Meet the Catalysts
Our 20/20 Catalysts family has deep roots.
Every year 20 new exceptional Catalysts from Indigenous communities across Canada join the program and become part of our growing family of Indigenous clean energy leaders.
All Catalysts
Portrait
Name
Steven Crowchild
Location
Tsuut’ina Nation, AB
Description
Steven Crowchild (Ninagha Naʔitsidi) is a Tsuut’ina Isgiya, father, and elected member of the Tsuut’ina Nation Chief and Council. Steven holds the Governance and Administration Portfolio and sits on the Education Board. Before being elected to council in November 2019, Steven worked in the areas of Tsuut’ina language and culture revitalization and education and has been directly involved in the development and piloting of various initiatives and projects such as app development, curriculum development, culture camps, language nest, mentor-apprentice initiative, animation, language/culture film projects, professional development initiatives, recording projects, and so much more.
Steven is passionate about being a good ancestor and works to create a sustainable future by advocating for the transition towards more clean, sustainable, and renewable energy use within Tsuut’ina and abroad. Steven is also a huge advocate for food sovereignty initiatives, language and culture revitalization initiatives, sustainable development, treaty rights, and other areas. Steven carries with him a deep sense of love and responsibility to the land, water, his Tsuut’ina people and future generations.
Portrait
Name
Sean Brennan
Location
Haida Gwaii, BC
Description
Sean is the Energy Coordinator in Old Masset on Haida Gwaii. From the Ts’aahl Laanaas Eagle Clan, Sean has been working towards Haida sovereignty his whole career. Coming from a forestry background, Sean has contributed to writing the Haida Gwaii Land Use Plan, helped develop Cultural Feature Identification programs for industry, worked directly with government and industry proponents to ensure Haida free prior informed consent through a forum called the Solutions Table. A proud father of three, Sean loves fishing and food gathering in and around Haida Gwaii. Sean is excited to see the next era in renewable energy production on Haida Gwaii and a separation from the island’s current diesel reliance.
Portrait
Name
Penny Polchies
Location
St. Mary’s First Nation, BC
Description
Millicent (Penny) Polchies is the Economic Development Manager with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI). In this role, Penny leads a team providing all aspects of Indigenous economic development and sustainability; they also build support within the realm of Indigenous entrepreneurship. A big believer in sustainable Indigenous economies, Penny supports communities that strive for success.
Penny has spent 25 years in Indigenous economic and labour market initiatives, where she created a provincial network of employment and training officers (ETOs) and facilitated the creation and implementation of their career practitioner certification and training. This was done in partnership with the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) and resulted in one of the largest Indigenous groups in Canada becoming certified ETOs.
Indigenous inclusion is essential to Penny. She is a strong advocate for inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunity for business development. Penny brings awareness to the systematic barriers that the Indigenous population faces. In support of this, led JEDI to the creation of JEDI’s Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module, focusing on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.
Portrait
Name
Leighton Gall
Location
Victoria, BC
Description
Leighton Gall is a Métis entrepreneur and Masters of Global Management student at Royal Roads University. He is also pursuing dual master’s credits in the Science and Policy of Climate Change program. His past experiences include working in Canada’s oil & gas sector, and in Nicaragua and Japan on geothermal drilling projects. Additionally, Leighton is an accomplished start-up founder in the cannabis and tattooing industries. When not reading and researching you can find him traveling on his eBike with his Jack Russell Terrier or at home playing music.
Portrait
Name
Jacob Jadis
Location
Abegweit First Nation, PEI
Description
Jacob is a proud father and member of the Mi’kmaq First Nation. He grew up in and currently resides in the community of Scotchfort, Abegweit First Nation on Prince Edward Island. Jacob graduated with a Diploma in Information Systems Management from Nova Scotia Institute of Technology in 2003. A few years of working in this area fueled his ambition to become an entrepreneur. He was the sole proprietor of an IT supply business for 12 years, and then accepted an operator/management position with the Abegweit First Nation where he has worked since 2012. There he was tasked with a large project to upgrade/replace an outdated water system with modern infrastructure technologies. With this experience, Jacob’s ambition was fueled again to bring more positive infrastructure projects to his community; to develop a plan to harness new clean energy technologies and build capacity and resources for Abegweit First Nation. Jacob is excited to be part of the 2020 Catalyst Cohort, to be part of a team and to gain new knowledge to support his community with new energy initiatives.
Portrait
Name
Holly Johnson
Location
Haida Gwaii, BC
Description
Holly is employed by Skidegate Band Council on Haida Gwaii as a Climate Action Coordinator. Holly focuses on planning and coordinating energy and climate activities and deliverables associated with capacity-building, clean energy, demand-side management, and community engagement. She is very enthusiastic about learning about new renewable technologies and is passionate about energy and doing her part to preserve the environment for future generations. During her spare time, Holly is out exploring the beautiful environment on Haida Gwaii and loves photography.
