Meet the Cohorts

Jolene Jobb

Saskatoon

Location

Southend, SK

Description

Jolene Jobb is a Woodland Cree First Nations woman from Southend, a community in northern Saskatchewan. Due to a limitation of resources and aspirations to grow professionally, she moved to Prince Albert. She gained a broader experience of life and overcame obstacles that came her way. Jolene currently lives Saskatoon raising her two children. She is serving through community outreaches, which involves distributing food and meeting the essential needs of those in her community. She enjoys being a part of enriching the lives of those around her.

Jolene has always been interested in living a healthy lifestyle and seeking personal growth spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. She is discovering ways to live a balanced life in these four aspects, and she is a strong, courageous individual, always willing to work hard to set and accomplish goals. Jolene is also inspired to see indigenous communities become educated on the importance of stewarding the land we live on and transition into more sustainable clean energy.

Jolene leads by example for the younger generation to help them recognize the benefits of living a sober lifestyle. Growing up, she was in leadership roles in sports and wishes to see others live up to their full potential. She hopes to bring awareness of the importance of valuing our land through her journey with Indigenous Clean Energy. In her down time, she likes to read, write, and create funny memories with her family. She believes strong community starts in the home and sees the importance of investing time in creating a well-knit family. 

Dion Grosbeck

Deshkaan Ziibii (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation)

Location

Deshkaan Ziibii (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation)

Description

Dionovan Grosbeck is Anishnaabe from Deshkaan Ziibii (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation). Dion has been working within his community in many ways including: land-based child and youth programming, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and most recently in the anti-human trafficking division.  

Dion is passionate about empowering youth to use their voices and lead the next generation. He is a lifelong learner and is excited to expand his knowledge in the field of clean energy. Dion is currently focused on returning to school with the goal of becoming a teacher in his home community.  

Darryl Blackbird

Location

Bkejwanong Territory

Description

Darryl Blackbird is from Walpole Island First Nation or Bkejwanong Territory. Darryl is Ojibwe, and his clan is the Crane Clan. Participation in the Generation Power Youth Working Group to give feedback and enhance the program is pivotal because youth can succeed in the clean energy space relies on effective program delivery. Generation Power is extraordinary, so it’s crucial to keep those attributes intact and reinforced. Darryl also believes a robust program should be flexible and ready for the unexpected. 

Caleb Urion

Dearborn River Metis

Location

Dearborn River Metis

Description

Caleb’s Metis heritage originates from the Dearborn River Metis community when it was established in the early 1880s south of Augusta Montana. He holds a college Diploma in Alternative Energy Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He strives to utilize his education to contribute with the energy transition in remote indigenous communities, and Alberta as a whole. He believes implementing clean energy initiatives in indigenous communities will create local economic benefits through community ownership, self-sustaining economic development through job creation, and reducing the reliance on diesel for remote communities. Caleb’s hobbies include fitness, fishing, hiking, snowboarding, reading, writing, and collecting indigenous artwork. 

Bradley Thom

PARDP

Location

Deh Gah Gotie Kue (Fort Providence, NWT)

Description

Bradley (he/him) is Dehcho Dene – Metis from Deh Gah Gotie Kue (Fort Providence, NWT). He is Dehcho Dene on his mother’s side and Dene – Metis on his father’s side. He is grateful for all the people in his life who helped him become who he is today. 

Bradley is currently working with Natural Resources Canada as a first year PARDP where he will learn to become a policy analyst over the next two years. Bradley is a life-long learner with a passion for sustainable and clean energy. He is also a self-identified Dene Futurist, part-time philosopher, and productivity enthusiast. He has obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria with a major in Political Science and a minor in Indigenous Studies. 

In his spare time, he likes to get out in nature with his family, research technology, listen to audiobooks, watch Netflix, and keep up to date with politics and the world. 

