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
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.
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Name
Kathleen Woodman
Location
Woodstock First Nation, NB
Description
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.
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Name
Jolene Recollet
Location
Wahnapitae First Nation, ON
Description
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.
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Name
Jerid Watton
Location
Glooscap First Nation, NS
Description
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.
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Name
Jason MacLeod
Location
Glooscap First Nation, NS
Description
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.
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Name
Mihskakwan James Harper
Location
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, AB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Devin Ward
Location
Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation, NB
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Dave Dupuis
Location
Kuujjuaq, QC
Description
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.
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Name
Darin Swanson
Location
Haida Gwaii, BC
Description
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.
Portrait
Name
Dana Tizya-Tramm
Location
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, YT
Description
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.
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Name
Chantelle Cardinal
Location
Goodfish Lake, AB
Description
Chantelle Cardinal is a member from Whitefish Lake #128 (Goodfish Lake), Alberta. She has been working with First Nations in Alberta for over 14 years. Chantelle is currently employed as the Director of Housing and Environment for the Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council (G4) and is responsible for guiding and assisting the Tribal Council on engagement and project management on the Government of Alberta’s Indigenous Climate Leadership Initiative (ICLI). As part of being the Climate Change Coordinator for the G4, responsibilities also include leading and directing activities related to climate change, energy efficiency and renewable energy development while working with communities to increase climate literacy.
Portrait
Name
Calvin Waquan
Location
Mikisew Cree First Nations, AB
Description
Calvin is a proud member of the Mikisew Cree people. Walking in two worlds, he has braided western and traditional teachings to benefit the community of Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, and the Athabasca region. He moved back home in 2014 as a Community Liaison/substitute teacher at Athabasca Delta Community School in Fort Chip and to manage a local store. From 2017 to 2020, Calvin served as elected Councillor of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. His accomplishments included a leadership role in securing funding for a new water treatment for his people. During his term, he worked hard to build up Mikisew’s economic and environmental capacity to create a path towards sovereignty while making space at the table for environmental protection through indigenous inclusion.
He also served as a Director of Mikisew Group of Companies 2017-2020 and Co-Chair for Mikisew Government-Industry Relations, where he was a part of the 49 per cent interest deal in Suncor’s East Tank Farm Development (ETFD)(November 2017) and part of phase 1 of the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park (March 2018).
Calvin was active in the 2018 founding and start-up of Three Nations Energy – a 100 per cent indigenous-owned partnership responsible for developing, owning and operating a 2.35 MW Fort Chipewyan Solar Farm. He also played a lead role in initiating several green energy/housing projects with Mikisew Cree First Nation.
Since early high school, Calvin has been passionate about protecting and stewarding Mother Earth and, specifically, the significance of Indigenous climate action as we transition into a climate-friendly world. Calvin was an early 20/20 Catalyst program participant with Indigenous Clean Energy. He now serves on the ICE Advisory Council and is a coach and mentor for the 20/20 catalyst program and the Generation Power Program. In 2021, he also acted as facilitator/host of Indigenous Clean Energy’s “Power hour” webinar.
Calvin has recently joined Greenplanet Energy Analytics as an Advisor, Technology Analyst and Community Educator. At the same time, he continues working with youth, elders and the community in Fort Chipewyan and beyond on a wide range of social, cultural and environmental initiatives.
Portrait
Name
Blaine Chisslet
Location
Rankin Inlet, NU
Description
Blaine Chislett is from Rankin Inlet Nunavut and is the maintenance manager for a Nunavut birthrate investment and properties company. He is a proud father of three beautiful girls and he would like to see the north as a clean and affordable place to raise his kids and future generations. He hopes to see the territory slowing move away from its heavy diesel-dependent ways and invest into cleaner green energy.
Portrait
Name
Bill Williams
Location
Kugluktuk, NU
Description
Originally from Dorchester, Ontario. He is the current Executive Director of the Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA), a membership-driven organization assisting community Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and economic development professionals in Nunavut. Before joining NEDA and moving to Iqaluit, Bill worked for the Hamlet of Kugluktuk as the Economic Development Officer. During this time, with direction from the Hamlet council, Bill was the lead on the Kugluktuk Solar and Efficiency projects.
