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.
Ed is a Mi’kmaq from Metepenagiag First Nation. Ed graduated from the University of New Brunswick and worked in the education sector for 10 years before entering the Energy Industry. He is now a Strategic Advisor with NB Power and has worked in the energy sector for 18 years.
Ed became one of the first 20/20 Catalysts for Clean Energy in Canada with Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) in 2016. Today, he sits on the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Advisory Council and is a Mentor for his fellow Catalysts.
Ed and his First Nations Affairs team work closely with the First Nations in NB. Working to improve relationships, strategize resolutions to legacy issues, promoting employment opportunities and career development. The First Nations Affairs team provides guidance, support and facilitation to both internal employees and First Nations.
This experience has given Ed the opportunity to work with many Indigenous organizations, Government departments, other utilities, funding agencies and Indigenous people in various areas of the workforce.
The team is very passionate about capacity building, internally as well as externally. The First Nations Team has created Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity programs for employees and continues to work towards becoming leaders in Indigenous Inclusion and Corporate/Indigenous partnerships. Looking at 2025, the team is excited to work on a Pathway to Healing in support of Reconciliation.
A proud Mi’gmaq from Listuguj, Quebec, Terri Lynn is a First Nation executive with a passion for bridging the gap between Indigenous communities, Provincial and Federal government, and industry, primarily in the renewable energy sector.
Her experience is primarily working with stakeholders about Indigenous rights and titles, sustainable natural resource management, and the development of robust partnerships based on Indigenous values and knowledge. Terri Lynn has held several key leadership positions working in clean energy. She was awarded the Rising Star by the Techno Centre Eolienne Quebec in 2016 and played a key role in the award of Excellence in Human Resource Management for the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm, where she was the Project Director of the 150 MW wind farm.
Terri Lynn has extensive presentation and facilitation experience between proponents, communities, and leadership. She’s participated in many important panels across the country hosted by the CCAB, Globe Forum 2022, and Pembina. She contributed articles to the Globe, Vanity Community Investment Bank, and CCAB to advocate for Indigenous partnerships built on Indigenous ways and knowledge.
Working closely with Indigenous peoples, large corporations, and government to share stories about what we can all learn and improve on while highlighting Indigenous success stories and best practices contributed to Terri Lynn being named part of the #WOMENLEADINGCLEANTECH by Foresight Canada in 2022. She has also mentored over 120 20/20 Catalysts with Indigenous Clean Energy who are from across the county and leading work in their communities to advance energy projects and create economic benefits.
Terri Lynn has always had a passion for exploring ways that Indigenous communities, industry, Territorial, and Provincial governments can reach a consensus on how they will work together. As a communicator, mentor, and leader, she is committed to creating space, driving growth, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring that Indigenous voices are represented and heard in important discussions.
Terri Lynn considers herself a lifelong learner and is pursuing an MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University.
Olive Williams is from the territory of Labrador in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a member of the Nunatukavut Community Council (NCC), they are the southern Labrador Inuit.
Olive was born in a small, coastal, remote community of Cartwright. She currently lives in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which is part of her birth territory. She worked in Business and Finance Management with both profit and non-profit organizations for several years. She even tried to leave her territory to work as an accountant with the OFIFC in Toronto. Even though it was nice to visit, she didn’t like working downtown but thought OFIFC was great.
After a few attempts at applying for jobs with NCC, in 2019, she finally landed one (don’t ever stop trying) as a Project Officer for the Home Repair Program, and she has not looked back since. Olive became interested in renewable energy as some of the communities are diesel-dependent. Reducing the carbon footprint for generations to come and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for her people is essential to her.
Housing is of keen interest to Olive. She grew up in the 1970s in a community where only the middle class and elite had running water and a good heat supply. Her family was not part of any of those groups, they were like many other native families, but they were happy and a close single-parent family of nine kids, of which she is the youngest.
Mercedes Sandy is a dedicated Indigenous housing professional from Chimnissing (Beausoleil First Nation, ON) with a strong background in housing management, asset maintenance, and energy efficiency. She is deeply committed to advocating for safe, healthy, and sustainable housing solutions within Indigenous communities.
Mercedes began her career within her home community’s housing department, where she worked in various roles supporting tenants, homeowners, and housing initiatives. Most recently, she served as the Tenant Coordinator, working closely with community members to provide essential home maintenance demonstrations, conduct unit inspections, and manage asset data collection. Beyond administrative tasks, she played a key role in educating tenants on homeownership responsibilities, supporting housing policies, and promoting long-term sustainability in community housing. She also has hands-on experience managing new construction and retrofit projects, ensuring homes meet high standards of safety, efficiency, and durability.
In April 2023, Mercedes obtained her Home Inspection Certificate from Algonquin College, further strengthening her expertise in housing assessment. She went on to earn her Certified Professional Inspector designation through InterNACHI in January 2024 and is currently training to become an Energy Advisor, expanding her knowledge in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
Mercedes is also actively engaged in professional development initiatives aimed at advancing Indigenous housing solutions. She is a participant in the 2023-2024 Project Accelerator Program by Indigenous Clean Energy, where she collaborates with other Indigenous professionals from across Canada to develop innovative, energy-efficient housing projects. This program provides valuable mentorship and skill development in project management, communication, leadership, and adaptability—essential for implementing impactful housing initiatives in Indigenous communities.
As of January 2025, Mercedes is employed with Keepers of the Circle as the Intermediate Energy Projects Lead. In this role, she supports education and capacity-building initiatives for Indigenous women interested in energy efficiency and clean energy careers. Keepers of the Circle, operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group, is an urban Indigenous Hub dedicated to fostering cultural, social, and economic equity for Indigenous women. Through this work, Mercedes helps develop training programs, community outreach initiatives, and resource materials to empower Indigenous women to excel in the clean energy space.
With a passion for Indigenous housing, sustainable development, and community empowerment, Mercedes remains committed to improving housing conditions and fostering energy-efficient solutions. Her expertise, hands-on experience, and dedication to capacity-building make her a valuable advocate for housing initiatives that integrate cultural and environmental sustainability.
Sarah Powell is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and currently resides in Prince George, BC. She graduated from the University of Victoria and has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Geography and a minor in Indigenous Studies. Sarah joined the New Relationship Trust in 2020 through the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) after her Ministry of Transportation placement. She now works as the Manager of Clean Energy Initiatives, administering the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), the Community Energy Diesel Reduction Program (CEDR), and the Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI). Sarah’s goal through her work is to assist Nations on their journey to energy self-sovereignty and reduce community reliance on diesel. Previously, Sarah worked with NRT’s education initiatives and corporate services, and for the BC Wildfire Service as a dispatcher at the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Changemakers Forum 2025
Register now to hear from Indigenous leaders who are showcasing their community projects and more!
Forum is taking place in Vancouver, BC on November 14th, 2025
