Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) launched an Indigenous-focused pilot stream under the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) in 2023, supported by a $4.5 million budget. Two years later, NRCan is sharing key lessons from the pilot that will guide future Indigenous-focused programming. The initiative was designed around recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, emphasizing relationship-building with Indigenous communities across the country.
During program development, NRCan staff engaged with Indigenous representatives, national Indigenous organizations, and policy experts to ensure the program met community-specific needs. These discussions highlighted that meaningful electric vehicle (EV) adoption starts with trust and cultural understanding. Key practices included using a continuous intake model for applications, providing relationship-building and proposal support, approaching communities with humility, respecting distinct cultures and histories, and offering advance payments to reduce financial barriers.
Grounded in trust, flexibility, and cultural respect, the pilot funded 19 Indigenous-led projects supporting communities in shaping their clean transportation futures. For example, the Manitoba/Ontario Free Ride EV Educational Project created a school curriculum incorporating Indigenous perspectives on EVs, hosted an annual EV conference, and assisted communities in accessing EV funding. Positive outcomes include the installation of EV chargers and establishment of an EV transit system in St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation, as well as the construction of DC fast chargers in several Manitoba communities to enable travel between Winnipeg and Thompson.
Other projects expanded EV awareness into sectors like skills training, marine mobility, and aviation. In British Columbia, the iTOTEM klassa project’s For7Gen initiative encouraged Indigenous youth to pursue careers in the low-carbon economy, while Malahat Solutions Inc. developed curricula to convert fossil-fuelled boats to electric propulsion. Elibird aero introduced Indigenous youth to electric aviation through outreach events, virtual-reality tools, and networking opportunities with clean-flight leaders, fostering interest in future careers in aerospace.
NRCan plans to continue gathering insights from the pilot, evaluating the outcomes of all 19 projects after their completion in March 2026. The department will document lessons learned, explore ways to strengthen Indigenous participation in awareness and capacity-building initiatives, and share findings through Nòkwewashk to inform broader Indigenous-led program design and delivery. By maintaining principles of respect, flexibility, and partnership, NRCan aims to support community needs and build on the relationships established during the pilot.