Portrait
Name
Andrew Oler
Location
Tulita, NWT
Description
Andrew Oler works in the Sahtu Community of Tulita, NWT. Tulita is heavily reliant on diesel-generated power. Andrew is interested in assisting the diesel reliant off-grid community of Tulita to build localized renewable energy capacity while nurturing: economic opportunities, community-driven initiatives, and long-term sustainability planning.
Portrait
Name
Wanda Westhaver
Location
Acadia First Nation, NS
Description
Wanda Westhaver is a Mikmaw woman from Nova Scotia. She has been employed as an Employment/Training Officer with Acadia First Nation for the past 20 years. Wanda has a keen interest in learning more about green technology and sustainable energy projects. The timing of this training couldn’t be better as Nova Scotia Power is undertaking a huge project over the next 10 – 12 years to upgrade their six Hydroelectric Generating Stations on the Mersey River. This program will assist Acadia First Nation to be ready to take full advantage of opportunities for community members.
Portrait
Name
Vincent Ostberg
Location
Bearskin Lake First Nation, ON
Description
Vincent became interested in renewable energy when he was a younger man in his 20s. Vincent’s interest grew from his late grandfather, Isaac Beardy’s, desire to see hydro generating turbines situated along the Severn River in Bearskin Lake. Vincent attended the Ontario Water Power Association workshop in Thunder Bay in summer 2016 and learned about the different companies, different software for calculating the costs of building the infrastructure, and building business partnerships with First Nations communities and the private sector. Vincent is the Community Consultation Officer for the Michikan Lands and Resources Department in his community.
Portrait
Name
Tristan House
Location
Chiniki First Nations, AB
Description
Tristan is a former youth program coordinator for Chiniki First Nation. Now, working as a volunteer community ski coach and one of the founders of the first Stoney Nakoda Lost Wolves ski team, one of Tristan’s main goals is to raise healthy young people in his community. The Chiniki First Nation is in the process of setting up a Solar Power Plant on the west side of the reserve, which will have an estimated power production of 40MW. The community’s plan is to start construction some time this summer and complete the nation’s first renewable energy project.
Portrait
Name
Stacey Goulding
Location
Leq’a:mel First Nation, BC
Description
Stacey is both a member and an employee of Leq’á:mel First Nation (LFN). She has been working with LFN since 2009 where she started as a steonographer for leadership and committee meetings. Since 2012, Stacey has been working within the lands department on projects that carry out LFN’s priorities under Land Code. Stacey’s passion is around preserving and protecting the environment in a holistic way that includes educating people and meeting the needs of today’s society while preserving and protecting the land for future generations.
Portrait
Name
Samantha Robichaud
Location
Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc, NB
Description
Samantha works as the Energy and Mines Coordinator for Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI). MTI is a not-for-profit, rights-based Mi’gmaq organization whose members are the nine Mi’gmaq First Nation communities located throughout the Province of New Brunswick. Samantha is the primary contact for energy and mining projects and her role is to ensure that Mi’gmaq rights are recognized, affirmed and protected within the energy and mining sector. Her goal within the organization is to help the Mi’gmaq obtain better opportunities by advancing energy projects that are safe and sustainable for the environment, which will help mitigate impacts of climate change.
Portrait
Name
Michael Ouellette
Location
Pimicikamak Cree Nation, MB
Description
Michael is a member of Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. He proudly works as a community medical doctor in Pikangikum First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Michael believes that, to truly address the health of people in any community one must put attention towards energy security and economic development. Thus, he has been developing interests in these areas. He completed a certificate in Best Practices in Indigenous Business and Economic Development at The Banff Centre. In addition, plans are in place to pursue an executive MBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership at Beedie School of Business in Vancouver. As the clean energy lead for the Pikangikum First Nation, Michael is interested in developing opportunities for the community as they move forward with connection to the provincial power grid as a new partner for the Wataynikaneyap Power Project and grid extension.
