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Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities
Funds clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, remote communities
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Capacity building for clean energy readiness
- Renewable energy deployment projects
- Energy efficiency and demand-side management projects
- Feasibility studies and project planning
- Research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies
Documents Needed
- Completed project application
- Written proposal with statement of work
- Application signed by an authorized officer
- Supporting documentation, if requested
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities
- Indigenous governments and organizations
- Canadian for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal governments
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for project staff
- Professional, technical, and contracting services
- Equipment, materials, and installation costs
- Travel, training, workshops, and related project expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchase
- Loan financing charges and interest
- Costs incurred before project approval
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Indigenous, rural, and remote communities
- Northern and Arctic regions
Selection criteria
- Alignment with program objectives
- Project benefits and expected results
- Project governance and team capacity
- Community engagement and support
- Project workplan, risks, and financial strength
How to apply
- Step 1: Request application materials
- Email the program team to request a project application and be assigned a program officer.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the written proposal and statement of work.
- Review the guidance provided for completing the form.
- Ensure the application is signed by an authorized officer.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed application through the contact form or by email as instructed by the program.
- Step 4: Follow-up and review
- Wait for the program team to review the submission and provide any further instructions or requests for information.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility by regional program officers.
- Eligible proposals are assessed against the program criteria and objectives.
- Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis while funding remains available.
- Projects that meet requirements are brought forward for approval.
- The program may request additional supporting documentation during review.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is fully allocated.
- The Indigenous Council provides guidance on program and policy development for the initiative.
- Program officers work directly with applicants and may provide technical and project development support.
- A pathfinding officer can help identify supplementary or alternative programs and resources.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities Program
What is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Wah-ila-toos provides funding for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities across Canada. The initiative supports renewable energy, capacity-building, energy efficiency, and related clean energy activities to reduce diesel use for heat and power.
Who is eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program?
To be eligible for the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program, you must:
Indigenous, Canadian, or government-related applicants
Clean energy or efficiency project
Must reduce diesel reliance
What expenses are eligible under Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Capacity building for clean energy readiness
Renewable energy deployment projects
Energy efficiency and demand-side management projects
Feasibility studies and project planning
Research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies
Who can I contact for more information about the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at nrcan.remoteenergy-energieadistance.rncan@canada.ca.
Where is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities available?
The Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities program is available across Canada.
Is the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities?
Wah-ila-toos: Clean Energy Initiatives in Indigenous, rural and remote communities is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)