Bele Wigwas

Student

Location

Kiaske Zaaging First Nation (Robinson Superior Treaty)

Description

Boozhoo, hello my name is Bele, I am Kiaske Zaaging First Nation which is located within Robinson Superior Treaty. My college education consists of a Diploma in Personal Support Worker and Pre-Health Sciences. I have been working since I graduated in 2016. As an Anishinaabe Woman, I have a deep passion for doing something more for our mother earth and the people. Last year I was granted a bursary from the National Youth Committee to give back to indigenous peoples, we as a team developed a 3-day self-care seminar to encourage youth, which consisted of a variety of different skills. I am looking to further my education and commitment to employment experiences, therefore I’ve decided to apply for this program. I am specifically encouraged within this route as I have a father who is a Civil Engineer and has built water-treatment plants in the remote northern communities. He has taught me to be resourceful and to contribute to society. I look forward to meeting everyone, and taking on a leadership role to guide others, and learn myself from Ontario Power Generation. It is with great honour to have been accepted into a position of consideration. Miigwetch. 

Annabelle Laurin

SOAR Professional Services

Location

London, On

Description

Annabelle is Metis from the Georgian Bay Community and currently resides in London, ON. After being raised in Michigan, she returned to Canada to complete her undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science and Psychology then pursued her Masters in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Western Ontario. She works at SOAR Professional Services as a Project Associate, providing support for project development and management for projects across Canada. Annabelle is especially passionate about agricultural management, food sovereignty and food sustainability in Indigenous communities.  

Joining the GP YWG is important to Annabelle after meeting the youth in her cohort at the onsite conference and learning about the broad range of backgrounds and experiences. She’s hoping that by participating in the working group, the feedback provided will expand the learning opportunities provided and support future youth participants, and the communities they live and work in. 

Andrea Warren

Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal 

Location

Mi’kma’ki – Qalipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation 

Description

Andrea Warren is a proud Qalipu Mi’kmaq woman living on Treaty 8 Territory in Fort Nelson, BC. A business graduate with a background in Media and Communications, Andrea brings a unique perspective to her work with Indigenous communities, blending strategic planning with cultural understanding. She currently serves as Project Manager and Media & Communications Specialist for Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal. 

Andrea is passionate about empowering Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives and fostering food security through innovative community projects. Notably, she played a pivotal role in developing a greenhouse initiative focused on food sovereignty and youth engagement. 

When she isn’t working, Andrea spends her time exploring the outdoors, embarking on adventures with her three young children, and indulging in at-home DIY projects that inspire creativity and connection.  

Aaron-lee Odjick

Aaron-lee Odjick

IISD-Experimental Lakes Area 

Location

Kitigan-Zibi, Quebec

Description

Aaron-lee Odjick, 28 years old, Anishinabeg from Kitigan-Zibi, Quebec. He spends his free time with his partner, 2 children and his friends; he’s played sports all of his life and is committed to learning his language.

Aaron shares a big passion for renewable energy and he loves to learn; his hopes are to bring a project back home, improve his personal skill set and get connected to a variety of different people on a similar journey. He’s excited to learn about other cultures, their community challenges and about the best renewable practices happening in the country.   

Name

IISD-Experimental Lakes Area 

Location

Winnipeg Treaty 1 

Description

Serene Parenteau is a proud member of the Red River Metis Nation. Her family is from Treaty 4 and 5 territories. She is a Program Assitant with IISD-Experimental Lakes Area Water and Energy team.  Her roles include conducting research on clean energy and energy transition projects with close guidance with partner indigenous communities and organisations, as well as supporting the drafting of research outputs, and providing general support and communication. 

Other roles include assisting in building and prioritising meaningful relationships with Treaty 3 individuals and communities with IISD-ELA. She has experience as a research assistant with the University of Winnipeg’s P2GS Program. In this role, Serene assisted in cross-dating tree-ring samples and identifying tree-ring anomalies. She is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Winnipeg. 

Name

Santana Dreaver

Sacred Earth Solar 

Location

Vancouver, BC

Description

Santana Dreaver is a Saulteaux and Plains Cree journalist based in Vancouver. She was raised in northern Saskatchewan and is a member of Mistawasis Nehiyawak. She has a background in political science and reports on Indigenous affairs, culture and governance. Prior to working at CBC Vancouver Santana was a program assistant at Sacred Earth Solar and a policy advisor with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR). She has been a board member with the Preparing our Home Indigenous youth emergency preparedness program for 2 years and recently completed a 2 year mandate on the Prime Ministers Youth Council. 