Portrait
Name
Melissa Quesnelle
Location
Blood Tribe (Kainai Nation), AB
Description
Melissa is from the Kainai Nation in southwestern Alberta. She brings industry experience in environmental design, construction, and project management to a leadership position with the Indigenous Sustainable Structures Collaborative. In her role as Executive Advisor, Melissa is honoured to be working with a passionate group of industry professionals committed to a common goal: providing environmentally sustainable building systems that are culturally appropriate and clean energy compatible. She and her team believe that access to affordable, high-quality, resilient buildings is a critical factor to overcoming many of the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada.
Portrait
Name
Lisa Francis
Location
Acadia First Nation, NS
Description
Lisa Francis is a Mi’kmaq from Acadia First Nation, Nova Scotia with a background in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from Saint Mary’s University. She received Professional Aboriginal Economic Development Certification (PAED) in August 2008 and International Business Training with Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in 2004. Lisa spent 15 years with Acadia First Nation working in community economic development. As a mentor and regional Mi’kmaq chair on several economic development fronts, she was a strong voice of the Mi’kmaq people receiving House of Assembly recognition and featured in the Wabanaki People of the Dawn regarding culture, heritage, archaeology and green energy sustainability. In 2015, she obtained the first Aboriginal Relations Advisor position with Nova Scotia Power, and currently continues to establish the foundation of Aboriginal Affairs within the company.
Portrait
Name
Leonard Flett
Location
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, AB
Description
Leonard was born at Jackfish Lake and is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN). Leonard studied “Native Communication” at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. He then went to work for “Industry” at Suncor, known as G.C.O.S. Later, Leonard moved into Housing Construction in Fort McMurray as the city was booming in the mid-70s. Today, Leonard is employed with the ACFN, drafting an Emergency Evacuation Plan. His community already has two solar panel systems installed. Within the next years, ACFN would like all 89 residential units and those currently being constructed, to have solar panels installed.
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Name
Lee Thom
Location
Kikino Métis Settlement, AB
Description
Lee was born in Lac La Biche, Alberta and is a member of the Kikino Métis Settlement. Lee worked in the oil and gas industry for many years before moving to the Alberta Pacific Forest industry. From there, he was elected as the Vice-Chairman for the Kikino Métis Settlement administration. Lee became involved with climate change when he was offered a position as the Climate Change Coordinator at the Métis Settlements General Council in Edmonton, AB. His focus is to assist all eight Métis Settlements in Northern Alberta with their green initiatives and to help reduce GHGs. Within the next few years, Lee hopes to educate and assist the Métis Settlements with installing solar panels, retrofitting housing and promoting clean energy.
Portrait
Name
Kim Scott
Location
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, QC
Description
Ms. Scott is founder and principal investigator of Kishk Anaquot Health Research (KAHR), an independent Indigenous owned and operated consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, program design, performance measurement, partnership development and environmental sustainability with a varied client base of universities, government departments, professional associations, international and non-governmental organizations, school boards, health centres and communities. Her career spans a broad spectrum of activities related to public health, governance, comprehensive sustainability planning as well as international, organizational, and community development. Ms. Scott holds a Master of Science from the University of Waterloo. She is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and the Canadian Sustainability Indicators Network. Her professional interests include advancing democracy through distributed, community-owned clean energy systems, reinforcing moral independence and self-directing freedom for Indigenous communities through energy independence and amplifying the nexus between human health, energy, and environmental integrity.
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Name
Kim Nash McKinley
Location
St. Mary’s First Nation, NB
Description
Kim Nash-McKinley, B.A. is a citizen of the Wolasttogiyik Nation, a Former Chief and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which she received for her commitment and dedication of over 20 years to issues that affect the off-reserve Indigenous Peoples; provincially in New Brunswick, regionally in the Maritimes and nationally in Canada through participation in the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.
Nash-McKinley has over 25 years of serving on a variety of Boards and Commissions at the local, provincial, regional, and national levels, and has served as the inaugural Anglophone co-chair for the Voices of Women’s Forum, and she is a past member of the New Brunswick Health Council.
