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
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Name
Tara Everett
Winnipeg, MB
Description
𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘻𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘢𝘻 𝘻𝘩𝘢𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨. (𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘛𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩.) 𝘊𝘩𝘪 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘴 𝘒𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘰 𝘰𝘫𝘪𝘣𝘸𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨. (𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘖𝘫𝘪𝘣𝘸𝘦.) 𝘕𝘪𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘮 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘸𝘢 + 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘢𝘬. (𝘔𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳 + 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦) Tara Everett is a Two-Spirit (she/her/they) Anishinabe Auntie, and 60s Scoop Survivor. As the founder of Canoe Coworking Inc, her work has built bridges internationally since 2018. She is known to unite communities focused on building sustainable, Indigenous-led knowledge traditions and practices. In 2019, Tara was selected as a Canadian Youth Delegate for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting her work towards Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access. As a 2022 certificate graduate of Social Innovation and Community Development, she is dedicated to developing the capacity to create healthy, vibrant, equitable, and inclusive communities worldwide.
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Shane Bellegarde
Little Black Bear’s First Nation, SK
Description
Shane Bellegarde is a member of Little Black Bear’s First Nation, located in South Eastern Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 Territory. Shane has been a performer for most of his life and is a multi-disciplinary artist with a special love of music, stories, and beadwork. Shane currently works for his home community as the Economic Development Projects Manager, and he sits on the Justice and Community Safety Planning Committees. Prior to his current role, Shane spent a decade working in the social work field as a Youth Care Worker and then as a Family Treatment Leader. Shane is passionate about working for his community, and he is especially excited about growing the food sovereignty and green energy projects within his portfolio.
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Serena Mendizabal
Six Nations of the Grand River, ON
Description
Serena Mendizabal (she/her) is a Cayuga Wolf Clan Panamanian woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Serena is a community-based researcher and grassroots organizer. Serena recently graduated from a Master of Geography & Environment with a focus on Indigenous environmental health governance alongside Pictou Landing First Nation and Tobique First Nation. Serena first began her journey in clean energy when she was 18 working in community engagement and communications at the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation. While working in community engagement, she found gaps in community consent with her community’s clean energy portfolio and went on to further explore what a true ‘just transition’ can look like in a community of over 28,000 members. From there on out, Serena has dedicated her studies and extracurriculars to Indigenous self-determination, climate change, environmental health impact and just clean energy transitions. Serena’s connections to climate advocacy, research, education, and direct action are numerous.
Serena is the Co-Chair of the SevenGen National Indigenous Youth Energy Council, a Subject Matter Expert on Connecting for Climate Change Action, a Youth Action & Environment Fellow with the Lawson Foundation, and an Indigenous consultant with Iron & Earth, a labour-focused clean energy transition organization. Serena also works with Protect the Tract, a Haudenosaunee-led group in her community, Six Nations, focused on enforcing the traditional governance (the Haudenosaunee Confederacy)’s moratorium on development along the Grand River (Haldimand Tract). Serena’s main focus is her role as Program Assistant at Sacred Earth Solar, an organization founded on empowering frontline Indigenous communities with solar energy and healing justice. Serena is passionate about self-determined community development, action, and futures, and believes in a future with Indigenous youth & elders leading; sovereign, healthy nations; and lands and waters back.
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Patrick Butler
Unakma’ki (Cape Breton), NS
Description
Patrick Butler is the Senior Energy & Mines Advisor with Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office. He has been with the organization since August 2020. He previously worked on Sustainable Marine Energy’s demonstration in-stream tidal project in Grand Passage and for his community of Potlotek as a Fishery Guardian. Patrick enjoys hiking, being on the water and spending time with his three nieces and three godsons. He currently resides in Unakma’ki (Which is the Mi’kmaw word for land of fog, also known as Cape Breton).
