Meet the Project Stewards
The first-ever cohort of the Bringing It Home Project Accelerator brings together 14 Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. Each community is represented by a Project Steward, who leads the development of an energy-efficiency housing project to bring healthy energy living to their members.
Name
1. Aaron-lee Odjick (he/him)
Location
Kitigan-Zibi Anishinabeg
Description
Aaron-lee Hendrik Odjick (Community name: “Ning”) is an Anishinabeg father and soon-to-be husband currently living in his home community: Kitigan-Zibi Anishinabeg, Quebec. He grew up spending a lot of time outdoors and on the water in his community and surrounding areas; he’s played a lot of hockey and loves gaming. Aaron/Ning has a background in administration and currently works in the private construction industry back home; he is very passionate about improving the quality of life for his community and fellow members. He hopes to do this through economic development and cultural revitalization, a big trend across the island.
Name
2. AJ Esquega (he/him)
Location
Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek – Gull Bay First Nation
Description
Anthony ‘AJ’ Esquega is from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek – Gull Bay First Nation (KZA-GBFN), an Ojibwe Community situated on the Western shores of Lake Nipigon and within the Robinson Superior Treaty area. AJ is an elected Councillor for his Nation as well as the Mashkawiziiwin energy projects coordinator: the official liaison between the Chief and Council, community members, industry, funders, collaborators and various levels of Government. He is the middleman working hard at bringing the voices, ideas, and resources into the centre of community energy planning. He has a passion for clean energy integration and strongly believes that technology and nature can have a balance that is sustainable and healthy if done right. He wants to bring to his home community the skills and framework for healthier and stronger homes in KZA-GBFN. AJ believes in empowering the Youth and the next level of community leaders and is currently a mentor in his community and in the 20/20 Catalyst Program. AJ is happily married to his wife, daughter and chocolate lab. AJ also enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, and exploring the surrounding lands.
Name
3. Calvin Waquan
Location
Fort Chipewyan-Mikisew Cree
Description
Calvin is a proud member of Treaty 8, Mikisew Cree First Nation (Fort Chipewyan). From 2017 to 2020, Calvin served as a councillor of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, where he contributed to building the environmental and economic capacity to create a path toward sovereignty. As a councillor, one of his accomplishments was a leadership role in securing funding for a new water treatment for his people.
Calvin has served as a Director of Mikisew Group of Companies and a Co-Chair for Mikisew Government-Industry Relations. In 2018, Calvin was active in the start-up and is the Founding President of Three Nations Energy (3NE) – a 100% owned indigenous partnership responsible for developing, owning, and operating a 2.43MW Fort Chipewyan Solar Farm.
Calvin was an early 20/20 Catalyst with Indigenous Clean Energy. He now serves on the ICE Advisory Council, hosts Power Hour webinars, and is a Coach and Mentor for various ICE programs. Calvin has recently joined the Indigenous off Diesel Initiative, Bringing It Home’s Project Accelerator program, and Greenplanet Energy Analytics as an advisor, technology analyst, and community educator. He continues to work with youth, elders, and the community in Fort Chipewyan and beyond on a wide range of social, cultural, environmental, and climate initiatives.
Name
4. Cara Sanders (she/her)
Location
Curve Lake First Nation
Description
Cara Sanders is an Anishinaabe Qwe from Curve Lake First Nation, and is the founder of Askii Environmental Inc., the Chair of the Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) Board of Directors and a 2016 Catalyst. In 2016, Cara embarked on her clean energy journey and started her own business: Askii Environmental Inc. and joined the 20/20 Catalysts Program. Since that time, Cara has worked with many Nations guiding them to reduce their carbon footprint. NRCan and IESO have been huge supporters of the Nations, allowing Askii to assist them with their Community Energy Plans, hiring Community Energy Champions, installing a 300 kW wood chip boiler with the CERRC program and solar with the Indigenous Energy Project. In addition, developing skills on their boiler projects with the Indigenous Forest Initiative and Education and Capacity Building. Cara has created community buy-in through the capacity-building and training of Indigenous Youth (under 30) in the communities. For Indigenous Youth in remote communities, employment opportunities are often limited, so this project is a great fit. For Cara, the most rewarding experience is how the involvement in their communities’ clean energy projects has contributed to the Youth’s personal and professional growth. “I have loved helping them learn and seeing them take pride in the projects.” As Cara reflects on her career, she recognizes that everything that she has achieved was fueled by her own courage and the support of her family, friends, and network. Cara encourages Indigenous Youth to learn about different opportunities, explore different pathways, and reach out for support. She says, “The biggest thing that you have to learn is that there is help out there. You just have to ask, and things can happen.”
Name
5. Chantelle Kechego (she/her)
Location
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
Description
Chantelle Kechego is from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Chantelle was hired in October 2022 as the Community Energy Coordinator for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. Since she started, Chantelle has taken on training through Blue House Energy. Being new to the energy sector, Chantelle looks forward to gaining more knowledge and to being able to implement her learnings in her community and Nation for future generations.
Name
6. Ehsan Haghi (he/him)
Location
Musqueam Indian Band
Description
Ehsan Haghi is an engineer specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Currently serving as the Community Energy Specialist at the Musqueam Indian Band, Ehsan works closely with the Housing and Public Works Departments to lead energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, and other decarbonization initiatives within the community. In this role, he has successfully managed projects aimed at raising energy awareness and implementing upgrades to building envelopes and mechanical systems in Musqueam homes and public buildings. Ehsan was born in Iran and currently lives in Vancouver on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Ehsan is passionate about working on community-led projects that aim to improve the standard of living and promote sustainability in Indigenous communities.