Nash-McKinley is a current member of the Board of Kings Landing, the AtlanticLeona Provinces Economic Council (APEC), was one of a group of five cofounders for the Indigenous Tourism Association New Brunswick (ITANB) and she is currently employed as the Director of Economic Development for Kingsclear First Nation.
Portrait
Name
Juanie Pudluk
Location
Iqaluit, NU
Description
Juanie grew up in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. After high school, he went to university and studied Electrical Engineering. He became interested in energy while working for the power utility, Qulliq Energy Corporation. Nunavut is highly dependent on fossil fuels and Juanie has been researching ways to reduce fuel usage and maybe use alternative energies to heat and power homes. Juanie recognizes that many technologies exist that can help but finding a way to overcome many obstacles in the far north is difficult. Juanie now works for the Nunavut Housing Corporation as Director of Infrastructure.
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Name
Joe Lazore
Location
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, QC
Description
Joe is a member Mohawks of Akwesasne Territory. He has dual citizenship and works on both sides of the border. Joe has been a career electrician for over 25 years. He also has a Master’s in the electrical field. Joe works for and maintains the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s infrastructure, building electrical equipment, and upgrading systems for energy savings. Joe has been looking for ways to harness local energy, including the great amount of water flowing around his community with great speeds and great volumes of water.
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Name
Desmond Bull
Location
Louis Bull Tribe, AB
Description
As a First Nation member, elected official and an environmental steward, Desmond was honoured to research and develop the initiative for the Louis Bull Tribe’s PV system (Solar Project). Desmond worked closely with his community and with Gridworks Energy, completing public buildings assessments, applying for a First Nation infrastructure grant, and working on strategic planning for the solar project. This work also opened opportunities for Desmond to sit with The Green Economy Network in Edmonton and Energy Futures Lab of Alberta, become appointed to the Alberta Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel, and be voted to the Alberta Solar Energy Society.
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Name
Darryl Hill
Location
Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, ON
Description
Darryl is a Mohawk of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory who has worked his entire professional career in various First Nation government organizations. He started out as a Capital Management Officer with Indigenous & Northern Affairs Canada working on various infrastructure projects. Darryl has a diverse background and vast experience obtained while working with organizations such as a First Nation philanthropic fund, provincial aboriginal sport body, civil engineering consulting firm and First Nations. He has recently worked with the Oneida Nation of the Thames and his home community of Six Nations working on community energy plans. He hopes to expand his renewable energy credentials and is presently employed as an energy planner for the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.
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Name
Colin Asselstine
Location
Kluane Community Development Corporation, YT
Description
As General Manager of the Kluane Community Development Corporation, Colin works with government, industry partners, and Kluane First Nation Citizens to enhance local economic opportunities, attract investment in community builds and infrastructure and implement projects that encourage community growth in Burwash Landing and throughout the traditional territory of Kluane First Nation. Colin is a long-time resident and an active member of the Kluane Region, and he also sits on the Dän Keyi Renewable Resource Council.
Portrait
Name
Blair Hogan
Location
Teslin Tlingit First Nation, YT
Description
Blair Hogan is a Teslin Tlingit First Nation Citizen who has a strong history of effective community leadership in business development, economic development, and intergovernmental relations. Blair has assisted his self-governing first nation, the Teslin Tlingit Council and Community of Teslin, in developing political and financial strategies to access a wide-range of funds necessary to facilitate local community development and local opportunity creation. One of the biggest successes from Blair’s tenure as Executive Councillor is the successful development, launch, and long-term financing of Teslin’s local economic development agency, the Dèslin Development Corporation (DDC). Also working with various directors and subject matter experts to determine the best approaches to developing and capturing own source revenue as a self-governing First Nation and working to create multiple opportunities for the community.
Blair has also helped the community of Teslin, Yukon implement one of the Yukon’s most successful biomass district heating systems supplied from locally sourced wood chips.
