Featured Partnership Project
Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training
Featured Partnership Project
Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training
It Started With A Question
What would it take for Blood Tribe youth to build capacity in the green economy and drive clean energy solutions in their own community?
In 2023, BTEST and Greenplanet sat down with this one shared question. The answer came from the community – the staff, the Elders and other members. The community talked about high energy bills, buildings that were uncomfortable in the winter due to uneven heating, career paths that youth could not see themselves in, and the need for meaningful youth employment opportunities.
Our journey began with connecting with the community, conducting needs assessments, and introducing STEM career sessions on the green economy. Those conversations quickly evolved into something more ambitious: a high-impact, “training-through-employment” model. The program is designed as an eight-week paid summer job that builds capacity through hands-on, experiential learning, with youth doing the work under Greenplanet’s guidance.
Summer 2024 - In Action
Learning How To Conduct an Energy Assessment
The first cohort of six youth were guided through an energy assessment of Kainai Marketplace in Blood Tribe, Alberta.
Exploring Energy Use In Commercial Buildings
The youth conducting an energy assessment of Blood Tribe Employment & Skills Training (BTEST) building.
Drone Training Captures Great Photos
Youth took turns learning how to fly drones, taking photos of the BTEST building and the surrounding community of Levern.
Getting Out To Meet The Community
The youth attended the Blood Tribe Sundance and learned about traditional ways of using energy.
Summer 2025 - In Action
Blood Tribe Youth Go Into Business
NEET – short for Niitsitapii Energy Efficiency Technology, was the chosen company name for the summer youth work experience program.
A Dusty Adventure
Youth fully insulated the attic space of the BTEST building to save on energy costs while improving the comfort of its occupants.
Small Building Improvements
Youth assisted in installing spray foam insulation around windows, weather stripping and exterior doors to help reduce energy costs.
One Bulb At A Time
Youth learned how to identify and replace fluorescent bulbs with LED ones. This upgrade will significantly reduce electricity costs.
Hands On Learning
Youth engaged with hands-on models and diagnostic tools including thermal imaging cameras to demonstrate the impact of their work.
Energy Efficiency School In Levern
Youth toured the Levern Elementary School (est. 2024) and discussed the energy-saving measures with a school employee and Greenplanet.
Supporting Blood Tribe Elders
Youth were invited to complete a full energy assessment, listen to concerns of an Elder's home in the community and implement findings.
Technical & Analytical Training
Through Greenplanet, youth were trained on various technologies, energy calculations, cost and GHG savings, and possible career paths.