Meet the Catalysts

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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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Sheldon Nimchuk

Location

Iqaluit, NU

Description

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Rosa Brown

Location

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, YT

Description

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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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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.

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Melina Laboucan-Massimo

Location

Lubicon Cree First Nation, AB

Description

Melina is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. She has worked on social, environmental and climate justice issues for the past 20 years. Melina is the Just Transition Director at Indigenous Climate Action, the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation. She is also the host of a TV series called Power to the People, which profiles renewable energy, food security and eco-housing projects in Indigenous communities across Canada.  

Facing firsthand impacts of the Alberta tar sands in her traditional territory, Melina has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. For over a decade, Melina worked as a Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace Canada and the Indigenous Environmental Network internationally. She has written for various publications and produced short documentaries on the tar sands, climate change, water issues and Indigenous cultural revitalization. Melina has studied, campaigned, and worked in Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Canada, and Europe, focusing on resource extraction, climate change impacts, media literacy, and Indigenous rights & responsibilities.  

Melina also works on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women in Canada after the suspicious death of her sister Bella whose case remains unsolved. Melina currently serves on the boards of Seeding Sovereignty and NDN Collective, as well as the executive steering committee of the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise.

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JP Pinard

Location

Whitehorse, YT

Description

JP Pinard is a professional engineer and a community wind and renewable energy researcher, consultant, advisor, and advocate. JP grew up in the northern mining town of Val-d’Or, Quebec, in James Bay Cree territory, and his ancestors came from France in 1647. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo and wandered into Whitehorse in 1992. His calling to renewable energy came in 1996, and he returned to university (University of Alberta) to pursue a master’s degree and then a PhD on the wind climate of the mountainous Yukon. He has assessed the wind energy potential in dozens of communities across all three Territories of Northern Canada. JP’s vision for the Yukon and Canada’s remote communities is to be carbon-free and gain economic wealth from renewables and energy efficiency. His primary focus is to help the Kluane First Nation build a renewable energy future and share this experience with other champion communities across Canada’s North.

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Name

Grant Sullivan

Location

Beaufort Delta Region, YT

Description

Grant has lived in the Beaufort Delta region for most of his life and understands the need for knowledge, understanding and caution as we endeavour to not only protect our environment but to safely expand and support resource development in our Region.  He has seen the effects of climate change on lands, mountains, rivers and traditional lifestyles. He believes that clean energy development will assist residents of small communities to understand the value, cost-effectiveness, and application of clean energy initiatives to meet their energy needs and enhance their commitment to protecting the environment, land and resources. 

As President of NEL, Grant has served as overall Project Lead/Coordinator for several renewable energy projects advanced by either Nihtat Corporation or NEL since 2018.  This includes providing oversite/ direction in this capacity for the following projects: Inuvik High Point Wind Study (2016-2018), Multi-residential Solar Net Metering Demonstration project (January 2018-September 2019), Commercial Solar PV Installations in NWT and Nunavut (April 2018-May 2020).  Work on each of these projects was initially advanced by Nihtat Corporation and then undertaken by NEL starting in May 2019.  

Grant was a 20/20 Catalyst (2016) and is currently participating as an Energy Champion in the Indigenous Off-grid Diesel Initiative (IODI).  Through NEL, Grant was the first Energy Champion in the IODI program to be awarded an $800,000 prize towards the pursuit of renewable energy initiatives. Through this initiative, NEL is pursuing a series of staged developments in the Beaufort Delta region in 2021 and 2022, including the implementation of a solar project at the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF) site near Inuvik in 2021; a 150 kV Solar PV Installation in Aklavik, also in 2021; and planning for a 1 MW grid-connected solar farm in Inuvik to be completed in 2022. 