Portrait
Name
Elijah Mecham
Location
Nuxalk Nation, BC
Description
Elijah is a Nuxalk member, born and raised in the Bella Coola Valley in British Columbia. Elijah has experience working in wind power and industry, before moving back home to work for his nation. Currently, he is the Clean Energy Community Engagement Coordinator, and the Climate Action Coordinator. As the CEC and CAC, his work has led to clean energy and climate change initiatives being progressed for his nation alongside the 20/20 Catalyst champion Vince Robinson. He wants to use this experience to help guide and develop his nation’s GHG reduction goals, and potentially develop an Energy Engagement Plan.
Portrait
Name
Daphne Kay
Location
Cowessess First Nation, SK
Description
Daphne is a proud Anishinaabe woman from the Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. Daphne studied Political Science at the University of Regina and Land Management at the University of Saskatchewan. Daphne worked in the Lands and Resources Department of Cowessess First Nation for two years, where she was able to work on special projects like Cultural Site Documentation. Recently, Daphne moved to Cowessess Ventures Ltd., the community’s business development organization, as the Community Energy Specialist, where she can work on clean energy initiatives.
Daphne has always been passionate about sustainable living and protecting the land. She likes to read, bead, sew, and dance in her spare time.
Portrait
Name
Crystal Campbell
Location
Six Nations of the Grand River, ON
Description
Crystal lives in Brantford, Ontario, just on the outskirts of Six Nations of the Grand River with her two young girls and used to own her own business for 10 years as a residential cleaner. She has worked in various restaurants in management positions and recently applied for the position as the community energy champion for Six Nations of the Grand River. Crystal wanted to do something different and apply herself towards a job with a purpose. Not knowing exactly what she was getting herself into, she jumped in and so far loves what she has been learning. Her family has a background as electricians, so to fall into something along the same line has been very rewarding. Crystal has always had an interest in a greener way of living, and how we can contribute to conserve and maintain a greener environment. She looks forward to broadening her knowledge in the field and jumping into any upcoming projects.
Portrait
Name
Chad Bonnetrouge
Location
Dene First Nation, NWT
Description
Chad is a member of the Dene First Nation. He was born in Yellowknife and raised in Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. He has done some volunteer work in his community while growing up until he moved to Alberta to finish his last two years of high school. He came home after he graduated to help his family. Chad started working at a local store for the next two and a half years and was also involved in some community work at that time. After that he received an opportunity with Northern Loco in the clean energy sector and he has been working with them since March. Chad was really interested in learning more about how clean energy can benefit his community, and he hopes to gain the knowledge necessary to help ease the communities reliance on diesel fuel and to help promote greater energy independence in the North.
Portrait
Name
Austin Zacharko
Location
Métis Nation of Alberta
Description
Austin is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and holds his heritage in high regard. He grew up in Alberta and is a registered E.I.T with APEGA. He has completed a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta as well as an M.Eng in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Carleton University. With these programs, he has developed a strong understanding of a broad range of topics related to sustainability and climate change. He hopes to use his knowledge to improve the countries efforts to become more sustainable in every aspect (even though clean energy is his favourite topic).
Austin is actively involved in numerous organizations which include being part of Leading Change Canada’s steering committee, Student Energy’s Leaders Fellowship, as well as being on the board of directors for the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship.
In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time outdoors. This often includes rock climbing, backcountry hiking, multi-day canoe trips, swimming, and snowboarding.
Portrait
Name
Andy Pirti
Location
Montreal
Description
Andy Pirti currently resides in the Montreal area but was born and raised in a small town called Akulivik, situated in northern Quebec, on the coast of Hudson’s Bay.
In 1995, he went to Cegep Marie-Victorin, where he took the social science program. For 10 years he had done odd jobs here and there, including working at Avataq Cultural Institute for several years. In 2005, he began working at Makivik’s construction division as an accounts payable clerk, while taking business administration courses at Vanier College during the evenings. By 2007, he became Makivik’s investment accountant, responsible for investment portfolio transaction accounting entries.
Andy worked in the position for four years until he became the advisor to the treasurer in 2011, and he remained there until the treasurer’s term ended. Makivik’s executives are regionally elected, and when the incumbent decided not to run another term, with encouragement from friends and family, he ran and got elected as treasurer, serving 2 terms over 6 years. During this time, he was responsible for overseeing the investment portfolio of the corporation as well as the subsidiary companies. During his time as the treasurer, the corporation’s equity grew by over 100 million.
Portrait
Name
Tyler Jobb
Location
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, SK
Description
Tyler Jobb is an ambitious First Nations entrepreneur and is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. He is the founder of Jobb Developments, a rapidly growing contracting company based in Northern Saskatchewan. Tyler plans to bring clean energy projects to his communities that will drive economic opportunities, sustainability, job creation and energy sovereignty. The 20/20 Catalyst program will give Tyler and his communities the tools and skills to continue creating clean energy projects for years to come.