Name
7. Flora Elluk (she/her)
Location
Heiltsuk Nation
Description
Born, raised, & and still residing in Heiltsuk Territory. Flora possesses a remarkable set of skills and expertise that have made her a standout candidate for her current role in project management. With a solid background in finance administration, Flora brings a keen eye for detail, impeccable organizational skills, and a deep understanding of budgeting and resource allocation to her projects. Her ability to meticulously track expenses and manage the financial aspects of a project is unparalleled. Furthermore, Flora’s experience in finance administration has honed her analytical mindset, enabling her to identify potential roadblocks and devise effective solutions in a project management context. Her transition to project management seamlessly leverages her financial acumen, creating a dynamic skill set that ensures successful project execution. Flora’s heartfelt commitment to addressing the housing crisis, particularly within her community, fills her with enthusiasm and a deep sense of honour as she joins the Project Accelerator Program.
Name
8. Holly Johnson (she/her)
Location
Haida Gwaii, BC
Description
Holly is employed by the 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.
Name
9. Jamie Pond(she/her)
Location
Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation
Description
Jamie Pond, Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, BMgmt from TRU, experienced in infrastructure project management including Band Buildings and Housing, passion and focus is energy efficiency, climate action and clean energy.
Name
10. Jana Sasakamoose (she/her)
Location
Ahtahkahkoop Cree Nation
Description
Jana is a mother of five and stepmom to two. She is completing her Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Mathematics and Statistics, Geographics and Social Justice at the University of Regina.
Jana is the first-ever First Nations woman accepted into the Math and Stats Graduate program. She has been breaking down barriers as an Indigenous mother through her entire education journey, and careers.
Hailing from Ahtahkahkoop First Nation, she has vowed to use her education and ambition to ensure her kids never face the same hardships. Despite all she has gone through, she always finds a way to give back – whether it is volunteering or paying it forward to others by donating each time she receives a scholarship. She plans to uplift her community and break the cycles of trauma to create a better future for all Indigenous Peoples. Her thesis involves the ratio of food and utility expenses over household income in First Nations communities and compares this number with the provincial and federal average. She is 29 years old and is currently in three different clean energy programs to solve some of the issues found in her research: the ImaGENation program – which includes a solar-powered greenhouse in her First Nations Community; the Project Accelerator program – retrofits on houses to make them more energy efficient for the elderly, families and the sick; and the Student Energy Fellowship to learn more about clean energy projects around the world.
She is currently on Maternity Leave from her position at the Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre as an Indigenous Engagement & Research Specialist. She completed her Bachelor of Administration Degree at the First Nations University of Canada along with three other certificates and business diplomas.
Name
11. Korey Kauffeldt (he/him)
Location
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
Description
Korey Kauffeldt is a skilled and knowledgeable professional with expertise in community energy coordination. With a background in Energy Services Engineering Technology, Korey has a deep understanding of energy efficiency principles, renewable energy systems, and sustainable building practices. Their strong project management skills, technical knowledge of energy systems, and proficiency in energy efficiency measures make them an asset in designing and implementing effective energy projects. Korey’s ability to analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and communicate complex concepts in a clear and concise manner allows them to engage with community members and drive sustainable energy initiatives successfully. Their passion for sustainability and commitment to promoting energy efficiency make Korey an impactful advocate for creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Name
12. Mercedes Sandy (she/her)
Location
Beausoleil First Nation
Description
Mercedes Sandy is a member of Beausoleil First Nation and she currently works within her home community as the Housing Assistant. In April 2023, Mercedes obtained her certificate in Home Inspection from Algonquin College. Mercedes’ is passionate about advocating for safe & healthy homes for members of her community. She is excited to be participating in the Project Accelerator Program to work alongside other Indigenous professionals from across Canada to develop innovative energy-efficient housing projects within our nations. This is a great opportunity for participants to work with mentors in the field to gain project management, communication, leadership skills, adaptability, and confidence when developing their own projects in their communities.
Name
13. Olive Williams (she/her)
Location
Nunatukavut Community Council
Description
Olive Williams is from the territory of Labrador in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a member of the Nunatukavut Community Council (NCC), they are the southern Labrador Inuit.
Olive was born in a small, coastal, remote community of Cartwright. She currently lives in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which is part of her birth territory. She worked in Business and Finance Management with both profit and non-profit organizations for several years. She even tried to leave her territory to work as an accountant with the OFIFC in Toronto. Even though it was nice to visit, she didn’t like working downtown but thought OFIFC was great.
After a few attempts at applying for jobs with NCC, in 2019, she finally landed one (don’t ever stop trying) as a Project Officer for the Home Repair Program, and she has not looked back since. Olive became interested in renewable energy as some of the communities are diesel-dependent. Reducing the carbon footprint for generations to come and ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for her people is essential to her.
Housing is of keen interest to Olive. She grew up in the 1970s in a community where only the middle class and elite had running water and a good heat supply. Her family was not part of any of those groups, they were like many other native families, but they were happy and a close single-parent family of nine kids, of which she is the youngest.
Name
14. Richard Nerysoo (he/him)
Location
Fort McPherson
Description
Richard has served in leadership roles for over 40 years. He presently serves the the community energy leader of Fort McPherson and as the President of Dinjii Zhih Solutions. He has most recently served as the Mayor of the Hamlet of Fort McPherson. Richard held various leadership roles in the NWT. Was a Member of the NWT Legislative Assembly for 16 years, where he served as Government Leader (Premier), held various cabinet portfolios, Speaker and chair or co-chaired standing and special committees. He served as the President of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Chief and President of Nihtat Gwich’in Council. Richard served on development corporations and was a businessman. Richard served on national councils, committees and boards. He was a founding member of the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and Gwich’in Council International. He is married to Trina and has 8 children along with 7 grandchildren.
Indigenous Communities Represented
