INDIGENOUS CLEAN ENERGY - Key Persons
Abhu has a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability and a Master's of Science in Civil Engineering from Carleton University. His master's focused on the 3D documentation of heritage places and artifacts. Abhu has taught students from various backgrounds and levels of education. He has delivered cultural heritage workshops locally and internationally, including in Myanmar, Georgia, Korea, and Spain. Abhu is passionate about sustainability and viewing things from a lifecycle perspective. When he's not at work, you can find him behind a camera, in the garden, or fermenting bubbly concoctions in the kitchen.
Alex Cook is the owner of ArchTech, a 100% Inuit-owned and operated design-build firm focusing on affordable, efficient, and resilient, high-performance buildings for rapid deployment to remote arctic communities. He holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Management and Leadership, from Saint Francis Xavier University. Alex has over ten years of experience in the energy sector and is an Energy Champion in the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative and Catalyst with Indigenous Clean Energy. He is passionate about empowering indigenous communities in realizing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of accelerating their transition towards a clean energy future.
Alexandra is a Nakoda woman mixed with French ancestry, belonging to Carry the Kettle (Cega'kin) First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Alexandra strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities related to energy, infrastructure, sustainability, and socioeconomics. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish sovereignty through community-based project work and capacity-building initiatives. Alexandra is passionate about Indigenous women and youth in STEM, as she believes Indigenous knowledge can contribute to an evolving holistic framework in the field that will provide meaningful, long-lasting solutions for Indigenous communities. Alexandra's hobbies include singing and song writing in the genre of R&B, travelling (when possible) and exploring the outdoors, fitness and yoga, photography and fashion, attempting to cook new recipes, and reading poetry or books by Indigenous authors to nurture cultural connectiveness.
Originally from Dorchester, Ontario, Bill Williams is a past Catalyst (2018 cohort). He is the current Executive Director of the Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA), a membership-driven organization assisting community Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and economic development professionals in Nunavut. Before joining NEDA and moving to Iqaluit, Bill worked for the Hamlet of Kugluktuk as the Economic Development Officer. During this time, with direction from the Hamlet council, Bill was the lead on the Kugluktuk Solar and Efficiency projects.
Blair Hogan is a Teslin Tlingit First Nation Citizen who has a strong history of effective community leadership in business development, economic development, and intergovernmental relations. Blair has assisted his self-governing first nation, the Teslin Tlingit Council and Community of Teslin, in developing political and financial strategies to access a wide-range of funds necessary to facilitate local community development and local opportunity creation. One of the biggest successes from Blair's tenure as Executive Councillor is the successful development, launch, and long-term financing of Teslin's local economic development agency, the Dèslin Development Corporation (DDC). Also working with various directors and subject matter experts to determine the best approaches to developing and capturing own source revenue as a self-governing First Nation and working to create multiple opportunities for the community.
Blair has also helped the community of Teslin, Yukon implement one of the Yukon's most successful biomass district heating systems supplied from locally sourced wood chips.
Bonnie is an alumna of Carleton University in Ottawa. Her career is built around energy, from renewable energy project development to clean energy community engagement. At ICE, Bonnie provides comprehensive wrap-around support and resources to current and prospective program participants. Bonnie was a contributing author of the Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit, a project led by Gwitch'in Council International for the Arctic Council. Since then, she has continued to work with northern communities and now acts as a mentor for NRCan's Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative. She is passionate about collaborating and finding team solutions based on community values and visions. When she's not working, Bonnie can be found in her verdant garden, in the saddle, or making art with her children.
Brigette has a Master's degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University. She was a Social Innovation Fellow at Carleton, where she conducted research on impact investing at Canadian foundations. She was also named a Young Impact Leader by Future of Good for helping to develop a youth-led Truth and Reconciliation program and a COVID-19 granting program at The Winnipeg Foundation. Brigette is passionate about Indigenous and gender inclusion in climate solutions. Outside of work, her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, cross-country skiing, playing basketball, bike riding, reading, and creative writing.
