NEW PARTNERSHIP ANTICIPATED TO DELIVER UP TO $18.9 MILLION, WITH BROKENHEAD OJIBWAY NATION NAMED AS A KEY INITIAL COMMUNITY PARTNER & FUNDING RECIPIENT
Today, Efficiency Manitoba and Raven Outcomes announced that they’re engaging in a transformative new partnership aimed at advancing energy efficiency, improving housing, and creating meaningful job opportunities in First Nations communities. Under the partnership, Efficiency Manitoba will invest up to $18.9 million through its Community Heat Pump Program by 2029 to fund energy efficiency measures including the installation of energy-efficient heat pumps and support community-led training and workforce development initiatives. Raven Outcomes will lead the investments, bring in additional private capital through its $50-million Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund, and work closely with communities to maximize impact and ensure lasting benefits.
At today’s announcement, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation was introduced as a key community partner in this new initiative. Efficiency Manitoba is contributing $1.89 million to support Brokenhead Ojibway Nation through their newly created social enterprise, BON Energy, which will be used to pay for heat pump installations, other energy efficiency upgrades, and workforce training once complete. Raven Outcomes is providing an upfront investment of nearly $7 million to the First Nation to carry out the work. These funds will be further bolstered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Together, the funding will enable the installation of 100 ground source heat pumps and support essential home upgrades aimed at improving energy efficiency and lowering utility costs. The investment will also create training opportunities in heat pump installation and maintenance for 12 community members — ensuring the skills and jobs generated by the project remain in the community.
The Brokenhead Ojibway Nation initiative represents a community-driven outcomes contract (CDOC) — an innovative investment model developed by Raven Outcomes. Through this approach, Indigenous communities define a priority challenge, such as energy efficiency or home retrofits, and government partners provide funding tied to measurable, outcomes-based results. Building on this model, Efficiency Manitoba and Raven Outcomes will continue their collaboration to deliver additional energy efficiency CDOCs across the province and continue to leverage other federal outcomes partnerships, such as with CMHC. As part of the expanded effort, the partners will issue a joint call for interest to First Nations communities interested in participating in the program.
Support for these installations also contributes to meeting the objectives of Manitoba’s Affordable Home Energy Program, including lower energy costs for Manitoba families and reducing Manitoba’s peak electric demand requirements. Several offers are available to Manitoba households, multi-unit residential building owners, and First Nation communities to help with the upfront cost of installing a ground source heat pump. Manitobans are encouraged to learn more about these offers at efficiencyMB.ca/affordable-home-energy.
Quotes
“I celebrate Efficiency Manitoba and First Nation communities’ work toward common sustainability goals and a clean energy future. This partnership contributes directly to our objective of heat pump installations for 5,000 Manitoba families and sets us on a path of climate resiliency, improved affordability, and relationship building with Indigenous Nations. The project between Efficiency Manitoba, BON Energy, and Raven Outcomes is an excellent example of these priorities in action.”
— Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“This project demonstrates the strength of Indigenous-led solutions in tackling complex challenges. By combining energy-efficient housing upgrades with local workforce development, we’re supporting long-term sustainability and economic self-determination in communities like Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. We look forward to expanding this model across Manitoba and deepening our partnerships with Indigenous communities.”
— Jeff Cyr, Founder and Managing Partner, Raven Outcomes
“This project marks a significant step forward for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. By partnering with Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund and Efficiency Manitoba, we are not only investing in sustainable infrastructure but also in the economic empowerment of our community. Indigenous-led initiatives like this exemplify the strength of self-determination and our commitment to creating opportunities defined by and for our people. These 100 home retrofits are just the beginning of the positive change we envision for our Nation.”
— Chief Gordon Bluesky, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
“Our partnership with Raven Outcomes and BON Energy represents a significant step in significantly increasing ground source heat pump installations in First Nation communities combined with an efficiency first approach. These heating and cooling systems present the opportunity for homes in communities to save a significant amount of energy while also creating local green jobs and reinforcing our commitment to Reconciliation. The support and funding provided by Efficiency Manitoba will be amplified as additional partners join us. It’s an initiative through which all parties benefit and we’re able to do more by working together; we’re excited to play a pivotal role.”
— Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba
For more information about this announcement, please contact media@efficiencyMB.ca. For more information about Raven Outcomes or to request an interview with the Raven Outcomes team, please contact Jess Harris at jharris@tsa.ca.
About Efficiency Manitoba
Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has a diverse suite of accessible offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.
About Raven Outcomes
Raven Outcomes is an Indigenous-led fund manager investing in the well-being of Indigenous communities. Using outcomes finance—a new, respectful, and community-led way to fund solutions – Raven Outcomes ensures that funding goes to positive, measurable outcomes for Indigenous peoples. To learn more, visit ravenoutcomesfunds.com.
Release date: May 8, 2025