Anthony ‘AJ’ Esquega comes from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek – Gull Bay First Nation (KZA-GBFN), an Ojibwe Community on the west shoreline of Lake Nipigon in Northwestern Ontario. AJ is an elected KZA-GBFN Councillor, 2017 Indigenous Clean Energy 20/20 Catalyst Training Program graduate, and 2021 Clean50 Emerging Leader recipient.
AJ is heavily equipped with confidence and resources to help bring KZA-GBFN energy projects to the next level. AJ has coordinated many renewable energy projects for his community, including a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, a clean energy plan, and a sophisticated solar energy storage microgrid integrated with his community’s diesel generation station. He loves his family very much and is a proud new dad to a beautiful daughter named Cedar. He enjoys working for KZA-GBFN and hopes he serves his community and future generations well.
I like mentoring ICE for many reasons. Firstly, ICE helped me grow in knowledge and understanding of clean renewable technology and project development. Secondly, ICE provides a safe place and platform to share knowledge and experiences with other Indigenous communities. Lastly, my time and expertise are always valued and respected at ICE. ICE builds capacity to handle large and small-scale projects in the energy world.
I would like to mentor young adults, youth, or students that may be interested in or currently working in off-grid diesel reduction, solar energy storage microgrids, and/or community engagement. I would also like to mentor young adults, youth, or students who have never worked for their community but may need some tips or pointers.