NationTalk: IQALUIT, NU – For the first time in program history, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Social Enterprise’s flagship capacity-building program, the 20/20 Catalysts Program, is honoured to be hosting the program’s second onsite in Iqaluit, NU on July 10-17, 2022.
“Indigenous Clean Energy is grateful for the partnerships we hold with Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation (QBDC), Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), Tarquiti and Kuujjuamiut that are graciously hosting us on Inuit land for the first time in the program’s history. It is an honour to be here and witness communities leading the way on diesel reduction” – Eryn Stewart, Managing Director, Indigenous Clean Energy.
ICE is proud to partner with Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation (QBDC) and Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation to provide the onsite tours of various clean energy projects they have underway. They will also co-host a reception on July 13, 2022, while in Iqaluit, NU.
“We are pleased to play a small role in supporting the 20/20 Catalysts event and wish to extend a warm welcome to attendees from across the country. Having had the opportunity to participate as a Catalyst in the program’s inaugural year, I can attest to the value of the 20/20 Catalysts Program and the remarkable advancement of Indigenous-led clean energy projects throughout twelve of Canada’s Provincial and Territorial jurisdictions.
While we trust the Catalysts will find their visit to Nunavut insightful, we also hope that their presence will inspire the Government of Nunavut and its Utility to become Canada’s thirteenth jurisdiction to realize the benefits of Indigenous partnerships and make an expeditious and serious commitment to achieving a significant reduction in diesel dependency in every community in Nunavut.” – Sheldon Nimchuk, Director Project Development & Partnerships, Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation.
Additionally, during the onsite, Catalysts will have the opportunity to spend the day in Nunavik, QC, thanks to the support from ICE’s partners, Tarquti Energy Corporation and Kuujjuamiut Corporation, who will be hosting the 20/20 Catalysts on a trip to Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Tarquti Energy Corporation and Kuujjuamiut Corporation will provide tours of various clean energy projects and facilities. Participants will have a chance to hear from former 20/20 Catalysts, Jason Aitchison and Tiivi Dupius, as well as a presentation and discussion with Inuk Climate Change Activist, Sheila Watt-Cloutier.
“As Nunavik’s leading clean energy developer, Tarquti is proud to be hosting the [20/20 Catalysts program] alongside Kuujjuamiut Society. We believe that supporting each other and building local capacity in all Inuit, and Indigenous communities is the best way forward. We share the same goals: to put an end to the reliance on diesel-powered energy in our region, and we are honoured to work together with [ICE] to see those goals achieved.” – Janice Grey, Community Engagement and Communications Manager, Tarquti Energy Corporation.
The 20/20 Catalysts program has equipped over 100 Indigenous Peoples from across Canada to move clean energy projects forward. A first-of-its-kind capacity development initiative, the 20/20 Catalysts Program is delivered by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and technical mentors who are experienced and knowledgeable in transitioning to renewable energy. The program includes experiential learning, including energy efficiency and conservation, policy and infrastructure development, advanced energy systems, and large renewable energy projects.
Taking place from May to August this year, the 20/20 Catalysts Program is led by 35+ of the most knowledgeable and experienced Indigenous leaders and clean energy practitioners from coast-to-coast.
ICE will also host a reception in Iqaluit, NU, on July 13, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Join the 20/20 Catalysts team for a night full of food, drinks, and networking. Learn more about the Catalyst program, meet the 2020-22 Catalyst cohort, and discover how Indigenous communities are advancing an Indigenous-led clean energy future. There are a limited number of spots available, so please contact Justice Morningstar at jmorngingstar@indigenouscleanenergy.com to attend.
The next onsite will take place in Alton, ON on August 14-19, 2022.
To learn more about the 20/20 Catalyst Program, visit www.indigenouscleanenergy.com/2020-catalysts-program/
Contact
Justice Morningstar, 20/20 Catalysts Program Manager
Sydney Howard, Communications Manager
About ICE
Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE) is an independent, Indigenous-governed, non-profit organization. ICE is the national hub advancing Indigenous and broader sustainable prosperity by supporting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis clean energy participation in every region of Canada.
About QBDC
Qikiqtaaluk Business Development Corporation (QBDC) was created to stimulate local and regional economic development opportunities. We work to build prosperous, more self-sufficient communities; we cultivate strategic partnerships in order to build essential infrastructure, we advance new and innovative solutions to enhance economic development, and we leverage third-party investments to support communities in advancing their visions.