PacifiCan Supporting Indigenous Communities With $4M Cleantech Investment
In a world where environmental sustainability is more crucial than ever, the collaboration of clean energy innovation and community empowerment has the potential to create transformative change.
The recent Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) investment of over $4 million into two Indigenous-led organization’s cleantech projects showcases the powerful impact that government and communities can have when working together.
This government funding initiative highlights PacifiCan’s contribution towards sustainable energy solutions, as well as the fostering of skills development and cultural preservation within Indigenous communities in Canada.
“Contributions from [PacifiCan] help governments, industry, and First Nations to develop green solutions that create jobs in First Nations communities today and protect the environment of our future.”
– Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
PacifiCan Funding to Provide Skills Training Across Indigenous Communities
One of the British Columbia (B.C.) organizations to receive PacifiCan funding support is the First Nations Technology Council which received $2 million for its technology employment training program project titled Digital Horizons.
First Nations Technology Council is an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization that works to support all 204 First Nations communities across British Columbia to enhance connectivity, digital skills development, information management, and technical services.
According to the First Nations Technology Council, their Digital Horizons project aims to train over 700 Indigenous people in over 150 communities across B.C., with skills required for in-demand technology-based jobs and/or to launch their own tech or tech-enabled businesses in the province.
“We’re grateful to partner with the Government of Canada to continue offering digital skills training programs for over 705 Indigenous learners over the next two years. With the support of Digital Horizons, we will be able to offer valuable career pathway services and ensure Indigenous program graduates can access mentors, internship opportunities, and careers in BC and beyond.”
– Natiea Vinson, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Technology Council.
Cleantech Solutions for Energy Efficiency with PacifiCan Funding Support
The second British Columbia (B.C.) organization to receive PacifiCan funding is the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), which is funded through the federal government’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative, with additional support from the Government of British Columbia’s CleanBC plan. BCICEI has helped provide roughly $26 million to support over 100 cleantech projects to First Nations communities in B.C. since its creation in 2016.
Through PacifiCan funding provides BCICEI with $2.3 million, while Indigenous Services Canada provides an additional $1.6 million, towards their initiatives aimed solely at supporting Canada’s objective at reducing emissions by 2050.
The BCICEI project supports the planning and development of clean energy projects, along with solutions for energy efficiency and storage.
“PacifiCan has been an enthusiastic champion and supporter of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, which has created thousands of jobs and launched 100 clean energy projects. These projects have generated enough clean energy to power over 3,600 homes and reduced enough CO2 emissions to take the equivalent of 128,000 cars off the road for a year.”
– Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan)
PacifiCan Funding Support for British Columbia Businesses
PacifiCan’s investment in Indigenous-led cleantech projects goes beyond monetary support; it signifies a transformative approach towards sustainable growth in all Canadian communities.
Canadian businesses with operations located in British Columbia can access our free Western Canada Funding Directory to learn about grant, loan, and tax credit funding programs currently available to support on eligible business projects.
One of these funding programs is the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program for British Columbia which provides up to 50% of eligible project expenses to a maximum of $5 million in government loans for high growth potential projects to adopt and/or adapt technologies that support productivity, growth, and increase exports to global markets.