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Michael Polak
Pictou Landing First Nation, NS
Description
Michael is Mohawk, Bear Clan with Ancestry in Tyendinaga on his mother’s side and Polish on his father’s side. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors, Glooscap Ventures, Executive Director, Pictou Landing First Nation, and President, Akwekon Enterprises. Michael is a person of principles, passionate about solving problems, innovation, design and traditional teachings. Michael has a BComm with a focus in Macro Economics from St.Mary’s University, A Master of Management & Innovation from Queen’s University and a certificate in Disruptive Technology. Persistently curious, Michael enjoys attempting to understand the mechanics of human-made systems and how to align them better with nature-made systems and the natural world.
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Michael Marty
Frog Lake First Nation, AB
Description
Michael is a member of Frog Lake First Nation. He is a Natural Resource Technology student who has a very passionate heart about making his reservation self-sufficient and independent in the clean energy field. With projects in the; Green hydrogen, solar pannel, hemp, wind, drone mapping and electric vehicles, he hopes to be able to help his reservation become a pioneer in protecting and maintaining a clean environment in Alberta. His number one reason for getting into this field of work is so that generations of generations are able to live and practice their culture on mother earth for centuries to come. He feels it is important as an Indigenous man to protect our earth as our ancestors once did many years ago; being independent and self-sustainable in our communities is one huge step in continuing the hard work our ancestors once did for us.
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Maureen Ward-Caisse
Ermineskin Cree Nation, AB
Description
Maureen Ward-Caisse was born and raised in Maskwacis, AB and is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, which is one of the four First Nations in Maskwacis. Maureen holds a Bachelor of Commerce Undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta in 2007 and a Master’s of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in 2021. Maureen is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc. (NGCI), which is the corporate division of Ermineskin Cree Nation. She has been with NGCI since 2013 and started as the VP of Operations until 2020. Maureen is proud of the business developments NGCI has accomplished in the past 10 years. More recently, the vision of NGCI is to become a leader in renewable energy in First Nation communities. This is becoming reality with the 1MW Sundancer Solar Farm, with plans to twin the solar farm to 2MW and another major solar project which will soon be announced publicly. Maureen is excited to learn more about the extensive areas of renewable energy and its rewards.
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Jamie Pond
Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, BC
Description
Jamie is of mixed heritage, including both First Nations and Irish origins. She is the Capital Projects Manager for Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation and is passionate about working in the clean energy and climate action fields. Jamie has a Bachelor’s degree from Thompson Rivers University, majoring in management and has more than 14 years of experience working and living on reserve. The main objective for Jamie is to serve First Nations toward independence and mentor young people into an effective team focused on reducing our environmental footprint.
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LJ Gibbons
Sanirajak, NU
Description
Laura-Jeannie was born and raised in the arctic community of Igloolik, Nunavut and now resides in Sanirajak, Nunavut. Her journey has taken her to many different places and through many different life/career experiences. L-J is currently working as a Community Liaison with Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, a 100% Inuit-owned clean energy developer in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut. In her role with Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, L-J wants to engage communities to understand the community priorities better and help determine how renewable energy can align with the overall goals. As an avid volunteer in her community, her goal is to improve the lives of Nunavummiut across the Qikiqtani region.
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Jayden Fisher
Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, ON
Description
Jayden Fisher is a member of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation), an Ojibway community and signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty, located on the Western Shoreline of Lake Nipigon in Northwestern Ontario. With an Advanced Diploma in Interactive Media Development, Jayden is a multi-talented worker and has been fortunate to work in various capacities. Jayden currently works in Food Security and Clean Energy projects within her Nation and sits on multiple Indigenous-led advisory circles. She is also a participating youth in the ImaGENation Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program. While working within her Nation, sitting on advisory circles and leading/participating in various programs, she has gained valuable skills and hands-on experience in community engagement, project management, youth involvement and food sovereignty. With a strong connection to the land, Jayden has always been passionate about sustainable living and encouraging her peers to live more eco-consciously. From helping start a recycling program and a greenhouse project in high school to advocating for campus sustainability in post-secondary schooling, she is now tackling educating her peers and community on sustainability and waste management. Jayden is creative, works hard, learns quickly and constantly strives to grow through new experiences. She is always up to the opportunity to create experiential and meaningful connections within and for her Nation. She is a person of few words, but beneath her calm exterior beats the heart of a passionate and altruistic individual. May the force be with you.
