Generation Power encourages Indigenous youth to explore careers in clean energy. It is also an essential piece of the clean energy landscape in Canada that nurtures the leadership potential of both Indigenous youth and energy sector employers to advance a sustainable and equitable energy future.
Melissa McDonald works with Red Rock Indian Band, which is in Northwestern Ontario. As the Energy Initiatives Officer, her energy priorities include having cleaner energy systems, reducing consumption, reducing costs and educating the community. So far, she has worked on switching streetlights and facility buildings from incandescent to LED lighting, helping community members find energy cost savings, getting a Waste Diversion Management Study completed, updating Community Energy Plan and getting a Renewable Energy Feasibility Study completed.
Leona Humchitt is a proud member of the Heiltsuk First Nation of Bella Bella, B.C., a remote, isolated community located in the central coast of British Columbia. The population is 2,500, with 1,300 living on reserve. In 2014, Leona was elected to the local Heiltsuk Tribal Council to a four year term. In 2017, she retired with 27 years pensionable service as Office Manager of the Bella Bella RCMP. She completed SFU’s Executive Masters of Business Administration tailored for Indigenous Business and Leadership in October 2019. In June 2018, Leona was re-elected to another four-year term with the Heiltsuk Tribal Council. She and her husband, Tom, have four beautiful daughters – Flora, Kristy, Mercedes & Cheryl and one son, Thomas Benjamin. Leona and Tommy relish in the new status of being grandparents. Maggie, Cassian, Charlie & Addie are their precious treasures. It’s a whole new level of love and makes her work in leadership that much more meaningful. Leona is ecstatic for her Nation’s opportunity with the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) and her appointment as a champion for the 20/20 Catalyst Program. She deems this an opportunity to set the table “for our children’s tomorrows.”
Leon is a member of the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Treaty 6 territory. He is a father to three and grandfather to three. Leon works as a climate change coordinator full-time now for the settlement. Sustainable, reliable and affordable energy sources are important to the preservation of the Métis that still live on the lands and he is exploring all possible ways to meet these goals.
Kirt is from the Mi’gmaq tribe located in Listuguj, QC, within the district territory of Gespe’gewa’gi, which means “last acquired land.” Over the past 25 years, he is proud to say his community has been advancing towards self-governance, economic development, and culture and language revitalization, among many other things. Kirt graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration and, since then, has worked in a variety of fields and is now a clean energy project manager for the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation. Kirt has always had a deep respect for the environment and an understanding that everything is connected somehow. He is grateful for the experiences that have led him up to this point in life, and he looks forward to continue making a positive impact for his community and territory.
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 the 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.
Jimmy is a Building Maintenance Foreman for the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven. He has worked for the Hamlet for over 18 years. Jimmy is interested in green energy because the cost of power in Nunavut is so expensive and he would like to explore opportunities to reduce the cost for people in his community. Jimmy would like to see his community use cleaner energy and reduce greenhouse gasses. Jimmy knows clean air is very important for our future, and is very conscious of the diesel used for power in his northern community.
Jason is from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, were he works as the General Manager of Kuujjuamiut Corporation, a community development organization. Jason is also a long serving member of the Board of Directors of the Nayumivik Landholding Corporation which owns and administers Kuujjuaq Category 1 lands. He is very keen to learn about potential green energy projects that could be feasible in the north. His goal in the program is to see clean energy initiatives developed by his community that will have the least impact on the environment, while maximizing the benefits to the community & working towards eliminating the region’s dependence on diesel powered energy.
Dustin is a member of Beaver First Nation from the Childs Lake/Boyer River communities in the Treaty 8 Territory. He spent 12 years in the oil and gas industry where his career focused on the Production Sector such as production testing, service rigs, pipeline and facility construction. Dustin now operates Beaver First Nation’s Lands & Resources department and also sits on the NWAB Stewardship Plan. Dustin’s nation has taken strides to minimize their carbon footprint by introducing solar power to the community. One of his key roles is to ensure that the Beaver Peoples rights are recognized and protected. Dustin believes with more green energy projects it will allow his community to get back to their roots.
