The 2024 Energy Efficiency Mentorship Program is underway this Fall!
A new cohort of 8 Indigenous participants have joined the Energy Efficiency Mentorship Program (EEMP) for the 2024-2025 session.
Through both training and mentorship, the program is designed for Indigenous building specialists who are ready to extend their skills and also offers a grounding for participants who are newer to the housing field. Bonus! As part of the program, participants help deliver Energy Efficiency 101 Workshops in communities.
Photo: BCIT
Overview of EEMP
EEMP program participants attended a three-day workshop at BCIT in October 2023 following a series of virtual training sessions. Photo: Darell Gaddie, FBC
After completing an online and in-person training program, the participating trainees will go on to deliver introductory workshops about energy efficiency solutions and practices, for both new construction and existing homes, to First Nations communities in their regions. For this part of the program, each trainee will be paired up with an Indigenous building professional (mentor). Together, they co-deliver two in-person community workshops on energy efficiency, tailored to the climate and other needs of their region.
Housing consultant Richard Hall of Nuxalk Nation are offering the Energy Efficiency Mentorship Program at no cost, in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Both the peer group of 8 experienced trainees and 12 entry-level trainees will attend 6 virtual Zoom training sessions: October 2024 to March, 2025
The peer group of 8 experienced trainees will also:
shadow and assist an Indigenous Professional from the previous EEMP cohort with delivering one to two in-community workshops within their regions: October 2024 to March 2025
attend a three-day in-person workshop at BCIT: April 2025
deliver two in-community workshops within their regions, paired up with a newly trained Indigenous Building Professional: April 2025 - June 2026
Program participants take part in the program at no cost thanks to EEMP program funders.
In addition to completing the EEMP training program, program participants will help to deliver introductory workshops about energy efficiency solutions and practices, for both new construction and existing homes, for First Nations communities in their regions. A great opportunity for program participants and communities — learn more below!
The Energy Efficiency Mentorship Program is available to approved applicants at no cost.
Experienced Trainees
An experienced trainee participating in the full program is eligible to receive the following:
A training allowance of $850, paid to the trainee on completion of the online and three-day in-person training program
A fee of $750 to shadow and assist an Indigenous Building Professional at one to two introductory workshops
A fee of $1,250 to deliver each of the two introductory workshops to First Nations communities in their regions (total of $2,500)
Reimbursement of travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation and meals required for the in-person training course in Vancouver, and for travel expenses related to the introductory community workshops
Entry-Level Trainees
An entry-level trainee is eligible to receive:
a $500 learning stipend on completion of the online training program
Richard Hall of Nuxalk Nation has 35 years of experience in Indigenous housing as a Red Seal carpenter / builder, a capital project and housing manager, a housing consultant and building inspector.
Richard is now designing affordable, sustainable and energy-efficient homes that complement the climates of British Columbia’s west coast and that suit the cultural lifestyles of First Peoples.
An “Energy Efficiency 101” community workshop at Lake Babine Nation in 2024.
All late 2024 / early 2025 are booked, but communities can check back to see if new spots are added in 2025!
Workshops are designed for community staff members, including housing staff, asset managers and maintenance crews. Other interested community members can also be encouraged to attend.
The EEMP program offers financial support of $1,000 to a community to assist with the cost of putting on the workshop, including venue hire and catering. Additional funding support is available for local Elders to open in a good way ($250).
For workshop inquiries, contact:
Darell Gaddie Program Lead E: | T: 236 888-1298
Words of Appreciation for Community Workshops!
“I highly enjoyed this workshop would recommend it to all First Nations Housing departments. A very excellent workshop and an extremely knowledgeable speaker!”
“The workshop presentation was great and covered useful information.”
“Useful information that was easy to understand and good visuals. Would highly recommend to staff and communities.”
Thanks to program funders Vancity, BC Hydro, FortisBC and the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Thanks also to CleanBC, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association and the BC Institute of Technology for their in-kind support.