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Jamie Gorman
Neqotkuk First Nation, NB
Description
Jamie Gorman is a proud and passionate Wolastoqiyik member of Neqotkuk First Nation. He has worked for his community in various capacities: farming, fishing, IT, archaeology, and environmental monitoring. He is currently the Resource Development Consultation Coordinator working for his community on behalf of the Nation. Consultation touches on so many areas – mines, pipelines, dams, nuclear to provincial forest strategy as well as the implementation of moderate livelihood fishing and protected areas. His community has had so many forms of extractive industry imposed on its territory and people, so they now have the space and desire to transform outdated models of economic development into new transformative clean energy projects to support land back initiatives. Land and energy are braided, and the sustainable use of both is essential to reconciliation. Tapping into an existing network of Indigenous excellence that has driven forward clean energy projects is a tremendous opportunity for Jamie, which he hopes to bridge to his community and Nation.
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Jamie Evic
Pangnirtung, NU
Description
Jamie Evic is the Senior Administrative Officer for the Municipality of Pangnirtung. He grew up in Pangnirtung, Nunavut and lived most of his days in Pangnirtung. He has 4 beautiful daughters (Sophie, Caitlin, Jasmine and Myra), and he looks after my nephew (Ruben), that are in full support of him with his job. He has a busy schedule with work and family, and trying to find a balance between the two is a challenge sometimes.
He started his career with the Municipality of Pangnirtung in 2009 as an Interim Finance officer and worked his way up to the top of the ladder. Over this period, he has seen many different kinds of projects within the Municipality but not a lot of off-diesel programs. Since he became SAO with the Municipality, he wanted to make changes and wanted to explore more solar or anything that is not using diesel. The COVID lockdown prevented him to explore more into this project, but he managed to get one done. They successfully installed 10 solar panels in their recreation facility (Ice hockey rink) back in 2020. They are now exploring with the consultant to install more solar panels in that facility this summer.
With this off-diesel program, He is looking forward to having more ideas about what he can do to get off-diesel and about what other communities are doing. This will open more opportunities within his community that are already starting the Comprehensive Community Planning, and this will be part of the planning. The CCP will be community-driven and a great opportunity to form a small committee with this IODP. Jamie says he has so many ideas, and he wants to reach out to the public and have their voice heard at the political level.
Since he became Senior Administrative Officer, he wanted to see more projects that are community-driven, not all by Hamlet staff or the councillors, he wants to see more public input that will be used by officials (Hamlet) to make short and long-term plans.
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Grace Nakimayak
Hamlet of Paulatuk, NT
Description
Grace Nakimayak is the clean energy coordinator for the Paulatuk Energy Working Group. She started in this role in October 2021 to carry out the clean energy ambitions of the working group, which includes community leaders from the Hamlet of Paulatuk, Hunters and Trappers Committee, Elders Committee and Paulatuk Community Corporation. Grace is a proud Inuvialuit woman, born in Yellowknife and grew up living in various places across country including NWT, BC, and Ontario. She moved back home to Paulatuk in 2016, which is a fly-in-only community on the coast of the Arctic Ocean. Grace is passionate about helping her community reduce their cost of living as well as improve the quality of life, developing economic opportunities and implementing initiatives to reduce fossil fuel consumption. In her free time, she loves getting out on the land, hunting, camping and fishing.