Job Titles:
- Company
- Member of the Mikisew Cree
Calvin is a proud member of the Mikisew Cree people. Walking in two worlds, he has braided western and traditional teachings to benefit the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and the Athabasca region. He moved back home in 2014 as a Community Liaison/substitute teacher at Athabasca Delta Community School in Fort Chip and to manage a local store. From 2017 to 2020, Calvin served as elected Councillor of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. His accomplishments included a leadership role in securing funding for a new water treatment for his people. During his term, he worked hard to build up Mikisew's economic and environmental capacity to create a path towards sovereignty while making space at the table for environmental protection through indigenous inclusion.He also served as a Director of Mikisew Group of Companies 2017-2020 and Co-Chair for Mikisew Government-Industry Relations, where he was a part of the 49 per cent interest deal in Suncor's East Tank Farm Development (ETFD)(November 2017) and part of the phase 1 of the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park (March 2018).
Job Titles:
- Company
- Member of the Curve Lake First Nation
Cara Sanders is a band member of the Curve Lake First Nation and has vast experience in environmental projects and Federal and Provincial environmental assessments (EA), responsibilities range from data collection to project management to report writing. Cara completed the Catalyst 20/20 program in 2016 and has since followed her dream to work with First Nation communities in Ontario. Cara presently has projects in motion with four communities and has proposal out with many more Nations. In the winter of 2018 Cara was awarded to CERRC bioheat projects which have grown to both having a sawmill and winter wood program. The synergy and employment opportunities for both the remotes was a perfect fit. As a First Nation woman Cara believes strongly in supporting the needs of other First Nations and in protecting our Mother Earth.
For the past many years, she has been working very hard to build relationships with communities in Ontario and to help them with things that they want and need relating to energy. The lessons learned and the people that were met in the 20/20 program have empowered her to be able to achieve the things that she has. But she believes this is only the beginning for her. She believes there is so much more to learn and share. Being asked to be a mentor and now a member of the Advisory committee is such an honour and a blessing. She is forever grateful for what she has learned and the path that she is on.
Chris Henderson is a Canadian clean energy thought leader and eco-entrepreneur. For 35 years, he has been at the forefront of ground-breaking enterprises and social and ecological initiatives with large-scale Canadian and global impact. Chris is a trusted commentator on sustainable development issues that respect the planet and generate enduring outcomes for communities. His first professional focus is advising and equipping Indigenous Nations and Peoples with means to develop and own clean energy projects, catalyzing social and economic development opportunities that combat climate change. Secondly, he aims to provide strategic advice on accelerating energy transition to a low-carbon, abundant energy future. Chris' first book Aboriginal Power was published in 2013. Outside of ICE, Chris is the Lumos Energy President, Delphi Group Co-Founder and Globe Series Board Chair. When he's not working, Chris enjoys paddling a canoe on Canada's lakes and rivers.
Mi'kmaw/Settler from K'jpuktuk, a member of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and co-founder of Indigenous Treaty Partners (ITP), Corey Mattie has always been involved with supporting Canadians through complex topics. As a professional keynote speaker to international audiences, including the G7 Research summit, United Nation Canada, and Parliament Hill, Corey strongly advocates for the importance of environmental enhancement, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. A local from Mi'Kma'ki (Atlantic Canada), Corey places strong value on the adoption of Indigenous practice and a triple bottom line for corporate Canada. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary's University, a Certificate in ISO Management from the University of Toronto and Ryerson, a Certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship, a LEED Accreditation, Antiracism training from both the Human Rights Commission and InterActivist. Corey is well-rounded in various aspects of the Canadian economic industry and ethical management. Currently, he supports various NGOs, including Community Foundations of Canada which supports the mobilization of 93 billion dollars in community endowments, Sector Council of Nova Scotia, which supports the enhancement of non-profits across Canada; and Scotia Wind, a medium sized for-profit renewable energy producer. Here Corey Mattie offers years of experience to maximize impact and support knowledge sharing of Indigenous practices, partnership, and decolonization.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Cree Business Owner
- President of Kisik Clean Energy
Darrell Brown is a Cree business owner based in Winnipeg, MB. Darrell is the President of Kisik Clean Energy and Kisik Commercial Furniture. He is a 2004 founding member and current chair of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce based in Manitoba. He holds an Advanced Diploma in International Business from Red River College in Manitoba and a Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre. Darrell holds the designation of ICD.D from The Rotman, Directors Education Program through The Institute for Corporate Directors. Darrell also has a certificate in the 20/20 Catalyst program focusing on the Indigenous Renewable Energy Sector.
