Indigenous Clean Energy and the Clean Energy BC Release New Guide to Support Indigenous Equity Participation in Clean Electricity Projects
January 21, 2026
Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE), in collaboration with the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC), is pleased to announce the release of the Indigenous Clean Electricity Project Equity Guide, a comprehensive new resource designed to support First Nations in navigating equity ownership, partnership models, and project decision making in British Columbia’s rapidly expanding clean energy sector.
Rooted in the principle of “With Us,” a call for respectful collaboration and Indigenous self-determined participation, the Guide offers practical tools, step by step frameworks, and clear considerations for Nations evaluating equity opportunities in utility scale renewable energy, storage, and transmission projects.
As British Columbia moves forward with significant clean electricity procurement, including new Calls for Power, many Nations are evaluating how equity participation can advance long term community goals, generate sustained revenue, and strengthen energy sovereignty. The Guide responds directly to this moment by providing transparent, Nation centered information on partnership structures, governance readiness, financing pathways, and key stages of project development.
James Jenkins, Executive Director, Indigenous Clean Energy:
“Indigenous communities have long called for self-determined participation in energy projects, and a positive trend is the growth in opportunities for greater economic equity in partnerships. Indigenous equity partnerships have become more of a standard in calls for power in many Canadian jurisdictions, especially for renewable and battery storage projects. There are hundreds of positive examples of Indigenous partnerships, but as communities continue to engage in this space, there is a need for access to sound and transparent advice to ensure that they are informed and supported in entering into fairer business deals. This guide will provide considerations for Indigenous partners to work towards relationships that start in a way that is favorable for both parties. Indigenous project managers, political leaders, administrators, and technicians could find this guide useful as they explore the growing opportunities created by equity partnerships.”
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia:
“First Nations across British Columbia are shaping the future of clean electricity, and equity ownership is becoming a key part of that leadership. This Guide supports Nations with practical, clear information so they can make confident, self-determined decisions about long term ownership and partnership. We are honoured to collaborate with ICE on a resource that reflects what Nations have consistently called for, which is transparency, respect, and strong foundations for fair and lasting partnerships.”
