QUEST Canada announces the publishing of the Indigenous-AIRE Renewable Energy Transition Toolkit

March 31, 2025 // QUEST Canada is pleased to announce the publishing of the Indigenous-AIRE Renewable Energy Transition Toolkit, a new digital resource crafted with the unique needs and aspirations of the Indigenous communities of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba in mind.

The I-AIRE Toolkit is a collection of technical guidelines, resources, and comprehensive guides that aim to enable Indigenous communities to harness the power of renewable energy, foster energy independence, reduce energy costs, and promote environmental stewardship.

Through a community-driven, culturally respectful, and adaptable approach, it is designed to support a community on its journey toward a sustainable, prosperous net-zero future. Its goal is to help increase a community’s capacity to plan and implement land-based renewable energy initiatives – namely solar, wind, biomass, and geo-thermal.

An opportunity to create

“In an era where climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges,” says QUEST Canada’s Manager, Energy Planning & Indigenous Relations, Omar Farag, “transitioning to renewable energy is not just a necessity, but an opportunity to create a more self-sufficient and resilient future for the community.”

“This toolkit is specifically designed as a compass,” he explains, “that helps guide communities across the complex renewable energy landscape – from initial energy transition assessments and planning to project implementation and maintenance.”

“Creating a renewable energy project in an Indigenous community,” Omar emphasizes, “can bring so many benefits. They provide more reliable and affordable power, reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources, create local jobs and new skills, and bring more economic opportunities.”

In the I-AIRE Toolkit there’s sections enabling local Community Energy Assessment, Workshops and Capacity Building, Geospatial Mapping Analysis, and Operations and Maintenance Guidance. As well there’s help for Community Energy Coordinators, and for all involved to practice Best Practices.

Innovative three-year program

The Toolkit is part of QUEST Canada’s Accelerating the Implementation of Renewable Energy (I-AIRE) in Indigenous Communities program, an innovative three-year initiative in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan helping rural and remote Indigenous communities reach emission reduction targets.

The program is built on the I-AIRE Protocol, which provides members of the community with the means to establish and deploy more collaborative planning processes for local renewable energy development.

Taking local action

Finding ways to develop and implement renewable energy plans and complete projects across First Nation communities is about taking local action on a global problem, and reaping local economic benefits while strengthening future resilience.

“I am very grateful to have been a part of this program,” says Michael Marty Jr., Frog Lake First Nation’s Clean Energy Manager. “It’s given me the start within the clean energy space and built me up to be the clean energy leader I am today. The Capacity Building has been key to my development.”

“I highly recommend it to any First Nation community that would like to get a start in the clean energy space. Without it, I would not be on this amazing journey that I am on today.” 

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Media contact:

Donald Wiedman Senior Lead, Communications, QUEST Canada
t: 866-494-2770 ext. 702 e: dwiedman@questcanada.org

More information:

Accelerating the Implementation of Renewable Energy in Indigenous (I-AIRE) Communities Program: https://questcanada.org/aire-indigenous-communities 

I-AIRE Protocol: https://questcanada.org/aire-protocol/

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