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Edward Van Mierlo
Tahltan Nation, BC
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Drew Bernard
Lennox Island First Nation, PEI
Description
Drew Bernard is the Energy Lead and proud member of Lennox Island First Nation in Prince Edward Island. Graduating from Holland College in 2021 in the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program, Drew realized a need for work to be done in his community to combat climate change. Fast forward to 2023, Drew has completed an extensive energy opportunities assessment, had energy efficiency audits completed on all on-reserve houses and buildings, installed 65 heat pumps to begin heating electrification, and has partnered with PEI’s sole power provider to complete a utility scale solar array by 2025 that will offset Lennox Island’s emissions by 10:1. Drew has future aspirations to build an on-reserve microgrid and band-owned utility that will bring true sovereignty to his small but mighty First Nation in Canada’s smallest province.
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Calvin Trout
Lac Seul First Nation, ON
Description
Calvin is from Lac Seul First Nation. He has over 20 years of experience in carpentry/renovations/building. He has more than 10 years of experience as foreman/supervisory skills. Calvin is an avid hunter and fisherman. He is passionate about traditional culture and enjoys camping and RVing. He loves the outdoors, meeting new people, and establishing a great network of acquaintances.
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Christina Jackpine
Mississauga First Nation, ON
Description
I am a soon-to-be first time Mother representing Mississauga First Nation, a Northern Ontario community in between Sudbury and Sault Ste Marie. I am Ojibwe and Cree. I moved from Mississauga First Nation in 1998 and returned home in 2018 to begin my healing journey and work for my community. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping and hunting. I also kayak and snowshoe. I live in Blind River but hope to one day build an off-grid home on our traditional territory for my little family and I. This passion for off-grid living and sustainability has trickled into my employment as a Community Energy Champion for MFN which I started in March 2022. I understand the connection between energy and the environment and care very deeply about becoming sustainable. Throughout my life I gained great respect for Shkaagamik Kwe (Mother Earth) and wish my future work and learning reflects that.
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Wesley Lines
Location
Yellowknives Dene First Nation, NWT
Description
Wesley Lines is a member of Yellowknives Dene First Nation and grew up in Ndilǫ, Northwest Territories. He is an Electrical Engineer working at BC Hydro. Wesley holds a master’s degree in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is a Certified Energy Manager.
He’s very passionate about developing clean energy projects to offset diesel consumption in off-grid communities. He believes these projects can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the likelihood of environmental spills, reduce energy costs, and bring economic prosperity to Indigenous nations. He is keenly interested in the technical and economic modeling of integrating high penetration renewables with battery storage in diesel microgrids.
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Una Gott
Location
Sandy Lake First Nation, ON
Description
Una is a single mother of two very special boys. She’s worked very hard to get where she is in life because of them. She has graduated from Confederation College in 2015 studying Police Foundations. She is a firm believer of leaving the world a better place for the children. She currently lives in her hometown of Sandy Lake and proud to represent that. Una has been working as the Community Energy Adviser since December 2015 and will be hitting the five-year mark. She truly enjoys what she does, loves working towards a goal, and she loves the entire process of the learning journey.
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Taylor Behn-Tsakoza
Location
Fort Nelson First Nation, BC
Description
Taylor Behn-Tsakoza is a proud Dene woman from the Fort Nelson First Nation, BC Treaty 8 Territory. Born and raised in her community, Taylor returned home the day after her last exam of her Health and Physical Education degree to work towards her vision of making her community a better place to live for everyone. Coming from a health and recreation background and years of experience working with Indigenous youth on and off-reserve, clean energy is a new but exciting field, that Taylor is honoured to be working on. She is currently the Community Liaison and Research Coordinator for her Nations Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal project. Repurposing the Clarke Lake gas field into a sustainable, geothermal project has potential to revolutionize the north and bring food and energy security to her nation.
Embracing her role as a youth has allowed Taylor to advise and speak to issues that affect Indigenous youth at every level of government and society. Taylor’s biggest honour is co-chairing the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. Building up other young people to be leaders in their communities and beyond is the most meaningful work she has done. Other interests of hers are life promotion, treaty rights and land-based wellness.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.