Onion Lake Cree Nation and Raven Outcomes announce new agreement to deliver solar energy, lower bills and create jobs

Sep 29, 2025

Onion Lake Cree Nation and Raven Outcomes, an Indigenous fund manager that invests in the well-being of Indigenous communities, have announced a new agreement to bring rooftop solar energy to 123 homes across the First Nation. The initiative will reduce household energy costs, create jobs and training opportunities, and advance long-term energy sovereignty for the community.

The partnership will be delivered through a Community-Driven Outcomes Contract (CDOC) – an innovative financing approach that ties investment returns to measurable community benefits. By aligning financial incentives with outcomes such as lower energy bills, improved housing, reduced emissions and local employment, CDOCs unlock new capital for Indigenous-led solutions.

The project builds on federal support already provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Greener Homes Grant program and is being delivered through Raven Outcomes’ outcomes finance model. Raven Outcomes is investing over $500,000 in the project upfront to bridge the total project cost of $1.28 million, with the remaining funding coming from the Greener Homes Grant. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will serve as the project’s outcomes purchaser—providing payment for the project when independently verified results are achieved.

“Outcomes finance is designed to put capital behind community priorities,” said Jeff Cyr, founder and managing partner of Raven Outcomes. “By linking investment to results, we are helping to advance energy affordability, skills development and environmental stewardship in Indigenous Nations. This agreement demonstrates how outcomes finance can create lasting value while supporting reconciliation.”

“This project means more than solar panels on rooftops,” said Jake Aaron, Director of Capital Projects, Onion Lake Cree Nation. “It will lower costs for families, provide training and good jobs for our members, and give us greater control over our energy future. For Onion Lake Cree Nation, it represents a step forward in self-determination and sustainability.”

Work on the project is set to begin in September 2025. Ridgeline Solar Ltd., an Alberta-based solar company, will install and oversee training for community members. Project outcomes will be independently verified to ensure transparency and accountability upon completion.

NT5