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.
Boozhoo, Dakota nindizniikaaz. Pinaymootang nindoonjii. Makwa ndoodem. My name is Dakota, my Clan is the Bear, and I am from Pinaymootang First Nation.
I am an Anishinaabekwe from Treaty 2 Territory, a mother, and a student. I currently reside in Manitoba. I am employed as the PFN Lands Manager for my home nation. I completed the Indigenous Youth Policy School with Canadian Roots Exchange and was a part of the first cohort with the Generation Power program at Indigenous Clean Energy. I completed my Level 1 Lands training at Vancouver Island University, and I am currently enrolled in the Level 2 Lands training with NALMA. I am passionate about language, health, land, and sustainability.
Headperson Tyler George is nehiyaw (cree) from Ochapowace Nation, which is on Treaty Four Territory, located in Saskatchewan. They are currently an elected leader for their nation, responsible for Laws and Justice, and co-chair for Lands and Natural Resources. They are also the youngest elected (26 years old) and the first two-spirit leader of their nation. They currently serve as the Chairperson for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National 2S+ Council. With their past experiences working in Treaty Protection, Policy, and Criminal & Civil Law, they have been an advocate for the protection of Treaty and Inherent Rights, and the protection of Two-Spirit LGBTQQIA+ people.
Tara Dantouze, originally from Manitoulin Island, Ontario, blends her Denesuline and Anishnaabe heritage with a profound love for nature. A graduate of Laurentian University with a degree in Indigenous Studies, she co-founded The Wild Basket, crafting locally foraged goods. Tara’s passions extend to hockey, golf, cycling, fishing, and camping.
Currently, Tara works as the Natural Resources Manager for Timiskaming First Nation, where she continues her commitment to Indigenous land stewardship, and advocates for cultural preservation, environmental regeneration, and community empowerment.
Stu is a member of the Upper Nicola Band, which is a part of the Syilx Nation in the southern interior of BC. Stu currently resides in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, where he currently holds the position of Community Energy Lead. Stu has a background in natural resources, mainly forestry.
In his role with the Nunatsiavut Government, Stu has the opportunity to work with the energy strategy team to create programs that will help Nunatsiavut become less reliant on the diesel generators that power the 5 communities.
Montanna Labradore is a proud Mi’kmaw from Glooscap First Nation. Her journey began with her studies in Fashion Design at Fanshawe College in Ontario. Throughout her time there, she became increasingly aware of the harmful impacts of the fashion industry, prompting her to explore deeper into the causes of climate change.
Despite lacking prior experience, Montanna felt compelled to apply for her current role as the Energy Coordinator at Glooscap Ventures. While still pursuing her passion for fashion in a sustainable manner, she recognized the benefits of renewable energy for her community and took this opportunity as a chance to make a meaningful difference. In her role, Montanna is passionate about cultivating sustainable practices that not only preserve the environment but also enhance the well-being and prosperity of her community. Outside of work, Montanna enjoys being creative, and enjoying herself surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Melissa Cahoose is a proud Ulkatchot’en passionate about empowering youth and supporting community wellness and vibrancy. She is diving into the clean energy sector and embracing a new journey in energy sustainability and climate action. Melissa is actively working on many projects that support the implementation of Ulkatcho’s Community Energy Plan and overall goals related to climate resiliency. Through her efforts in clean energy and climate action, Melissa aims to meaningfully benefit Ulkatcho and inspire others to take action and support community goals culturally & traditionally as possible.
Lori Saunders, Ximximuslayc, is Sutslmc and Tsilhqot’in from the territories Kimsquit and Xeni Gwet’in. Lori is the Clean Energy Coordinator for Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government. She is a member of the Climate Action Network for Coastal First Nations and Great Bear Initiative.
Lori has completed the Indigenous Environmental Leadership Pathways Program at Royal Roads University. She has completed a Business Administration Certificate Program with Smith University and Queen’s University, and completed a Project Management Certificate Program with UBC Sauders. Lori has participated in the Global Youth Climate Training. This training is a collaboration between the Global Youth Coalition (GYC), a newly founded coalition of climate youth activists and researchers at the University of Oxford.
Lori has participated in the Canada World Youth Program in 2018. She attended as a volunteer/intern for approximately 4-months. The program was focused on international development where she developed her experience in project management, Spanish, leadership, communication, adaptability, gender equality, agriculture, cultural exchange and human rights. Lori finds joy in travelling and participating in cultural exchange opportunities. Lori has participated in the basic training program Bold Eagle, training provided by the Canadian Armed Forces in 2017.
