2024 Indigenous Clean Energy Gathering
This November, I had the privilege of attending the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Gathering in Toronto, held from the 27th to the 29th. This annual event is more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of Indigenous-led clean energy projects that are driving real change in communities across Canada and around the world.
Every year, the ICE Gathering gets bigger and better, and this year was no exception. Indigenous delegates from countries like Australia, Ecuador, and New Zealand joined Indigenous leaders from Canada to share ideas and inspire one another. For me, it’s always a deeply rewarding experience to be part of this global dialogue on clean energy and sustainability.
One of the highlights of the gathering is reconnecting with people I’ve mentored through ICE’s programs, such as the Imagination Program for Youth, Bring It Home Program for Housing, and the Catalyst Program for Large Renewable Energy Projects. Seeing the growth of these individuals and the success of their projects fills me with pride. Watching them present their achievements on stage, years after they started their journeys, reminds me why this work is so important.
Another powerful aspect of the gathering is the connections it fosters. This year, I had the chance to introduce participants from different programs who were at various stages of their projects. For example, connecting someone in the Bring It Home Program with a participant from the Catalyst Program who had already completed a large renewable energy project. These moments of bridging silos and sharing expertise are what make the ICE network so impactful.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the conversations I had with funders and community leaders at the gathering. We discussed ideas for aggregating projects to attract larger funding and support. I’m also planning a cross-Canada tour in 2025 to visit up to 30 Indigenous communities. Meeting so many of the people I hope to visit has already given this initiative a strong foundation.
Attending the ICE Gathering each year reminds me of the incredible work being done in clean energy and the strength of this community. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come and to imagine the possibilities for the future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this growing network, and I look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the amazing projects coming out of these communities.
If you’ve never been to the ICE Gathering, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a space where innovation, collaboration, and hope come to life.