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.
Charlene Holmes was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, with a strong Métis cultural background. Both her parents were raised on the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement where her mother, along with many family members, currently reside. Charlene has been the Climate Lead at the Metis Settlements General Council (MSGC) since 2017. In this short time, she has accomplished many projects to help reduce their carbon footprint at the Metis Settlements owned building in Edmonton. With the hard work of many, MSGC was granted a 2 Phase Rooftop Solar project along with a complete Energy Efficiency Retrofit to the 56,000 SF building. Both projects will commence May 2019. Charlene sits on the Indigenous Electricity Technical Working Group (IETWG) as part of the Indigenous Caucus since its inception in early 2017. The IETWG, with representation from Indigenous communities from across Alberta, works with the government to represent Indigenous interests within the Renewable Energy sector. Charlene is looking forward to commence working with industry on project management in Community Generation. Charlene spends her free time with her husband, son and her dog Coco.
Charla Joseph is a mother of three children and has lived in Elsipogtog First Nation her whole life. Her journey has taken her to many different places of work. She graduated with a Graphic Design certificate in 2009 for which she has been doing freelance designs up until 2015. She has done administration for her church, she worked as a secretary for the Social Assistance department; she has taken quality assurance training and worked with PLATO Miramichi as a Software Tester before coming to the Kopit Lodge. Kopit Lodge is a grassroots organization that deals with consultations. She is hoping that she can get the most out of this program so that she can help her organization and community start to look at ways to use clean energy that is both sustainable and beneficial. Their motto is to protect the water and she wants to be able to fulfill that motto while also bringing her community up to date with clean renewable energy.
Braden recently completed his BSc in Environmental Science from Mount Royal University in Calgary, AB. Braden will be returning to his home community to assist in the development of his nation’s Environmental Management Plan. His vision for Metlakatla is centred around Ts’msyen culture and language, renewable energy, food security, climate change mitigation and preparation, and restoration of degraded areas within their traditional territories. Braden hopes the 20/20 Catalyst program will help him implement clean energy projects and create sustainable, long term jobs for Metlakatla members. He believes renewable energy is crucial to mitigating climate change but also includes local food production projects and restoration of ecosystems incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and resource management systems.
Alex Ittimangnaq is Inuk, who was born and raised in Kugaaruk, Nunavut, formerly Pelly Bay, Northwest Territories. He is employed by the Hamlet of Kugaaruk, their municipal government. His job title is Community Economic Development Officer (CEDO). Before he worked as CEDO, he worked with Community Justice, where he worked with at-risk youth and developed programs. Before that, he worked at the local school in different capacities. He is very committed to his community, and he loves to see his people and community move forward. He is also an active volunteer, he is the lead organizer and founder of their local hockey league, and he also coaches youth basketball.
Vince has worked the last 20 years on Vancouver and Vancouver Island, and spent approximately half with a furniture company and half with wood mills. He made his way home (Bella Coola) and started as a labourer for his community, which has led to his current position as Clean Energy Coordinator.
Vanessa Frank is from the Blood Indian Reserve in Southern Alberta. Her education was obtained at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the Petroleum Land Administration and Business Administration. Vanessa’s primary work experience has been with the oil and gas industry working in different areas of surface land, and as the Supervisor for Surface Land with Indian Oil and Gas Canada. She is currently employed as the Surface Land Administrator for Kainaiwa Resources Inc. Vanessa is responsible for overseeing all O&G surface activity for the Blood Tribe. As industry evolves so has the Blood Tribe’s focus on delivering alternative energy-based projects for our community.
Tony is the Consultation Director for Heart Lake First Nation, holding the position for four and a half years. His role consists of the development of mutually beneficial relationships with oil and gas, forestry, power and multiple other operations; addressing and mitigating impacts on Heart Lake First Nations traditional lands, specifically around environment, community investment and identifying economic development opportunities. Ultimately to achieve long-term sustainability.