Job Titles:
- Company
- President of the Nuu - Chah - Nulth Tribal Council
Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, is the President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and an adjunct professor with the School of Business and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria.Judith practiced law for 18 years and served fourteen years as Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation. As Chief of her First Nation, she focused on capacity building and sustainable development. Judith was instrumental in several sustainable development projects and put in place mechanisms to help protect Hupacasath territory. Judith is on the boards of BC Ferries, Clean Energy BC, Island Corridor Foundation, BC Achievement Foundation and New Relationship Trust Foundation. Judith received Clean Energy BC's Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of the Bora Laskin Fellowship on Human Rights, a Finalist for the Buffet award for indigenous leadership and twice awarded the Woman of Distinction from the Alberni Chamber of Commerce. She has received the Silver Award from the Canadian Environmental Association for Climate Change. Judith has also been admitted as a member of the Order of Canada.
Ed Genova is a Mi'kmaq from Metepenagiag First Nation. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in Biology and Physical Education.
Ed worked as an educator and administrator for 10 years. In 2007, he left the education field to work in the industry and has been with New Brunswick Power Corporation for over 10 years. As a part of the First Nations Affairs Team at NB Power, Ed has had the opportunity to take human resource management and energy fundamentals for leaders. His work has helped him improve relations, deal with legacy issues, offer guidance, support and facilitation to Indigenous communities here in NB.
Ed has been given the opportunity to work with many Indigenous organizations, Government departments, funding agencies and Indigenous people in various areas of the workforce. He is a passionate educator and believes that in order for communities to reach self-sufficiency, more capacity-building is needed.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology with a Minor in Mental Health, Addiction and Society from McMaster University. In her role at ICE, Emily develops and coordinates program materials, delivery, logistics, and outreach for Generation Power. Before joining ICE, Emily led a homelessness prevention program at an Indigenous cultural centre, working with youth and families to deliver culturally-grounded life skills sessions. She is passionate about utilizing interdisciplinary perspectives to support equitable community growth and challenge systemic barriers. In her free time, you can find Emily tending to her houseplants, learning world geography, or scoping out furniture at the thrift store.
Eryn developed and currently leads ICE's keystone initiative: 20/20 Catalysts Program, Canada's first and highly successful Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program. In five years, it has supported over 100 Indigenous clean energy champions. Currently, much of Eryn's work focuses on clean energy in northern communities, supporting community energy planning and energy education initiatives. In 2017, Eryn was one of 20 emerging leaders selected by the Arctic Council to take part in the Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy. She was honoured with distinction as a 30 under 30 in Sustainability in 2018 and was awarded the University of Waterloo's Young Alumni Inspiration Award in 2020. Eryn recently published Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit in partnership with Gwich'in Council International for communities across the circumpolar Arctic. She is passionate about women leadership in the clean energy sector, specifically Indigenous women. When she is not working, Eryn enjoys scuba diving, basketball, spending time with loved ones and boardgames.
Freddie is a proud Michif woman originally from the Ktunaxa Kinbasket territory, colonially known as Kimberley, BC. Her Métis family name is from the community of Lac La Biche, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from the University of Mary (US) and a Master's of Science in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University (UK). As manager of ICE's Global Hub programming, Freddie seeks to share, collaborate and act on unique, just and sustainable projects that encompass the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Sustainable Development Goals. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous and community-led approaches to clean energy globally. She strives to bring her teachings, perspectives and truths to her work and ground in communities and the collective. Outside of work, Freddie finds solace in beadwork, wood carving, poetry, photography, sports and new experiences.
