Insights

Plain-language guides for people who get projects built

Funding, energy, and Indigenous project development, explained without the jargon. Written for the band administrators, councillors, and owners who do the work.

Featured Guide · Funding

The Complete Guide to Funding a First Nations Economic Development Project

Which programs fund what, how to combine grants with debt and equity, and where to start. The map we wish every community had before the first application.

Read the guide →

New · Funding

The Build Communities Strong Fund: What Indigenous Applicants Need to Know Before August 12

A $51 billion federal infrastructure fund is taking applications, and Indigenous applicants have until August 12, 2026. What shovel-ready means on this intake, who qualifies, and the expression-of-interest route if you are not ready.

Read the article →

Funding

SREPs Funding: What Canada's $26 Million Prairie Announcement Means

Ottawa funded 17 clean energy projects across Alberta and Saskatchewan on July 4, 2026, and most of the Indigenous money pays for pre-development. What that stage involves and how to get ready for the next window.

Read the article →

Funding

Indigenous Loan Guarantee Programs in Canada, Explained

Canada just issued its largest Indigenous loan guarantee ever, backing seven First Nations to co-own the Darlington nuclear project. What the federal and provincial programs fund, who qualifies, and how to use them.

Read the article →

Funding

BC's New First Nations Equity Financing Program, Explained

British Columbia opened a $1 billion loan-guarantee program to help First Nations buy equity in projects on their territory. What it funds, who qualifies, and how it stacks with the federal programs you already use.

Read the article →

Hiring a Consultant

How to Choose a Feasibility Consultant

The study you commission decides whether your project gets funded or quietly dies. What to look for, the red flags, and eight questions to ask before you sign.

Read the article →

Artificial Intelligence

What Canada's AI Strategy Means for First Nations

Ottawa's new AI for All strategy puts over $2 billion behind AI adoption and names sovereignty a guiding principle. The opportunities it opens for First Nations, and the gap communities will have to close themselves.

Read the article →

Funding

How First Nations Access ISC CORP Funding

The Community Opportunity Readiness Program funds the stage where most good projects stall. Here is how it works and how to make your application stand out.

Read the article →

Energy

Can a First Nation Own Its Own Electricity Utility?

In most provinces, one utility holds the exclusive right to sell power. A franchise waiver can change that, and turn a community's energy spending into community-owned revenue.

Read the article →

Energy

Net Metering in Alberta vs Saskatchewan

Two neighbouring provinces, two different rulebooks. The differences in net metering shape how you size a system and how fast it pays for itself.

Read the article →

Have a question we should write about?

Or a project you want to talk through. Either way, we are glad to hear from you.

Start a Conversation