Time flies! Since September 2024, the Energy InSites program has officially onboarded 11 communities, and our technical team has successfully completed several dozen energy assessments in many of these communities.

As the program continues to grow, the team has been expanding their focus to empower Indigenous youth and provide support to the next generation of energy leaders. As a result, youth engagement is at the heart of this next phase.

Guided by the principles of empowerment, education, and capacity building, the Energy InSites team is investing in programs that will elevate the voices of youth and promote leadership in the energy sector. By offering mentorship, certification opportunities, and hands-on learning, the program team is laying the groundwork for continued youth involvement well beyond the duration of Energy InSites.

Additionally, this next phase includes a major announcement: The Energy InSites team is launching the Youth Energy Champion Accelerator!

The Youth Energy Champion Accelerator is an initiative designed to encourage and support Indigenous youth while they explore and share experiences on energy topics through art, storytelling, and leadership development. Each selected Youth Energy Champion will be funded to develop a creative project focused on energy, while also participating in a range of development activities, including: 

• One-on-one mentorship
• Career skill development in clean energy, community energy planning, and energy sovereignty
• Community-building workshops
• Certification and training opportunities 

The Youth Energy Champion Accelerator is open to Indigenous youth at least 18 years of age living in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. No previous experience in the energy sector is required—just a passion for learning and a commitment to making a difference.

Applications open soon! If you’re interested (or if you know someone who might be), please contact Grace Donnelly for more information: [email protected]