Grant has lived in the Beaufort Delta region for most of his life and understands the need for knowledge, understanding and caution as we endeavour to not only protect our environment but to safely expand and support resource development in our Region. He has seen the effects of climate change on lands, mountains, rivers and traditional lifestyles. He believes that clean energy development will assist residents of small communities to understand the value, cost-effectiveness, and application of clean energy initiatives to meet their energy needs and enhance their commitment to protecting the environment, land and resources. As President of NEL, Grant has served as overall Project Lead/Coordinator for several renewable energy projects advanced by either Nihtat Corporation or NEL since 2018. This includes providing oversite/ direction in this capacity for the following projects: Inuvik High Point Wind Study (2016-2018), Multi-residential Solar Net Metering Demonstration project (January 2018-September 2019), Commercial Solar PV Installations in NWT and Nunavut (April 2018-May 2020). Work on each of these projects was initially advanced by Nihtat Corporation and then undertaken by NEL starting in May 2019. Grant was a 20/20 Catalyst (2016) and is currently participating as an Energy Champion in the Indigenous Off-grid Diesel Initiative (IODI). Through NEL, Grant was the first Energy Champion in the IODI program to be awarded an $800,000 prize towards the pursuit of renewable energy initiatives. Through this initiative, NEL is pursuing a series of staged developments in the Beaufort Delta region in 2021 and 2022, including the implementation of a solar project at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) site near Inuvik in 2021; a 150 kV Solar PV Installation in Aklavik, also in 2021; and planning for a 1 MW grid-connected solar farm in Inuvik to be completed in 2022. As a Gwich'in participant, Grant has also been active in several Gwich'in organizations.This includes Gwich'in Settlement Corporation, Chair (responsible for 140 million in assets) (2012-2016); participation in Gwich'in/ Imperial Oil access and benefits negotiations regarding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline; and lead business representative and board representative on the Nihtat Gwich'in Development Board. He was also the Executive Director of Gwich'in Council International (2012 - May 2019). Through these experiences, Grant has gained extensive experience and knowledge of the business community, arctic logistics and Indigenous governments in the Beaufort-Delta region.
Ian holds a Bachelor of Knowledge Integration from the University of Waterloo. Throughout his work, he has engaged in opportunities related to energy efficiency and electric vehicles. At ICE, he oversees the Bringing It Home and Charge Up programs. Ian is also proud to have been a part of the growth of the strong network of Indigenous clean energy leaders that have come through ICE's 20/20 Catalyst program, who support communities in developing net-zero energy housing and pathways to major retrofit projects. He is passionate about engaging communities in important discussions about their energy futures and helping make those visions a reality. When he's not at work, you can find Ian out on the trails enjoying nature with his partner Mel, making sawdust as a budding woodworker, or dreaming up a home DIY project.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nisga'a Nation
Jessica is a member of the Nisga'a Nation from Gitlaxt'aamiks, colonially known as British Columbia. She has a formal education from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and an Honours Bachelor of Science Double Major in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Most recently, she received a Workshop Facilitator Certificate from the Anti-oppression consulting firm Bakau Consulting. In her role as Mentorship Logistics Coordinator, she brings a deep devotion to integrity, professionalism, creative problem-solving and a focus on equity. Jessica understands the importance of the work ICE is doing to create opportunities that align with ancestral values, embrace cultural identities, and create new pathways forward. Jessica is passionate about the power of narrative, art, colour, life, and interconnectedness. Her greatest accomplishment is her devotion as a mother and a daughter.
John Jensen has a degree from University of Phoenix in BSc, Business Management, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Environmental Management from Royal Roads University.John is a director of Carcross Management Corporation (CTMC) and has recently have been invited to join the Yukon Energy Board as a director. He also sits as a General Counsel Gaanaxtedi Clan representative for the Carcross Tagish First Nation (CTFN).
John has experience in directing private development of cleantech energy systems, primarily a micro-gasifier that produces energy from wood chips, as well as exploration in solar and micro-hydro opportunities within the traditional territory of the Carcross Tagish First Nation. John's ambition is to create sustainable energy for the Yukon, and an additional economic pillar from such developments, that help foster economic development in the Yukon.
Job Titles:
- Black Lake First Nation Member
- Company
Jordyn Burnouf is a Black Lake First Nation member and grew up in the Métis community of Île-à-la-Crosse. Jordyn has committed over 12 years to empowering and building capacity for Indigenous youth. Jordyn was recently awarded Saskatchewan's Women of Distinction Award for her work with community as an avid volunteer, community builder, and youth mentor. Jordyn is a founding member of the non-profit organization SaskATF, which supports youth participation in sport and is a Track & Field Coach for the 2020 North American Indigenous Games. Jordyn is an Associate with Medicine Rope Strategies (M-R Strategies), a consulting business dedicated to providing sustainable, practical and innovative approaches to community, economic and strategic partnership development. With a strong passion and relationship with the land, Jordyn is currently working on clean energy initiatives focusing on community engagement, cultural inclusion, and youth. Jordyn continues to advocate and create space for youth and women in the energy sector in Canada through her new role as a member of Indigenous Clean Energy's Advisory Council.
