The Indigenous Youth Energy Champion Accelerator
The Indigenous Youth Energy Champion Accelerator (IYECA) is a 6-month educational program designed to support passionate Indigenous Youth to launch their careers in the energy sector.
Youth can expect a structured training curriculum, one on one mentoring, group support meetings and professional skills development opportunities.
Participants will document their program experience through a creative community informed zine, sharing their Indigenous energy perspectives.
Youth Energy Champions will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their work.
See all 2025/2026 Cohort 1 Zines
Who is eligible?
First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth aged 18 to 30 living in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are eligible to apply.
Program Cost
Costs associated with zine creation and time commitments will be covered by the project stipend. All program required travel is funded and organized by the program.
Required Skills
- Interest in energy, climate change, or environmental sustainability.
- Willingness to lead and inspire others in their community.
- Ability to communicate and work respectfully with others
- Dependable, self-motivated, and able to stay engaged over time
- Connection to Indigenous community, culture, and values
What support does IYECA offer to participating youth?
- Structured training curriculum focused on energy efficiency, energy conservation, building performance, and broader energy topics.
- One on one and group mentoring on professional skills, communications, graphic design, and project management.
- References for future employment opportunities.
- Certification and education.
- Culturally informed supports.
Key Takeaways for Youth
- Understanding of energy sources and principles of energy consumption, efficiency and conservation.
- Understanding of energy systems from a climate-conscious land stewardship perspective.
- Knowledge of community-based decision making, community energy planning and energy sovereignty.
- Grant Writing and project funding/financing basics.
- Project management.
- Professional communication.
What can Youth Champions Expect?
- Group check in meetings and engagement with other Youth Champions.
- One on one mentorship meetings to guide project progress.
- In-person Youth Energy Champion workshops.
- 4 to 5 hours weekly of mentor support and learning activities.
- Energy InSites symposium in Fall 2026 to network and reflect on the program experience.
- Create a community informed zine that reflects your energy story and experiences.
Anticipated Timelines
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- The next IYECA cohorts are planned for spring 2026 and fall 2026.
- Weeklong in person workshops at the onset and closing of each program cohort.
- Biweekly mentorship check ins.
- Group check-ins and classes biweekly.
- Energy InSites symposium Fall 2026.
Why Youth and why now?
CIER recognizes that there is limitless potential in Indigenous Youth, especially when it comes to energy. However, the path for Youth to get involved in the energy sector is not clear and it can limit how young people engage with energy work. The Indigenous Youth Energy Champion Accelerator was developed to bridge the gap and create a pathway for passionate Youth to start their energy careers and become energy leaders in their communities and across Turtle Island. The clean energy transition has already started and IYECA is building the foundation for Youth to lead the way.
How do I get involved?
Interested Youth are encouraged to reach out to CIER at [email protected] with any questions or apply directly by completing this Jot Form.
2025/2026 Cohort 1 Zines:
