private foundations and charitable organizations (e.g., Mastercard Foundation, McConnell Foundation) to deliver youth programs (Generation Power, ImaGENation), energy efficiency programming (Bringing It Home), and the Global Hub. Grants are typically multi-year and support program delivery, staffing, and participant supports such as wage subsidies and mentorship stipends.
2. Government Program Funding: Federal and provincial government departments (Natural Resources Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) provide funding for specific programs. NRCan funds the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) capacity-building component, the 20/20 Catalysts Program, and the Charge Up EV charging program. CMHC funds the Bringing It Home housing energy efficiency program. Government funding supports program operations, project grants to communities, and participant wage subsidies (Generation Power provides 75% wage subsidy up to $19,200 per placement).
3. Corporate Partnerships and Donations: Corporate partners (utilities, energy developers, financial institutions) provide financial contributions and in-kind support (staff time, expertise) to ICE programs. Donations are processed through the Ottawa Community Foundation and generate tax receipts. Corporate partners gain access to Indigenous community networks, CSR alignment, and Indigenous workforce development via Generation Power employer placements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) is a Canadian Indigenous-governed not-for-profit organization that delivers free capacity-building programs to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. Its offerings include the flagship 20/20 Catalysts Program (clean energy leadership training), Generation Power (youth work placements in clean energy with 75% wage subsidy), ImaGENation (youth-led project funding up to $50,000), Bringing It Home and Project Accelerator (energy efficiency in Indigenous housing), Regional Energy Coach Program, ICE Mentorship, Energy & Climate National and Global Hubs, the ICE Network online community, and Charge Up (EV charging infrastructure in rural Indigenous communities). All programs are delivered at no cost to Indigenous participants, funded by government grants, foundation grants, and corporate donations.

Product overview

Indigenous Clean Energy operates as a not-for-profit platform that advances Indigenous-led capacity building and collective action in Canada's clean energy transition through a portfolio of interconnected programs. The core offering includes the award-winning 20/20 Catalysts Program (flagship capacity-building initiative), Generation Power (youth employment/workforce development), and ImaGENation (youth-led project support). Energy efficiency programming is delivered through Bringing It Home and its Project Accelerator submodule, while the Regional Energy Coach Program extends support to broader affordable housing providers. Cross-cutting services include ICE Mentorship, the ICE Network online platform, the Decolonizing Power podcast, and the National Gathering biennial event. The Energy & Climate team manages National and Global Hub initiatives. All programs are grounded in Indigenous culture and focused on building clean energy capacity across First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 20/20 Catalysts Program Award-winning Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program that equips First Nations, Inuit, and Métis participants with tools and resources to become clean energy leaders. The intensive program connects participants to mentors and coaching specialists for clean energy project development including solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, microgrids, and storage. More than 150 participants have completed the program since 2016. Program costs (travel, accommodation, meals for three week-long on-site intensives) are covered by ICE.
• Bringing It Home National initiative fostering community-centred 'Healthy Energy Living' enabling environments for energy efficiency in new and retrofitted homes and facilities. Strengthens capacity across six domains: Governance & Leadership, Asset Management, Maintenance, Skills, Design & Construction, and Financing. Funded by CMHC.
• Project Accelerator 18-month program supporting development of Indigenous energy efficiency housing projects. Accepts applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities and Indigenous housing organizations. Provides virtual/in-person training, access to national network of experts and mentors, project grants, and wrap-around supports for participants to create project plans. Free participation.
• Regional Energy Coach Program Free expert coaching program for affordable housing providers across Canada to adopt energy efficiency and sustainability measures. Offers technical support, energy efficiency planning, walkthrough assessments, and funding guidance including navigating FCM's Sustainable Affordable Housing Program. Includes a Regional Energy Coach specifically for Indigenous and Northern communities in partnership with the Community Housing Transformation Centre.
• Energy & Climate (National Hub & Global Hub) Manages ICE's National and Global Hubs to ground policy and program work in Indigenous community needs. National Hub coordinates programming to inform regional and national clean energy policy. Global Hub supports Indigenous communities worldwide (Colombia, Australia/Masig Island, Aotearoa New Zealand) using a decolonial approach to advance global Indigenous solidarity and community-led energy systems. ICE hosted its first Global Delegation (20 kin from 5 nations) at the 2024 ICE Gathering.
• Generation Power Work placement program connecting Indigenous youth (ages 18-30) with employers in the energy industry. Provides 3-12 month job opportunities for hands-on experience in clean energy economy. Includes optional introductory course to clean energy, leadership development, and 75% wage subsidy up to $19,200 for employers. Free for Indigenous youth participants.
• ImaGENation 18-month capacity-building program supporting Indigenous youth-led clean energy projects grounded in cultural identity, mentorship, and peer-to-peer support. Teams of 1-5 Indigenous youth (ages 18-30) receive project-specific mentorship, coaching, cultural guidance, and up to $50,000 in phased funding. Free participation for Indigenous youth teams.
• ICE Mentorship Connects eligible ICE program participants with industry-leading experts from across the clean energy spectrum. Provides one-on-one engagements and cohort support from Indigenous and allied professionals. Mentees and mentors work together to design customized engagements focused on specific project needs, goals, and objectives.
• ICE Network Online community platform supporting ongoing connections amongst members with over 1,500 members. Makes it easy to share relevant news, questions, and upcoming events. Free account registration available. The platform serves as both a community hub and a distribution mechanism for ICE program resources, job opportunities, and event information.
• Charge Up Program launched with Natural Resources Canada support to bring EV chargers to rural Indigenous communities. Part of ICE's sustainable transportation expansion.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 Indigenous communities and organizations led energy-efficient housing projects through the inaugural Project Accelerator cohort in 2023.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting, employer, core host and media partner.

• SevenGencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSevenGen is an Indigenous youth organization that develops and leads programs for Indigenous youth to lead in clean energy and climate action. SevenGen co-founded the ImaGENation program with ICE and Student Energy, and sits on the SevenGen Council. Mihskakwan James Harper of NRStor is a member of the SevenGen Council.
• Student EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent Energy is a global youth-focused energy organization. ICE co-developed the ImaGENation program in partnership with Student Energy and SevenGen. Student Energy contributes program design expertise, youth networks, and operational capacity to the 18-month youth-led clean energy project program.
• SaskPowersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSaskPower is a program partner and collaborator on the 20/20 Catalysts Program and the Bringing It Home Project Accelerator. SaskPower contributes staff expertise, project site access for educational tours, and potential co-funding for Indigenous clean energy projects in Saskatchewan.
• IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator, Ontario)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerIESO is listed as a program partner and collaborator for the 20/20 Catalysts Program and Bringing It Home Project Accelerator. IESO contributes expertise on Ontario's electricity sector, engagement with First Nations in Ontario, and potential co-funding for Indigenous clean energy projects in the province.
• ATCOsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerATCO is a program partner and collaborator for the 20/20 Catalysts Program. ATCO, together with the Piikani Nation, co-owns the Old Man River hydro plant in southern Alberta — one of the notable early Indigenous clean energy project precedents referenced in ICE's history.
• FortisBCsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerFortisBC is a program partner for the Bringing It Home Project Accelerator, contributing expertise on energy efficiency, natural gas alternatives, and Indigenous community engagement in British Columbia. The partnership supports energy efficiency programming for Indigenous housing organizations.
• BC HydrosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBC Hydro is listed as a program partner for the Bringing It Home Project Accelerator, contributing expertise and potential co-funding for Indigenous clean energy and energy efficiency projects in British Columbia.
• IISD (International Institute for Sustainable Development)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIISD is listed as a contributor and collaborator for the Energy & Climate Global Hub program. IISD contributes expertise in sustainable development policy, climate governance, and international frameworks that inform ICE's national and global clean energy policy work.
• Community Housing Transformation CentresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Community Housing Transformation Centre is a partner in the Regional Energy Coach Program, which supports affordable housing providers across Canada in adopting energy efficiency measures. ICE hosts a Regional Energy Coach specifically for Indigenous and Northern communities.
• Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFCM, through its Green Municipal Fund, is a partner in the Regional Energy Coach Program. FCM's Sustainable Affordable Housing Program is referenced as a funding pathway that Regional Energy Coaches help Indigenous and Northern communities navigate.
• Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) Inc.employerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCIPS participated in the Generation Power program as an employer, hiring its first Indigenous employee through the program. CIPS grew from 3 to 18 First Nation member staff as a result. CEO Michael S. Jacobs describes the program as instrumental to their Indigenous engagement strategy and workforce expansion.
• Powertec Solar Inc.employerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPowertec Solar, a British Columbia-based solar energy company, participated in Generation Power for three consecutive years as an employer host. The company hired two youth through the program and reports that the first participant went on to pursue pre-engineering studies. President Daniel Hartley recommends the program to other employers and youth.
• Tsuut'ina Nationcore hostStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Tsuut'ina Nation is the host partner for the 2026 National Gathering. The event will be held at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Calgary TELUS Convention Centre in Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary, Alberta). This is a significant nation-to-nation partnership for ICE's flagship event.
• Globe and Mailmedia partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Globe and Mail partnered with ICE to host the 2024 ICE Gathering in Toronto/Tkaronto. The Globe and Mail is a major Canadian media organization, and this partnership provided significant visibility for Indigenous clean energy leadership and brought ICE's event to a broader national audience.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Student Energy: Global youth-focused energy organization that co-developed and co-delivers the ImaGENation program with ICE and SevenGen. Most directly comparable as a peer in youth clean energy capacity building, mentorship, and project funding — overlapping workforce development mission and similar program mechanics.
• First Nations Power Authority: Canadian non-profit focused on First Nations clean energy project development and equity ownership. Directly comparable as a peer organization serving Indigenous communities on clean energy capacity, project structuring, and ownership, though more focused on utility-scale project finance than ICE's broader capacity-building portfolio.
• SevenGen: Indigenous youth organization that co-founded ImaGENation with ICE and Student Energy and operates the SevenGen Council. Directly comparable mission around Indigenous youth leadership in clean energy and climate action, with shared program cohorts and overlapping funder relationships (NRCan).