Justice is Ojibway from Ketegaunseebee (Garden River) First Nation. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Law from the University of Ottawa. Justice previously worked on healing and reconciliation programs for Indian Residential School Survivors and First Nations communities across Canada. She has a strong passion for advancing the socio-economic status of Indigenous people in Canada and hopes to use her education and previous work experience to make an impact on the futures of Indigenous people in Canada. In her free time, Justice enjoys spending time with her family, friends and community members.
Justin is a multidisciplinary educator, skilled carpenter, and mechanic that is passionate about science, climate justice, and youth empowerment. Justin grew up in Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton, AB) and currently resides on the traditional and unceded territory of the sqilxʷ/syilx (okanagan) peoples. He is interested in the clean energy transition through sustainable development that is informed by both Indigenous knowledge systems and western science. With a background in Education from the University of Saskatchewan focused on science and social studies, Justin aims to support youth towards their vision of a clean energy future by building strong relationships and empowering them with learning resources that are aligned with cultural values. His hobbies include building science, fine woodworking, producing music, photography, and troubleshooting machines and electronics for friends and family.
Kayla is a Métis woman from the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, which is a Bringing it Home Guide Community. Before joining ICE, she worked to help bring clean energy programs into her home Settlement as well as working in Employment, Education and Community Services. This experience ignited an interest in clean energy and building capacity in Indigenous communities, which made joining ICE to manage the Energy Advisor training program an obvious choice. She is excited to grow the new program, see more Indigenous people join the industry, and create that capacity for Indigenous communities to participate in energy audits and eventually retrofits to create healthier and safer communities. While she has many interests, Kayla can usually be found either camping, spending time with her family or in her craft room.
Job Titles:
- Generation Power Program Coordinator
Kayla is Ojibwe from Obaadjiwan (Batchewana First Nation), residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating. She holds a Diploma in Practical Nursing and is registered with the College of Nurses in Ontario. In her experiences as a nurse, she spent many years volunteering as well as working in indigenous communities on health promotion that created meaningful connections and experiences that shaped who she is as a professional today. She is a Hospice Nurse in a now casual capacity, and took a leap in a new direction in her career to work at ICE. Kayla is passionate about participating in the movement towards change in the clean energy sector, as well as using her previous experiences to promote conversations around health and how clean energy impacts our wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and family, as well as with her golden retriever, Hunnie.
Kelly Lendsay is a social entrepreneur internationally recognized as one of Canada's foremost innovators of corporate/indigenous partnership building and workplace inclusion strategies. His dynamic communications style and social entrepreneurial success have earned him the reputation as an engaging thought leader and effective bridge-builder fostering trusted partnerships for the workforce and economic development across Canada and abroad. A proud Canadian indigenous leader of Cree and Métis ancestry, he moves seamlessly between both worlds, fostering a spirit of trust, relationship and healthy partnerships. He was honoured by the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) as one of their "100 Alumni of Influence" in the last century. His accomplishments have been recognized for influencing the growth and development of the university, the province, and the world during the last century.
Job Titles:
- Company
- Founder and Principal Investigator of Kishk Anaquot Health Research
Ms. Scott is founder and principal investigator of Kishk Anaquot Health Research (KAHR), an independent Indigenous owned and operated consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, program design, performance measurement, partnership development and environmental sustainability with a varied client base of universities, government departments, professional associations, international and non-governmental organizations, school boards, health centres and communities. Her career spans a broad spectrum of activities related to public health, governance, comprehensive sustainability planning as well as international, organizational, and community development. Ms. Scott holds a Master of Science from the University of Waterloo. She is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network. Her professional interests include advancing democracy through distributed, community-owned clean energy systems, reinforcing moral independence and self-directing freedom for Indigenous communities through energy independence and amplifying the nexus between human health, energy, and environmental integrity.
As the first point of entry for all industry undertakings, Kyla's main priority is protecting the rights and interests of Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan Anishinaabek, along with teaching her community how to adapt in a changing climate. She sees the truly value in the use of green/clean energy in order to fight Climate Change and lower carbon emissions for the next generations. Kyla also works closely alongside the Community Planner and Development Manager researching best practices as they push forward into construction. She has been exploring clean energy initiatives to help her community move forward to achieve their vision of a Green Community and has a profound passion for environmental preservation and protection. Kyla believes if humanity works together to understand and carry out these clean energy initiatives, our world will still be here seven generations from now. In addition, she has strong feelings towards youth engagement, talking to them, listening to them, including them in the dialogue and teaching them new ways of seeing. Equipping the youth of tomorrow with all the tools of today is so important. Kyla is the mother of six Ojibway children and co-author of The Palgrave Handbook of Global Arts Education.
Larissa (She/Her) is the Bringing It Home Program Coordinator. She currently resides on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Larissa received her degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton University, where she developed her passion for regenerative design, renewable energy, and community planning. With professional experience providing capacity-building support and working with many environmental non-profits in her region, she has always admired ICE's work and leadership in the sector.She continues to play a key role in supporting the employment of young professionals across Canada in the environmental sector through her role as Vice-Chair with Eco-Internships. Outside of work, she is always looking for new music and recipes and enjoys a variety of activities including camping, paddleboarding, yoga, and snowboarding.
Laura Cran holds a Diploma in Commerce and Marketing from Humber College. As Operations Manager at ICE, Laura provides backend support to programs and the organization, while building policies and procedures to improve the operations at ICE. Laura is passionate about moving towards a clean energy future and understands the importance of centering Indigenous voices in that process. When she is not working, Laura enjoys traveling, playing board games, and crafting.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Company
- Member of the Indigenous Clean Energy Advisory Board
Leona Humchitt is the Climate Action Coordinator for the Haiłzaqv Nation of Bella Bella, British Columbia. She credits her journey and capacity building for clean energy to the Indigenous Clean Energy Leadership program, the 20/20 Catalyst Program, an intensive clean energy capacity-building program that provides practical and applied learning about renewable energy, community energy planning, energy efficiency and conservation. She is currently working locally and regionally with a peer network of Climate Action Coordinators that has representation of eight participating Coastal First Nations of B.C. They support each other and collaborate on efforts to decarbonize our coast, transition off diesel generation and reduce transportation of fossil fuels through our ecologically and culturally significant territories. Nationally, the Haiłzaqv Nation is one of 15 remote and rural First Nations communities participating in the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IOD). The Haiłzaqv Nation has just completed its community-led Clean Energy Plan. As a grandmother, this work has become much more meaningful and important for Leona. "We have an obligation to ensure that through climate action, we protect and preserve our collective future for our children yet to come. " She serves on many boards related to climate change. Leona is a member of the Indigenous Clean Energy Advisory Board and was recently blessed to attend COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland with ICE. She deems this a game-changer and an amazing opportunity to represent her nation on the international platform.
Lina holds a Bachelor or Arts in Communication Studies and Journalism from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) and a graduate diploma in Visual Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal. Prior to her role as Communications Manager at ICE, she worked in TV production, print, digital media, and community radio. In 2019, Lina was a recipient of the CBC Joan Donaldson Scholarship. She is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of Indigenous people transitioning to a greener future and raising awareness about clean energy initiatives and community projects. Outside of work, Lina enjoys being with her family, reading memoirs and cooking recipes from other nations.
Luke is in his third year at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Environment and working towards his bachelor's in urban planning. Luke has worked previously at Atlohsa Family Healing Centre, an Indigenous run non-profit organization, and as a research assistant working on a Carbon Capture Sequestration and Storage (CCUS) project. His passions involve increasing affordable and safe housing across Canada, with plans to use his degree to work on affordable housing projects in the public sector. Through his role as the partnerships intern, he is eager to learn from others experience and knowledge, and excited to be part of the process of helping partners achieve their goals and creating impactful projects for their communities. Outside of Luke's work he enjoys watching soccer and taking care of his houseplants.
Melina is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. She has worked on social, environmental and climate jMelina is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. She has worked on social, environmental and climate justice issues for the past 20 years. Melina is the Just Transition Director at Indigenous Climate Action, the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation. She is also the host of a TV series called Power to the People, which profiles renewable energy, food security and eco-housing projects in Indigenous communities across Canada. Facing firsthand impacts of the Alberta tar sands in her traditional territory, Melina has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. For over a decade, Melina worked as a Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace Canada and the Indigenous Environmental Network internationally. She has written for various publications and produced short documentaries on the tar sands, climate change, water issues and Indigenous cultural revitalization. Melina has studied, campaigned, and worked in Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and Europe, focusing on resource extraction, climate change impacts, media literacy, and Indigenous rights & responsibilities. Melina also works on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women in Canada after the suspicious death of her sister Bella whose case remains unsolved. Melina currently serves on the boards of Seeding Sovereignty and NDN Collective, as well as the executive steering committee of the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise.
Mihskakwan James Harper is from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8, Alberta. He currently is a Business Development Manager at NRStor Inc., a Canadian energy storage developer. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and has recently completed a Masters of Science in Renewable Energy from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Ecole Polytechnique, with entrepreneurial training from ESADE Business School. He loves his family and his community now and generations ahead, which inspires him to work on energy storage and renewable energy projects to build a future that is sustainable and empowers all.
Mr. Troy Jerome is a citizen of the Mi'gmaq Nation, residing at Listuguj, Québec. He has devoted much of his career serving the Mi'gmaq Nation as a firm believer in the inherent right to self-government and their permanent sovereignty over their lands and resources.
From 2004, Mr. Jerome began to closely monitor the development of the Wind Energy industry taking hold in Gespe'gewa'gi. Seeing that Quebec was mobilizing to install over 40% of its 4,000 MW of wind energy projects ($4.0 Billion investment) in his people's territory, he pushed to have Chiefs and Councils demand that the Quebec Assembly discuss energy projects with the Mi'gmaq on a Nation-to-Nation basis.
After discussions with Chiefs regarding natural resources, title rights and nation-building strategies; including a plan to put forward a major wind energy initiative for the Mi'gmaq, Mr. Jerome was asked to serve as Executive Director and Nutewistoq for the Mi'gmaq of Gespe'gewa'gi's political lobbying office, the Mi'gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat (MMS). This initiative was considered successful when the 150 MW wind farm became operational in December 2016 - this Mi'gmaq wind farm continues to bring power to 30,000 households.
After completing his tenure with the MMS, Troy created SEN'TI Environmental and Indigenous Services, followed by SEN'TI Innovations. Troy continues to bring forward a future in which renewables and clean technology become mainstream.
Mr. Jerome also serves as a Co-Chair and mentor with the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise supporting Indigenous communities in becoming energy independent and helping Indigenous Nations lead Canada away from fossil fuels and the transition into renewable and clean technology.
Job Titles:
- Administration Coordinator
Naz holds a Business Administration degree from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she made the dean's honor roll. She specialized in human resources management and has a unique perspective from working with First Nations in the past. Before joining the ICE team in 2022, Naz spent more than five years at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, where she supported Indigenous community relations. When Naz isn't hard at work, she enjoys powerlifting, watching documentaries, and listening to audiobooks, all while honouring her Fijian roots through her lifestyle.
Nicole is currently obtaining her Bachelor's degree from the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, where she is focusing on sustainable community development and inclusive environmental decision-making. She also writes environmental articles for EnvironBuzz and the Faculty of Environment's online publication, the Radicle. Her academic and professional goals are aimed at the promotion of food sovereignty, urban equity, and environmental justice. At ICE, Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to learn from team members and assist with community-led renewable energy projects that foster Indigenous self-determination and sustainable development. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, and swimming.
Ricky-Lee Watts is a proud Nuučaańuł man who bears teachings from his Elders and an array of life experiences from his travels. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. As Youth Programs Manager at ICE, Ricky-Lee leads the delivery of Generation Power through goal-setting, strategic planning, relationship-building, and maximizing potential for capacity building. Ricky-Lee also serves on Council with his community (Hupačasath First Nation) as a motivational speaker for Indigenous youth and role model with SuperNaturals Modelling. Ricky-Lee brings forth passion, love, and dedication to inspiring Indigenous youth and moving towards a more equitable and sustainable future. He upholds values of ʔiisaak and hišukʔiš c̓awaak-respect for all creation having a common origin, and that everything is one. When he is not working, Ricky-Lee enjoys yoga, time in nature, and being creative.
Samuel is an established entrepreneur and an experienced Executive in First Nation Governance. From 2016 to 2018, Samuel co-chaired the Indigenous Energy Technical Working Group (IETWG) with the ADM Indigenous Relations of Alberta. The IETWG was created to explore Indigenous participation in the growing renewable energy industry. The group resulted from the NDP Government of Alberta's move towards 30% renewable energy by 2030 and a commitment to foster a greater socio-economic capacity for First Nations in Alberta.From 2014 to 2020, Samuel served as CEO of the Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. (NGCI), the Corporate Division of the Ermineskin Cree Nation. He worked closely with his corporate team implementing the Board and Chief and Council's business development strategy meant to generate revenues, create employment, revitalize the business core, and invest in capacity development. A highlight from that experience was the project managing a 1MW distributed generation Solar Array. In 2021 Samuel incorporated Elements Firetack Inc. to support Alberta Wildfire Suppression efforts. Elements Firetack Inc. provides Firetack crews to battle out of control wildfires in Alberta. Samuel strongly advocates for the Inherent and Treaty Rights and is happy to provide advisory services to the ICE Network. He is an advocate for stronger environmental policies and Indigenous clean energy projects.
