Bridging Clean Energy Programs Across Turtle Island
The Home Energy Experience Tour (HEET) is a groundbreaking and exciting initiative in the world of clean energy — and it's just getting started. In its early launch phase, HEET showcases the 11th version of the Tiny Heat Loss Home Models, offering a hands-on, educational experience rooted in energy efficiency and climate awareness.
This tour marks the first official national rollout across Turtle Island, a major milestone for the communities they serve. The concept was brought to life by Cedric Pepelea, a dedicated leader and mentor within Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) programming. With strong support from ICE and other partners, Cedric is on a mission to unite communities through climate action and energy sovereignty.
Guests Always Welcome: Lakeland to Frog Lake
Cedric began this leg of the tour in the Lakeland region on April 27th, where he was warmly welcomed by the Frog Lake Clean Energy Team. Travelling with him was Desiree Maurice, the Community Energy Coordinator from Lac La Ronge Indian Band, who had just hosted a workshop in her own territory. As a fellow participant in ICE’s Bringing It Home program, Desiree joined the Alberta workshops and continued on with Cedric to the next site in Osoyoos, BC.
The tour stop in Frog Lake First Nation took place on April 28–29, with workshops held at Tus-Tuk-EE-SKAWS High School. The local Clean Energy Team — Ay’Den Abraham and Samuel Marty — collaborated with Cedric and Desiree to deliver a series of highly engaging workshops to students across all grade levels. Unfortunately, team member Michael Marty was unable to attend due to illness, but his presence was felt in the team’s commitment.
With students signing up in advance, the sessions were dynamic and well-received. Youth participated in learning about heat loss, energy-efficient building design, and the broader impacts of greenhouse gases — all while gaining hands-on experience with the innovative tiny home kits. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the energy in the room reflected a generation eager to lead in clean energy.
In addition to the workshops, Cedric and Desiree were given a guided tour of the community by Ay’Den and Samuel. They visited historical sites, central gathering areas, and the locations of current and upcoming clean energy projects within Frog Lake. This tour wasn’t just a gesture of hospitality — it was a statement. A demonstration of how deeply rooted clean energy work is in the values, vision, and sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
The Future Is Always Forward
While the initial plan was to host a community-wide session, the Frog Lake Clean Energy Team made the strategic choice to focus this tour stop on youth. Inspired by the philosophy of their mentor and Nation Councillor Cliffton Cross, who often says, “the future is always forward,” the team chose to invest in the next generation of energy champions.
And it paid off. The young people of Frog Lake not only participated — they took ownership. They asked smart questions, showed genuine interest, and began seeing themselves as part of the clean energy future.
This is what the HEET Tour is all about: empowering youth, connecting communities, and creating a Turtle Island network where Indigenous-led energy innovation is front and centre.
The HEET Tour is just getting started. With the first leg now complete, we’re heading into the next phase — bringing hands-on energy learning from the West Coast to the East. Across Turtle Island, Indigenous youth are stepping up and turning up the heat for climate leadership.
Follow along with the Home Energy Experience Tour on Instagram, LinkedIn, and ICENET.WORK to see how Indigenous Clean Energy leadership continues to grow across the country.