He is currently a MBA candidate at the Australian Institute of Business and is completing Project Management at NAIT. He has also obtained a CAD Technician for Architectural Design Certification. Tony has worked as a Mechanical Engineering Designer on many prolific projects in and around Edmonton, AB and recently received the certificate of Indigenous Leadership / Governance and Management Excellence.
Tanya Johnson-MacVicar is employed by the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative (KMKNO) as the Mi’kmaq Community Liaison. Born and raised in Potlotek First Nation; she is the granddaughter of Valerian (Smokey) and Cecelia Marshall. Tanya graduated from NSCC with an Aboriginal Court Worker Diploma, as well as received her Hospitality and Communications Diploma from Compu College.
Tanya has worked with many Mi’kmaq First Nation organizations such as Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network as an Aboriginal Court Worker, Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs for over 17 years. She has collaborated with KKMNO for the past four years working on files for culture and heritage as well as emergency preparedness.
For the past two years Tanya has been working alongside the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities on hydro projects that need replacement, refurbishment or decommissioning. Some of these hydro projects include; Gulch Spillway Refurbishment, Lequille Main Dam Refurbishment, Tusket Main Dam Refurbishment and Gaspereau Lake Reservoir.
She currently resides in Sydney, Nova Scotia with her son, Carter, and husband, Carl.
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.
Neil Hawkes lives in Nain, Labrador and recently started working as the Energy Facilitator for the Nunatsiavut Government. Neil has a degree in mechanical engineering and a graduate certificate in renewable energy technologies. Neil is passionate about sustainable energy and its implementation. He also has a background in carpentry and is fascinated with efficient designs and the best use of materials.
The Nunatsiavut Government is committed to achieving a more sustainable energy future in Nunatsiavut and its work on Energy Security projects is guided by and grounded in the goals listed in the Nunatsiavut Energy Security Plan. As the Energy Facilitator, Neil will be involved in projects such as a microgrid project incorporating wind power and smart-grid technology, building efficiency improvements, energy education, and much more.
Mike has worked for Tsay Keh Dene Nation for over 11 years alongside a team of incredibly talented and driven individuals pushing hard to build, expand and evolve a Nation-owned group of business enterprises to build economies for Tsay Keh Dene that didn’t otherwise exist. Mike is currently the General Manager of Tsay Keh Dene’s Chu Cho Environmental LLP, where he sees his role as being driven by the need to create and maintain opportunities for exceptional growth and development for the employees, the business and most importantly for Tsay Keh Dene Nation and its citizens. Mike is thrilled to have such an important role with Tsay Keh Dene Nation and is proud of the consistent and truly collaborative approach that Tsay Keh Dene Nation fosters with industry and government towards building a sustainable Nation. In 2007, Chief Izony built an innovative energy project that was designed to completely displace Tsay Keh Dene’s reliance on diesel power, only to have BC Hydro dismantle the project at the 11th hour. This story is full of heartbreak and the details don’t lean in BC Hydro’s favour, however, in 2017 Chief Izony asked Mike to reinvigorate this project with the only mandate being to completely displace diesel. This is the project and this is the vision.
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.
Kathleen (Kat) Woodman is a Wulustukw of the Woodstock Reserve in New Brunswick. She is a mother of five and grandmother of 10. Kat graduated from Saint Thomas University with Distinction in 1995 with her Bachelors in Social Work. She has also been very active in the First Nations world of Native women (former President and BOD), Gignoo House (clinical placement and employed), Native Friendship Centre (former President and BOD), and worked as a social worker at Kingsclear First Nation for 11 years. She also has experience working with all levels of government and the private sector when advocating for First Nations issues and/or policies.
Kat is currently working as a Policy Advisor for her home community of Woodstock First Nation. She is the driving force behind Wisokolamson Energy through the LORESS process. It has become her mission to shift her community away from fossil fuel dependency towards cleaner, more renewable sources of energy and power.