Lori enjoys beading, practicing embroidery, weaving cedar bark, reading, and being out on the land. She loves learning about traditional medicine, cultural history, and traditional practices and protocols.
Kristen Bear is a proud Cree and Dene First Nations woman from Flying Dust First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. She grew up in Saskatoon, SK, and moved back to her home community shortly after receiving her Business Administration Diploma. Kristen has worked in many different government office settings with 4+ years’ experience. She has four beautiful children as her guiding motivation to her hard work and work ethic.
Kristen is currently in her third year of being the Energy Navigator for her home community of Flying Dust First Nation. In this position, she works with a team of eight other Energy Navigators to make up the nine communities of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. This grew her passion and dedication for clean energy, energy conservation practices, and focusing on a greener lifestyle. Kristen hopes to make an impact on her community with the community energy planning initiatives and ongoing community engagements. Kristen is also working with the SaskPower Energy Assistance Program, bringing more energy-conserving initiatives home by installing energy-saving products in FDFN band homes. The 20/20 Catalysts Program will provide Kristen with the skills and tools to help her community build more capacity, and create more clean energy projects back home.
Kara was born and raised in Quatsino, BC. She started working in the clean energy sector with Cape Scott Wind LP, located within the 3 nations of the north island. Kara’s passion is staying and working in the clean energy industry to help her community, along with the surrounding communities, be successful with community led energy leaders.
Jason was born and raised on Mississauga First Nation. He moved to Kingston, Ontario at 21 years old to begin a career as a Federal Correctional Officer. After an extremely challenging testing process, at 23 years of age, Jason was successful in achieving a role on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) at a Federal Institution in Canada. Eventually he was encouraged by his team members to consider a leadership role, which he accepted. Jason is an exceptional thinker, great problem-solver, and has an invaluable skill set to build, mentor and establish relationships with everyone in his network, professionally and personally. This is partly due to having great role models and mentors throughout his correctional career.
Jason’s passion for Indigenous housing science, relationship building, and cultures was the inspiration that supported his graduation from a comprehensive two-year Home Inspection Program. He successfully completed the program in 2016, while maintaining the full-time role as a Federal Corrections officer, an ERT member, and a dedicated hockey coach to his two sons, Theron and Coden. After completing the Home Inspection program, Jason launched his Indigenous housing-centred business, Mspections Inc.
To date, Jason has worked in collaboration with leadership, management and thousands of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. His philosophy of educating through storytelling was inspired by his grandparents, whom he was close with throughout his life, until their passing in recent years. Since Mspections Inc.’s incorporation in 2016, Jason has been grateful to partner with many Indigenous and non-Indigenous nations and communities. Within these esteemed partnerships, some partners were accessible by ice road, boat or airplane. These partnerships/relationships have developed into large-scale projects to better inform the immediate and long-term health and housing programs in many communities. More specifically, Jason is the co-creator of the Healthy Home Model that centres Indigenous community-led health and housing programs and workshops for youth, families, and Elders in the community. This model focuses on teaching basic home maintenance through applied learning sessions and maintaining healthy habits through traditional medicines, cultural teachings, and applied learning with plants grown locally to sustain wellness in the community.
Over a decade of relationship-building and work-travel to many Indigenous communities as a housing consultant, has provided Jason with the valuable knowledge to support the needs of the most northern isolated communities in Canada. Many factors must be considered to thrive in Canada’s northern environments. One factor to consider is the clean energy conversation, which Jason has advocated for in negotiations with regional leadership delegates. The process to realise innovation solutions requires ongoing and sustained relationship-building within Indigenous communities. This process is a familiar protocol in Indigenous wise practices to community-led initiatives. Throughout these discussions, Jason effectively liaises between the organization and the Indigenous communities, in pursuit of establishing positive relationships, to present the opportunities to partner in expanding on the educational and training initiatives offered by Indigenous Clean Energy.
Although Jason was reluctant to submit a retirement letter to the ERT in his previous career, the period of comprehensive skill development that followed played a crucial role in further developing and refining Jason’s leadership qualities, relationship skills and solution-based philosophies. Moreover, community-based discussions and learning what community residents prioritize, enabled Mspections Inc. to build a network and catalyze long overdue changes to support Indigenous Peoples.
