Turning the heat up on energy independence: Brokenhead Ojibway Nation’s path to savings and sustainability – Money.ca

May 14, 2025

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON), located northeast of Winnipeg, is taking a major step toward energy independence and long-term cost savings by installing 100 ground-source heat pumps in community homes. The $8.89 million initiative, launched in partnership with Efficiency Manitoba and Raven Indigenous Outcomes, aims to reduce heating bills, improve home comfort and train local residents in sustainable infrastructure.

The project is funded in part through Raven’s Outcomes Fund and will run through 2029, with plans to expand to other First Nations across Manitoba. According to CityNews Winnipeg, Chief Gordon Bluesky said, “What we are trying to do is not only look at the efficiency of the home but make these homes last as long as possible as well.”

In addition to lowering energy costs, the initiative focuses on building local capacity. BON member Colby Bruyere is one of the community members receiving training to install and maintain the systems. As he told CityNews, “Knowing I can heat houses within the community and do the maintenance myself, 3 a.m. in the morning you give me a call and I’ll be there.”