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Name
Barrie Ford
Location
Makivik Corporation, QC
Description
Barrie Ford grew up in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec. During high school, he was fortunate enough to get a summer job at the local biological station. It was here that Barrie was exposed to the work of the Nunavik Research Centre. From an early age, he participated in several programs such as water sampling, ageing Salmon, and surveying geese. Barrie has completed a diploma in Natural Science from John Abbott College and a B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology from McGill’s Macdonald Campus. Barrie has now worked with the Makivik Corporation, an Inuit birthright organization, for over 10 years on a number of files ranging from biology, mining policy, community engagement to science facilitation.
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Name
Andres Filella
Location
Métis Nation of Alberta
Description
Andres is a chemical engineering graduate with a background in education, environmental risk management, and energy and sustainability. Andres joined the Métis Nation of Alberta in early 2017 and led the MNA’s Climate Change Action Plan. Currently, his team is exploring opportunities in energy efficiency and installing a solar project at the MNA facilities. While Andres sees significant challenges in the fight against climate change, he also believes there is room for communities and individuals to reap substantial benefits such as reduced energy costs, new jobs and businesses, and environmental and health benefits. His interest in the 20/20 Catalysts Program comes from wanting to learn about what other communities have accomplished and understand how these could help the MNA’s Climate Change Action Plan.
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Name
Tanna Pirie-Wilson
Location
Neqotkuk Maliseet Nation (Tobique First Nation), NB
Description
Tanna is a very proud Wolastoqiyik (people of the beautiful and bountiful river) from the Neqotkuk Maliseet Nation (Tobique First Nation) in New Brunswick. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 2006. Following a 15-year career in the federal public service, she worked for the past six and half years as the Senior Band Administrator. She previously held the position of CEO of Band Operations for five years; she is the first female to hold these positions in her community and is very proud of that.
Tanna can be found helping communities advance to a more sustainable future for all generations to come.
Tanna has been passionate about advancing indigenous and environmental rights for over 20 years. She devotes much of her free time to assisting and advancing various committees and organizations for more Indigenous inclusion and participation. Tanna has been with us on the Board of Directors of ICE for the past three years and brings a wealth of traditional knowledge and government knowledge to our Board.
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Name
Sheldon Nimchuk
Location
Iqaluit, NU
Description
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Name
Rosa Brown
Location
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, YT
Description
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Name
Regina Jacobs
Location
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, QC
Description
Regina Jacobs is a registered First Nation member of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA – Canada) & the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT- United States).
Regina began her career in Emergency Management in 2004 as a hobby and it bloomed into a career after meeting her predecessor, Mr. Lawrence “Larry” White, who was the Emergency Manager for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for 18 years. Mr. White retired from MCA in 2010, and Regina became his successor that same year. She currently chairs the Akwesasne & Local Emergency Planning Committee (ALECP) and sits on the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Standards and Practices committee – representing First Nations. She is also a co-researcher/consultant for the Applied Research in Environmental Sciences Nonprofit, Inc. (ARIES), organized and operated for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. ARIES is a research association in which multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary projects such as USC Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE) whose mission is to improve the Nation’s security through the development of advanced models and tools for the evaluation of the risks, costs, and consequences of terrorism, and to guide economically viable investments in homeland security. However, she shares all her success with the MCA’s Chief and Council, who are strong supporters of Emergency Management in Akwesasne as it addresses the various obstacles with being a multi-jurisdictional community.
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Name
Michelle Myers
Location
Xeni Gwet’in First Nations, BC
Description
Michelle is a member of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations and was raised with Tsilhqot’in beliefs by her parents. She is currently pursuing degrees in Native Studies and Environmental Conservation. She has been part of several initiatives focused on issues related to land and climate change, including the Indigenous Climate Change Action Plan, Tla-O-Qui-Aht Tribal Parks Summit, Power Shift Alberta, and the Open Access Energy Summit. Michelle wants to support her community in developing a sustainable economy using the bountiful resources they have been gifted. She looks to support an energy-based strategy that will bring jobs into her community and protect Tsilhqot’in youth’s livelihoods for seven generations to come.