Community Priorities Across Treaty #3

Unify is working alongside Grand Council Treaty #3 to support the development of a Nation-led Energy & Climate Institute serving all 28 Treaty #3 Nations.

The work is grounded in regional gatherings and ongoing engagement with leadership, technical staff, and community members. These conversations focus on energy needs, infrastructure gaps, governance priorities, and long-term goals related to food sovereignty, economic development, and training.

This process ensures the Institute is shaped by the realities and priorities of the communities it is intended to serve, rather than being defined externally.

Building the Institute

Working with Grand Council Treaty #3, we are supporting the development of a roadmap for an Institute that can function as a regional hub for clean energy planning, coordination, and training. This includes defining governance structures aligned with Treaty #3 leadership, identifying how the Institute will operate, and outlining phased steps for implementation.

To support this, we are conducting regional asset and market analysis to identify existing infrastructure, assess viable clean energy opportunities, and understand workforce and training needs. This work also includes mapping partnership opportunities and reviewing funding programs to ensure the Institute can move forward in a practical way. A business and financing plan is being developed alongside this work, outlining capital requirements, funding pathways, and long-term sustainability.

Workforce development is a central component. The Institute is being designed to support training, youth engagement, and the development of technical and governance capacity, ensuring communities are equipped to lead their own projects over time.

Long-Term Vision

The Energy & Climate Institute is expected to unlock long-term transformation across Treaty #3 territory. It is envisioned as a regional coordination hub for clean energy projects, a living lab for innovation and technology adoption, and a platform for collaboration between Nations, industry, and funders. Future opportunities include accelerating renewable energy and climate projects, expanding workforce training and employment pathways, supporting food sovereignty and community resilience, and positioning Treaty #3 as a leader in Indigenous-led clean energy innovation.