As a Gwich’in participant, Grant has also been active in several Gwich’in organizations. This includes Gwich’in Settlement Corporation, Chair (responsible for 140 million in assets) (2012-2016); participation in Gwich’in/ Imperial Oil access and benefits negotiations regarding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline; and lead business representative and board representative on the Nihtat Gwich’in Development Board. He was also the Executive Director of Gwich’in Council International (2012 – May 2019). 

Through these experiences, Grant has gained extensive experience and knowledge of the business community, arctic logistics and Indigenous governments in the Beaufort-Delta region.

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Eileen Marlowe

Location

Lutselke Dene First Nation, NWT

Description

Eileen is a member of the Lutselke Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories, however she resides in Yellowknife. She holds a Masters Degree in Communication Management from McMaster University. Eileen is keenly aware of the importance of strategic communications, public relations, Indigenous relations, and public and Indigenous engagement on projects and other major initiatives that involve a variety of people coming together. She has conducted research on How and to What Extent do Government Communications Impact Trust and Indigenous Relations: Recommendations to Build Strategic Relationships. Eileen emphasizes the importance of Indigenous inclusiveness and ‘Indigenous lens’ at every project planning table that involve Indigenous governments. She has experience in a variety of settings from non-profit, to industry, to Indigenous governance, and to western governance. Eileen worked on the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project with the Government of Northwest Territories as the Indigenous Relations Advisor and now works as the Manager of Communications, Engagement, and Partnerships with the Mackenzie Valley Review Board. She  firmly believes in building Indigenous capacity for major energy projects or other major initiatives that involve Indigenous. 

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Ed Genova

Location

Metepenagiag First Nation, NB

Description

Ed Genova is a Mi’kmaq from Metepenagiag First Nation. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in Biology and Physical Education. 

Ed worked as an educator and administrator for 10 years. In 2007, he left the education field to work in the industry and has been with New Brunswick Power Corporation for over 10 years. As a part of the First Nations Affairs Team at NB Power, Ed has had the opportunity to take human resource management and energy fundamentals for leaders. His work has helped him improve relations, deal with legacy issues, offer guidance, support and facilitation to Indigenous communities here in NB.

Ed has been given the opportunity to work with many Indigenous organizations, Government departments, funding agencies and Indigenous people in various areas of the workforce. He is a passionate educator and believes that in order for communities to reach self-sufficiency, more capacity-building is needed.

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Name

Dylan Whiteduck

Location

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, QC

Description

Dylan Whiteduck was recently elected Chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg in August 2020. As Chief, he advocates for their lands & rights and ensures their interests/voices are heard.

As the former Economic Development Officer for Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Mr. Whiteduck is proud to be a part of the success and achievements in the economic development portfolio. He is a First Nation business graduate student from Algonquin College in the Business Management & Entrepreneurship program. He is passionate about businesses, marketing, events, finances, sales, and computers; and possesses strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills. His work focuses on bringing economic development opportunities to the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation community.

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David Jeremiah

Location

North Caribou Lake First Nation, ON

Description

David ran in a community election for a Councillor position a few years ago. While he didn’t win the election, his main platform was going for Renewable Energy as his community has been on a Connection Restriction since March 2014. Connection restriction stunts growth. Although he had no experience, a job opportunity was available as Energy Coordinator a month and a half after the election, which he applied to and got the position. David has a keen interest in Clean Renewable Energy and is passionate about having his community attain that. David’s other goal is to have minimal reliance on diesel in his community of North Caribou Lake First Nation. He wants to learn as much as he can so he can achieve that goal for his community. Presently, they are looking into an innovative project of acquiring Housing to stand alone and rely solely on Renewable Energy. David is also the Community Worker for the Remote Electrification Readiness Program for the Wataynikineyap Power transmission project.