Job Titles:
- Aboriginal Housing Management Association As an Energy Advisor
- Company
Sara Fralin is a 4th generation Canadian, born and raised in Vancouver on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Sara's Jewish ancestors escaped the Pogroms of Russia and arrived in Canada in 1923 as refugee immigrants. Sara is grateful to live on the unceded, ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəjˀəm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil Waututh) Nations.
Sara's appreciation for nature led her to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Sustainability Studies from Trent University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Environment Studies from the University of Victoria.
Sara currently works with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association as an Energy Advisor for Indigenous Housing. She works to support peer learning and share success stories among Indigenous housing providers in B.C. to improve sustainability, reduce energy use and build capacity in energy management.
Sara has worked in the cleantech sector since 2014. She has experience in renewable energy generation, electric vehicles, climate change adaptation, and green building.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Grants and Contributions
- Member of the Líl
Sonia Leo is a proud Lil̓wat7úl member of the Líl̓wat Nation, an Interior Salish community. For over ten years, Sonia has worked to serve the Indigenous community in various capacities and industries ranging from television to non-profit organizations. Harnessing her skills, energy, and enthusiasm to empower Indigenous people and help them shine is the bedrock of everything she does, both professionally and personally. As ICE's Grants and Contributions Manager Sonia envisions making a valuable contribution to the organization with her administrative, writing, and research experience. Recently, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in International Tourism Management, with a focus on sustainability, and conducted research on the importance of cultural sustainability for Indigenous empowerment and self-determination. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the importance of building trust and bridging silos with Indigenous people for community engagement, first-hand knowledge she brings to ICE. Through her ICE role, Sonia aspires to make a positive impact in partnerships as Indigenous communities strive to achieve meaningful inclusion in Canada's clean energy future. A passionate believer in balancing the mind, body, and spirit, in her free time Sonia practices meditating, strength-training, and yoga.
Sydney is a proud Métis woman who holds a degree in Communication Studies from Capilano University in British Columbia. Through her work at ICE, she collaborates and engages with Indigenous communities across Canada by providing support in the development and timely delivery of initiatives that support ICE's communications and online platform, the ICE Network. Sydney is passionate about moving towards a more sustainable energy future and she believes that youth play an important role in leading us to this goal. When she is not working, Sydney enjoys snowshoeing, spending time with her two dogs and playing board games with her family.
Tanna is a very proud Wolastoqiyik (people of the beautiful and bountiful river) from the Neqotkuk Maliseet Nation (Tobique First Nation) in New Brunswick. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2006. Following a 15-year career in the federal public service, she worked for the past six and half years as the Senior Band Administrator. She previously held the position of CEO of Band Operations for five years; she is the first female to hold these positions in her community and is very proud of that. Tanna can be found helping communities advance to a more sustainable future for all generations to come. Tanna has been passionate about advancing indigenous and environmental rights for over 20 years. She devotes much of her free time to assisting and advancing various committees and organizations for more Indigenous inclusion and participation. Tanna has been with us on the Board of Directors of ICE for the past three years and brings a wealth of traditional knowledge and government knowledge to our Board.
Job Titles:
- Associate Executive Director
Terri Lynn is a proud First Nations Mi'gmaq woman from Listuguj, in the province of Quebec. As the Associate Executive Director of ICE, her work focuses on increasing Indigenous engagement and outreach for ICE and its programs, and advancing Indigenous inclusion in Canada's clean energy economy. Her clean energy journey began in 2014, when she became the Project Director for a 150MW Wind Farm that was owned and developed with three Mi'gmaq communities and their partner, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. from Longueuil, Quebec. This project received the Excellence in Human Resources Award from the Quebec Wind Industry, with Terri Lynn recognized as the Rising Star for her contribution in fostering social acceptability for the project. As a mother, grandmother and auntie, Terri Lynn enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family in her free time.