Jolene is Anishinaabe-Kwe from Wahnapitae First Nation, a signatory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. Currently she serves her community as the Economic Development Officer, supporting the work of the Sustainable Development department. Jolene first became interested in clean energy when her community undertook a grass-roots, community-based approach to developing an Energy Action Plan. Wahnapitae First Nation strives for energy sovereignty and independence and prioritizes providing safe, clean, reliable energy for all community members.
Jerid is currently attending Dalhousie University, where he is pursuing a double major in Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability, He is working toward obtaining his Professional Environmental Geoscientist certification. Jerid has lived in Nova Scotia for his whole life, and mainly grew up on Glooscap First Nation, just outside of the Annapolis Valley. Growing up in this community, he has always had an attachment to nature and the environment which is the reason he became interested in both the 20/20 Catalysts program and his current studies. He currently sits on the board of directors for Glooscap Ventures, which has allowed him to help his community grow and watch it move in a new direction. Jerid hopes that this can one day lead them to be a prime example of what can be accomplished with the combination of clean energy and our traditional knowledge.
Born in Middleton, N.S. Jason is a member of Glooscap First Nation, located in Hantsport, N.S. Jason joined the Canadian Armed forces in May of 2002, and was trained as a Supply Technician. In 2010, Jason was appointed the quartermaster position for CFB Kingston’s Peace Support Training Centre, where he provided support for the pre-deployment training, and speciality courses for Canadian and NATO-allied countries. After his retirement from the Canadian Forces in 2013, Jason started his studies at Acadia University, majoring in History. In 2015, he started his employment with Glooscap First Nation, and has held several positions within the organization, including On-site Monitor for the Gaspereau Lake Refurbishment Project, Manager of Special Projects, and currently he is the Housing and Maintenance Officer. He resides in Coldbrook, N.S. with his spouse Kayla, and their two sons, Cole and Connar.
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.
Devin is a Mi’Kmaq from Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation and is a father to two wonderful boys. He works as the Fisheries Coordinator at Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) and is responsible for overseeing fisheries consultations as well as assisting in the review of natural resource projects for potential environmental effects that could impact First Nations’ rights. Devin has always been a proponent of green energy integration and has been involved in the development of green energy projects in the past. His goal in the program is to gain the skills necessary to help guide the Mi’Kmaq communities of New Brunswick to become leaders in the implementation of green energy.
Originally from Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Dave works for the Makivik Corporation in Montreal, Quebec. Dave joined Makivik’s Economic Development Department as a Business Development Officer and works directly with the Director of Economic Development on energy projects for the Nunavik region.
Dave’s interest in the 20/20 Catalyst Program is based on the goal of implementing clean energy systems in the Nunavik region. Makivik is leading efforts to introduce wind, solar, and marine hydrokinetic systems to reduce diesel consumption for electricity generation in the off-grid Nunavik communities. Dave has a particular interest as climate change is directly affecting his community and region. Dave also wishes to learn more about tools to gain better community engagement in these efforts and increase participation and awareness of the positive outcomes of clean and renewable energy systems.
Darin has lived his lifetime in Haida Gwaii in the Village of Old Massett on the northern shores of Haida Gwaii. Darin is a proud father and a grandfather. His background is as a building contractor, and he is an inter-provincially certified carpenter. He currently works for the Council of the Haida Nation as the Capital Works Department Manager and was recently appointed as the Energy Manager.
Haida Gwaii is powered by diesel and Darin’s goal for Haida Gwaii to be an energy sovereign nation and maximize economic opportunities and job creation through renewable energy.
Dana Tizya-Tramm was born and raised in the Yukon Territory, and is a proud member of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. From a young age, Dana showed strengths in communications and team building which has served him well in the youth societies and initiatives that he has both started, and helped to develop. Bridging Indigenous ways of knowing with western best practices, Dana continues to “break trail” for the coming generations, and now in his position on council with his self-governing First Nation, he is working through projects like his small rural communities solar energy project. This project will be the largest in the Canadian Arctic and is just the beginning as his people continue to live with their environment, now through new technologies. The 20/20 Catalysts Program offers Dana the opportunity to gain insight and experience to better serve his community, Nation, and the world at large.