Others

• Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business: National Indigenous business chamber promoting Indigenous economic development and Indigenous-corporate partnerships. Comparable as a national Indigenous-focused intermediary with corporate partnership mandate; broader scope (all sectors) and more business-supplier focus than ICE's clean energy specialization.
• Lumos Energy: ICE's former parent organization (until 2019 spin-off); Chris Henderson continues as both ICE Founding ED and Lumos President. Comparable as the originating clean energy advisory entity whose Indigenous-engagement work seeded ICE; Lumos is more commercial/advisory in nature while ICE is grant-funded capacity building.
• NRStor: Canadian energy storage developer with strong Indigenous co-ownership track record (e.g., Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal with Fort Nelson First Nation); Mihskakwan James Harper sits on the SevenGen Council. Comparable as a Canadian clean energy developer with Indigenous partnership and ownership structures; commercial developer rather than non-profit capacity builder.

Emerging players

• Aboriginal Clean Energy: Canadian initiative (closely linked to Chris Henderson's network) focused on Indigenous participation in renewable energy project development. Comparable as a Canadian Indigenous clean energy platform; smaller and more project-development focused than ICE's broader capacity-building and policy portfolio.

Regional players

• Bullfrog Power: Canadian renewable energy provider offering green electricity and natural gas products to homes and businesses. Comparable as a Canadian-focused clean energy brand that has invested in Indigenous partnerships and storytelling, though commercially oriented rather than non-profit capacity building.

Broad incumbents

• Pembina Institute: Long-established Canadian clean energy think tank with research, policy, and convening work spanning renewables, climate, and Indigenous engagement. Comparable as a Canadian clean energy policy and capacity-building platform; broader mandate, larger staff, and more policy-research orientation than ICE's community-capacity focus.
• Clean Energy Canada: Canadian clean energy policy and advocacy organization focused on accelerating the energy transition through research, narrative, and convening. Comparable as a clean energy advocacy and convening platform with national scope; not Indigenous-specific but adjacent in audience and policy areas.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLZBGCAUTMUFXv2wn6M9DCW4x9NzQkCMTM
• Xx.com/IndigClnEnergy
• Facebookfacebook.com/IndigClnEnergy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indigenous Clean Energy