Name

Erik Porteous

Vancouver Renewable Energy Cooperative 

Location

Vancouver, Musqueam, Squamish 

Description

Erik Porteous is a Photovoltaic Installer at Vancouver Renewable Energy Cooperative. He studied abroad in Chile where he earned a diploma in Renewable Energies and Energetic Efficiency. During his Practicum he helped install thermal solar panels to provide renewable low-cost domestic hot water to the Indigenous Mapuche community in San Pedro de la Paz who had been using cold water or dangerous electric shower heads to bathe. Erik returned to Canada after completing his studies to work in the renewable energies industry to further advance his knowledge and skills in the trade. Erik is passionate about sustainable development in modern society and reconciling the dichotomy between human advancement and the natural environment. 

Name

Dakota Mardsen 

Pinaymootang First Nations

Location

Pinaymootang First Nation

Description

Boozhoo, Dakota nindizniikaaz. Pinaymootang nindoonjii. Makwa 
ndoodem. My name is Dakota, I am Bear Clan, and I am from 
Pinaymootang First Nation. I am a mother and an Anishinaabe from the 
Treaty 2 Territory. I am passionate about Indigenous people, health, 
language, lands, and sustainability. I was apart of the first Generation 
Power Cohort and now currently enrolled in an Indigenous Youth Policy 
School. I applied to the Generation Power Youth Working Group 
because I want to contribute to improving the program and making it 
more accessible for Indigenous Youth in Canada. 

Name

Ay’Den D. Abraham 

Frog Lake First Nations 

Location

Frog Lake First Nations -Treaty 6 territory

Description

Ay’Den D. Abraham is a young Plains Cree man and creative representing Frog Lake First Nations, Alberta based out of Treaty 6. Firmly believing he holds a responsibility and role in the professional developments around clean energy, environmental conservation and Indigenous/First Nations Treaty Rights as well as Economic Development and Youth initiatives. He does his best for his nation and the next seven generations, as his ancestors intended for him and his people.  

“We are a living testament to our ancestors prayers” is a saying he lives by and holds this up in all respects and walks of life in his travels. 

Coming from a background of generational Carpentry and environmental protection via firefighting within his nation he hopes to apply those skills along with those gained from entrepreneurship opportunities such as Indigenous Coaching through Cando Cohort #11, The First Nations University Entrepreneurship Camp and motivational speaking in his youth into his now role of Clean Energy Youth Coordinator working closely with the Frog Lake TTES High school to bring opportunities to the youth and his nation. His dream is to integrate and develop strategies to live among the land and work closely with Mother Nature to give back to the land just as much as we take as human beings under the scope of consumerism. Ay’Den believes in consistency. 

Name

Mathis Launière 

Développement PEK

Location

Mashteuiatsh 

Description

Mathis Launière is from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh community located in Mashteuiatsh in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. He attended the Amisk school in Mashteuiatsh in elementary and secondary school. He then continued his studies at the Jonquière vocational training centre where he obtained his diploma in electromechanics and he is proud of this personal accomplishment. Working in an organization located in the community where he grew up is something that is particularly close to his heart. He is passionate about the outdoors in general, being in the forest, he likes hunting, fishing, mountain biking and motorcycling. 

Name

Rayne Assiniwai

First Green Energy

Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation

Description

Rayne Assiniwai is a proud Anishinaabe Kwe and a member of Couchiching First Nation, with roots in the Wikwemikoong area. Currently based in Ottawa, Ontario, Rayne is completing her internship with First Green Energy where she contributes to the development of solar and innovative agrivoltaic projects that integrate clean energy solutions with sustainable agriculture. 

With a background in political science (BA Algoma University) and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University, Rayne is deeply passionate about amplifying Indigenous voices and currently focusing her efforts into advancing renewable energy initiatives. She spent 5 years working for the federal government (NRCan, CBSA, CIRNAC) and studying full-time. She aspires to create opportunities for Indigenous communities to build capacity, foster economic development, and lead in the transition to renewable energy. She is committed to building a future that inspires hope, action, and sustainable prosperity for all. 

