Indigenous Initiatives develop and finance energy projects in partnership with Indigenous communities. This includes conducting feasibility studies and energy resource monitoring campaigns for projects such as wind power, solar power, hydropower, and hybrid microgrids. We also offer access to a strong industry network to coordinate project conceptualization, design, and budgeting. We have experience in strategic and business planning for energy projects, including revenue estimation and financial structuring. Additionally, we provide an extensive First Nations engagement experience to maximize local involvement in planning and implementation. We have secured over $18 million for communities through grant proposal writing.

Development of the 99 MW Cape Scott Wind Farm, which began commercial operations in 2013. Including obtaining an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the BC Government, an Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro, and negotiating agreements with three affected First Nations. Due diligence during the sale of the project to the eventual owner-operator, Engie (as GDF-Suez).

Development of Megawatt-scale wind, solar and hydropower project development portfolio in British Columbia under the Standing Offer Program. Completed multi-year detailed resource assessment, EA permitting, system design, stakeholder engagement, financial structuring, and utility contract submissions per project.

Community and First Nations consultation for multiple proposed clean energy projects. Negotiation of early-stage protocol agreements, coordinating involvement in site visits and fieldwork, information sharing with leadership and staff, participation in various community meetings and open houses, and negotiation of commercial impact-benefit agreements.

Development services to multiple remote communities over the design of hybrid solar and wind power systems on BC’s west coast, Manitoba, Yukon Territory, and northern Ontario (2012-2019).

Engineering, procurement, and construction of multiple community solar projects in northern/central British Columbia (2016-2019).

Indigenous Initiatives are experienced in writing grant proposals for all levels of government, industry, and nonprofits. We specialize in strategy development, gap analysis by department, preparation of internal improvement reports, development of a growth strategy, and priority development. We have secured $800 million of funding for communities.

Our staffing services help build the capacity of Indigenous communities and corporations by providing them with a vast network of qualified candidates. We manage recruitment, screening, referencing and interviewing of applicants to place suitable candidates for required positions.

In partnership with Stoney Nakoda Nation, Open Sky is providing labour opportunities with the Lafarge Exshaw plant, situated right on Stoney Land. Open Sky has been able to hire a fully indigenous labour crew, consisting of 8-12 labourers. Open Skys Labour crew is the sole labour provider for Lafarge Exshaw. We have letters of support from the SNN CEO – which state that we agree and hold the responsibility of being SNN’s preferred Labour Solutions.

The positions we currently have working with Lafarge, are general labourer(s) and lead hand positions. The roles and responsibilities of these positions include (Clean Up Crew, Safety, shovelling, monitoring, CSA)