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Darrell Brown

Location

Winnipeg, MB

Description

Darrell Brown is a Cree business owner based in Winnipeg, MB. Darrell is the President of Kisik Clean Energy and Kisik Commercial Furniture. He is a 2004 founding member and current chair of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce based in Manitoba. He holds an Advanced Diploma in International Business from Red River College in Manitoba and a Certificate of Indigenous Leadership, Governance and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre. Darrell holds the designation of ICD.D from The Rotman, Directors Education Program through The Institute for Corporate Directors. Darrell also has a certificate in the 20/20 Catalyst program focusing on the Indigenous Renewable Energy Sector.

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Corey Tarbell

Location

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, QC

Description

As a Volunteer Firefighter and Building Inspector for his community, Corey has been striving to find the best solutions for the Akwesasne community. For him, one of these solutions will be clean and efficient energy. The 20/20 Catalyst program was brought to his attention through the Economic Department with Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) as project lead in the Aboriginal Conservation Program (ACP), implemented in Akwesasne in 2015 and delivered by First Nations Engineers Services Limited (FNESL). This program was a huge success for qualified community members of Akwesasne. With the ACP, they were able to provide energy-efficient appliances and add insulation to over 200 homes to reduce the energy bills. The amount of teamwork involved to accomplish this task due to time constraints was astonishing. Some of his roles were: holding community meetings, scheduling radio talk shows, and aide in the community launch of the program.

Corey obtained a Diploma in Home Inspection through the Academy of Learning College in Cornwall; this was a two-year program studying with Carson Dunlop and mentors. He has been the Building Inspector for MCA since 2013. Since then, he has taken many other training courses for continuing education, such as Building Code courses from Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA). This includes House 2012, Legal Process for Building Officials, On-site Sewage Systems 2012, and Residential Plumbing Inspection. With his knowledge of the home and all installed components, he believes that the Catalyst program was a good fit for himself and the Akwesasne community.

“Our culture and restoration are critical in regaining values that have been slipping away over the many years. I have three children, a 21-year-old daughter, a 17-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. My children were raised with their culture and language. As our culture promotes the future of the next seven generations, Akwesasne can only benefit from alternative clean energy. It would be an honour to be part of the implementing process for clean energy for the Akwesasne community.”

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Chantel Henderson

Location

Pinaymootang & Sagkeeng First Nations, MB

Description

Chantel was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB., and was the first in her family to earn a high school diploma, attend college and earn a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree. After her schooling, Chantel moved to Montreal and became involved in Missing Justice at the Centre for Gender Advocacy. She also joined the board of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and the Centre for Gender Advocacy. Chantel became interested in environmental issues, solar power, economic emancipation for women, and women empowerment through school and volunteer work.

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Cara Sanders

Location

Curve Lake First Nation, ON

Description

Cara Sanders is a band member of the Curve Lake First Nation and has vast experience in environmental projects and Federal and Provincial environmental assessments (EA). Her responsibilities range from data collection to project management to report writing. Cara completed the Catalyst 20/20 program in 2016 and has since followed her dream to work with First Nation communities in Ontario. She presently has projects in motion with four communities and has proposals out with many more Nations. In the winter of 2018, Cara was awarded to CERRC bioheat projects, which have grown to have a sawmill and winter wood program. The synergy and employment opportunities for both the remotes were a perfect fit. As a First Nation woman, Cara believes strongly in supporting the needs of other First Nations and in protecting our Mother Earth.

For the past many years, she has been working very hard to build relationships with communities in Ontario and help them with things they want and need relating to energy.  The lessons learned and the people she met in the 20/20 program have empowered her to achieve the things she has.  But she believes this is only the beginning for her. She believes there is so much more to learn and share. Being asked to be a mentor and a member of the Advisory Committee is an honour and a blessing. She is forever grateful for what she has learned and the path she is on.

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Andrew Epoo

Location

Village of Inukjuak, QC

Description

Andrew is the youngest Municipal Councilor of Inukjuak. He is heavily involved in the region’s political youth council playing an advisory role. Finding modern ways to teach traditional values is a difficult task. Andrew feels that clean energy is a path we all can take to ensure that some of these values are instilled into the younger generations.