Name

Michael Marty

Clean Energy Manager

Location

Frog Lake First Nations

Description

Michael Marty, 22, is the clean energy manager of Frog Lake First Nations. Michael grew up on the rezervation and he grew up practicing and carrying on his cultural teachings. Michael has found culture to be the main moving force of his strength and healing growing up. he has been working in the clean energ fieldy for over two years now and has been apart of programs like; Cando, Indigenous clean energy catalyst program, GenerationPower, Imagenation, and forum for young Canadians. Michaels also works on numerous projects for his nation, including; multiple solar projects, hemp projects, Environmental monitoring, food sovereignty, EV charger station, net zero homes, clean energy post secondary course development, and a Transportation project. Michaels vision is to begin the transition away from fossil fuels in his community and begin implementing projects that will have a positive impact on the next 7 generations of people and mother earth. 

Name

Madison Dyson

NunatuKavut Community Council

Location

Cartwright Newfoundland and Labrador  

Description

Madison Dyson resides in Cartwright Labrador a small coastal community of Labrador. She is a member of the NunatuKavut Community Council. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in December of 2023 from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She attended university at the Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook Newfoundland. With this degree she is knowledgeable in sciences of multiple backgrounds ranging from chemistry to psychology and earth sciences. She is passionate about clean energy and sustainability. She started an internship with the NunatuKavut Community Council in May of 2024 and this is where she has been researching and helping in projects to make sustainable and clean energy available in communities of Labrador. A part of her culture relies on the land including berry picking, hunting, fishing, and just spending time out snowshoeing enjoying the scenery which is why she is so passionate about the availability of providing clean and sustainable energy to help protect the sacred land. Her hobbies include sports, spending time with friends and family, and spending time outside whether in boat, on ski doo, or walking trails. 

Name

Chelcy Chapman

Powertec Solar Inc 

Location

Sachigo Lake First Nation Ontario

Description

Chelcy Chapman, ᒐᑊᒪᐣ, is a proud Anishinew (Oji-Cree) from Treaty 9 territory, specifically from Sachigo Lake First Nation. she relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to pursue a higher education at the University of Manitoba. After a few years of study, she decided to shift her career toward the emerging field of clean energy, recognizing its potential to make a meaningful impact on both the environment and local communities. 

Chelcy is a Project Coordinator Intern at Powerec Solar, where she helps bring clean, renewable energy to residential, commercial, and First Nation communities, particularly in remote areas like Nunavut, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. She works to make sustainable energy solutions a reality, focusing on environmental protection and reliable, eco-friendly power. 

Chelcy is passionate about uplifting communities, especially Indigenous ones. Driven by a desire to give back to Turtle Island, she uses her skills in clean energy to promote sustainable and equitable development. 

Name

Anonda Canadien 

Gonezu Energy 

Location

Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation, Fort Providence, NWT

Description

Anonda Canadien, Dehcho Dene from Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation. Graduated from the Indigenous Digital Filmmaking program from Capilano University, BC. She’s interested in Indigenous sovereignty, amplifying Indigenous voices and telling Indigenous stories. She pushes for Indigenous sovereignty within her community. 

Name

Bohdana Innes 

J.L. Richards & Associates 

Location

Mushkegowuk Territory  

Description

Bohdana Innes is a member of Moose Cree First Nation in Mushkegowuk Territory. Bohdana was born in Moose Factory and raised in Wawa, Ontario. She currently lives in Ottawa, on the Traditional Unceded Territory of the Algonquin Aninshaabeg people, and is as an Intern Architect with J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR). 

As a graduate of McEwen School of Architecture at Laurentian University (LU) in Sudbury, Ontario, a Northern Design school that prioritizes holistic learning. She has worked continuously throughout her educational and professional career to gain knowledge in the Indigenous process and its relation to design. Bohdana has experience working with Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island (North America) through professional work as well as during architectural Master’s degree thesis at LU. As an Indigenous Intern Architect within Ontario, Bohdana strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities relating to the built environment and sustainability. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish independence though community-based engagement/projects and bring their culture to life through built-form.  

Name

Allana Nakashook-Zettler 

Brightspot Climate 

Location

Toronto, ON

Description

Allana is an urban Inuk and has lived across Canada, coast to coast to coast, but would say she is from Yellowknife. Allana is currently in her last year of chemical engineering at the University of Toronto. Through this, she has found a passion for environmental justice and inclusion of the many Indigenous perspectives in environmentalism. Allana has gotten to work with Environment Canada administering funding for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint. Allana loves playing volleyball (beach and grass) and has taken on making and altering some of her own clothing!