Portrait
Name
Sioban Slade
Location
NunatuKavut, NL
Description
Siobhan Slade is NunkatuKvummiuk from St. Lewis (Fox Harbour), NunatuKavut territory in Labrador. She is a single mother to a beautiful little boy and by trade she is a heavy-duty equipment technician. She is presently working with NunatuKavut community council in collaboration with Nunacor as the NATURE (NunatuKavut Action Team in Understanding Renewable Energy.) Youth Council Coordinator, which is a program designed to engage youth with renewable energy and stress the importance it has to the communities we live in. She has also worked with researchers from the University of Dalhousie and Waterloo to develop renewable energy plans for three off-grid communities on the coast of Labrador and presently working on plans for six more off-grid communities, along with a food sustainability project for my community. Siobhan is beyond excited to start this incentive and be able to help her community by being leader in renewable energy for her territory.
Portrait
Name
Sharon Waughtal
Location
Ahatahkakoop Cree Nation, SK
Description
Sharon Waughtal (Masuskapoe) is originally from Ahatahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan – Treaty 6 Territory. She is currently working with Tribal Chiefs Ventures Inc. as their Climate Change Coordinator serving six First Nation communities in Northeastern Alberta. She has worked previously with the Federal Government for 16 years in different program areas and departments. Sharon has recently completed an Environmental Sciences program – Specialization in Water & Wastewater Treatment and Water Collection and Distribution from NAIT. Renewable energy and environmental protection has always been an area of interest for Sharon.
Portrait
Name
Sal Poirier
Location
Madawaska First Nation, NB
Description
Sal Poirier is from the Wolastoqiyik tribe in the Wabanaki region. His community is the Madawaska First Nation. He is the environmental officer for the community. He is the first in his community to hold this position since it was created in 2017. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in mechanical engineering. His goal is to reduce his community’s reliance on fossil fuels and to have his community become a model in clean energy and waste management practices. It is important to him that he does what he can to leave a sustainable world for his three children and future generations.
Portrait
Name
Richard Nerysoo
Location
Fort McPherson, NWT
Description
Richard was born in a camp on the Peel River north of Fort McPherson, NWT. Richard is a consultant and advisor with negotiation, political and policy experience. Richard served as Premier of NWT from 1984 to 1985 and as a member of Cabinet for 10 years. He also served as speaker and member on several standing and special committees. Richard began his Indigenous leadership with the Indian Brotherhood (later known as Dene Nation) of the NWT. Beyond this he has played leading roles in the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Gwich’in Development Corporation, Tetl’it Co-Op, and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Most recently, Richard was a member of several national agencies, Working Group on Natural Resources, Generation Energy Council and presently sits on the AFN-ISC Advisory Committee on Fiscal Relations.
Portrait
Name
Peter Aqqaq
Location
Taloyoak, NU
Description
Peter was born and raised in the little arctic community of Taloyoak, Nunavut. Every day, Peter is inspired by his two wonderful children who fill his heart with joy and pride. He was a Conservation Officer for the Government of Nunavut for a couple years, then decided to move back home and take up his new job as an Economic Development Officer. This role enables Peter to help his community thrive economically and socially. Peter’s goal is to get Taloyoak into the movement of green energy. He views green energy as a way to create work and great programs for our future children, grandchildren and beyond. For Peter, green energy helps preserve our land and water so that future generations can witness them as they are today: beautiful and thriving. He believes in a quote from Malcolm X “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Portrait
Name
Paul Andersen
Location
Makkovik, NL
Description
Paul Andersen, is Inuk from the Nunatsiavut region of Northern Labrador. He is also from and lives in Makkovik, Labrador. He is currently the local Recreation & Youth Coordinator for Makkovik. He first really became interested in clean energy when he worked as a labourer on a transmission line project, with the source being a dam. Makkovik is an isolated community. They have no cellphone service, and no roads linking to any other town. Their only source of energy in Makkovic is diesel generators, and after having worked on a dam project, and seeing new projects happening all over the country he would love to be able to do the same with his community. Climate change is real, and it is our job to contain it.
Portrait
Name
Melissa McDonald
Location
Red Rock Indian Band, ON
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Leona Humchitt
Location
Heiltsuk First Nation, BC
Description
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.”
Portrait
Name
Leon Cardinal
Location
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, SK
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Kirt Dedam
Location
Listuguj, QC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Jordyn Burnouf
Location
Île-à-la-Crosse, SK
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Jimmy Arqviq
Location
Hamlet of Gjoa Haven, NU
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Jason Aitchison
Location
Kuujjuaq, QC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Dustin Fournier
Location
Beaver First Nation, AB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Corey Mattie
Location
Halifax, NS
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Charleen Holmes
Location
Métis Nation of Alberta
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Charla Joseph
Location
Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Braden Etzerza
Location
Metlakatla First Nations, BC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Alex Ittimagnaq
Location
Kugaaruk, NU
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Vince Robinson
Location
Bella Coola, BC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Vanessa Frank
Location
Blood Indian Reserve, AB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Tony Bagga
Location
Heart Lake First Nation, AB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Tanya Johnson-MacVicar
Location
Sydney, NS
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Sam Minde
Location
Elements Firetack Inc., AB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Neil Hawkes
Location
Nunatsiavut Government, NL
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Mike Tilson
Location
Tsay Keh Dene Nation, BC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Kyla Morrisseau
Location
Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, ON
Description
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.