Jason is motivated to learn throughout the upcoming challenges and apply his teachings and experiences to support the ICE leadership and respective team members in their pursuits of positive change.
Heather LeBlanc, Crane Clan, Anishinaabe, is a member of Sheshegwaning First Nation, ON, and is currently serving as a Community Champion for the Clean Energy and Equity Network in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia. She holds two degrees, one in Drawing and Painting, reflecting her creative spirit, and more recently, in Psychology, embodying her dedication to understanding human behavior and well-being. While she may be new to the clean energy sector, Heather’s profound belief in the intrinsic connection between Indigenous peoples and the land drives her commitment to ensuring Indigenous voices are at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
Gina Gasongi Simon is a proud member of the Wiikwemikoong Unceded Indian Reserve. She is a versatile individual with an extensive background in both education and life experiences. She has broken barrier after barrier, beginning with her own education and work experience that spans various industries. She currently works as the Community Energy Champion with Michipicoten First Nation and has been instrumental in assisting the community to understand their potential and opportunities in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Her goal is to provide future direction for energy plans and projects that create social, economic, political, and environmental benefits.
Gina’s experiences in the male-dominated industries have inspired her to continue blazing a trail for other Indigenous women and girls by providing mentorship, wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous women and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure all women have a voice and are treated respectfully.
Evan Belleau is the Energy Advisor and Community Energy Champion for Garden River First Nation. He has been in this position since July of 2023. Evan is a graduate of the Sault College Business program, and his previous work experience includes working for local small businesses in the neighbouring city of Sault Ste Marie. In the role of Energy Advisor, Evan hopes to keep improving the already great education and capacity work of his predecessors and keep community energy projects moving towards completion. Evan enjoys keeping in shape; he can be seen walking in the community and at the community fitness centre. Evan lives in Garden River with his wife, son, 3 cats and dog.
In the heart of the vibrant land of Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, an Indigenous woman named Desiree Maurice was born and raised, feeling the earth’s call and the whispers of her ancestors guiding her steps. As she matured, Desiree felt a stirring within her soul, leading her to a new journey in Lac La Ronge.
With unwavering determination and a profound connection to her heritage, Desiree embarked on a mission to carve a brighter future for her communities alongside the Pithesowiskotew Community Energy team. Guided by the wisdom of her elders and the teachings of the land, she embraced her role as a Community Energy Coordinator within the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
Through enlightening workshops and tireless advocacy, Desiree champions the cause of clean energy and sustainability, nurturing a generation of future leaders passionate about environmental stewardship. Drawing from her deep well of experiences and the knowledge passed down by revered elders, Desiree’s dedication blossoms from a profound passion to uplift others on their journey towards realizing their dreams. As the sun sets over the northern communities, Desiree Maurice stands as a guiding light, igniting a beacon of change and opportunity, fueling a journey towards a harmonious and bountiful tomorrow for all.
Amber Big Plume, a proud member of the Tsuu T’ina Nation, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as Business Development and Projects Manager at First Nations Power Development Inc. With an undergraduate degree in Law and Society complemented by a minor in International Indigenous Studies from the University of Calgary, Amber’s academic background reflects her commitment to understanding and advancing Indigenous interests.
Currently pursuing her MBA at Simon Fraser University, Amber is dedicated to expanding her skill set and knowledge base to better serve Indigenous communities in the renewable energy sector.
At First Nations Power Development Inc., Amber plays a pivotal role in fostering Indigenous community ownership in the renewable energy sector, empowering communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions. Her work not only drives economic empowerment but also embodies principles of reconciliation and community capacity building.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Amber actively engages in community initiatives, serving on the Community Futures Treaty 7 advisory committee. Additionally, she offers her time as a peer mentor for Indigenous students at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, exemplifying her commitment to nurturing the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
My name is Amanda Waquan, and I’m honored to share a glimpse of my journey with you. As a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and a devoted mother to my 14-year honor student, family and community are at the heart of everything I do.
In all my endeavors, I am guided by the belief that the Earth is not given to us but lent to us, and it is our responsibility to leave it as we found it for future generations. This principle informs my approach to business and my commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As I continue to strive for personal and professional growth, I’m guided by Ronald E. Osborn’s words: “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” My aspirations extend beyond business; they encompass a commitment to lifelong learning, community engagement, and making a positive impact wherever I go.
I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead, and I look forward to connecting, collaborating, and growing together on this journey of discovery and achievement.
