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.
Crystal Nicholas is an experienced leader in economic development and strategic management, currently serving as the President & Interim General Manager at Wskijinu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency Ltd. (WMA). She oversees the agency’s executive functions and drives its strategic initiatives, working closely with the 13 Chiefs of the Mi’kmaw First Nations to promote sustainable economic growth.
Crystal’s extensive career includes key roles in advancing Potlotek First Nation’s development, where she served as Acting Economic Development Manager, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cape Breton University and has completed advanced programs in Management Essentials and Negotiation Mastery at Harvard Business School. Crystal is also pursuing a JD at Dalhousie University. Crystal brings valuable skills in financial management, project leadership, and strategic planning to WMA. Crystal is a proud member of Potlotek First Nation.
Ziigwan Nangoons a proud member of Deshkan Ziibiing Nation and her clan is ThunderBird, She is a Scottish, Odawa, Ojibwe Anishinaabe woman.
She obtained a diploma in Anishinaabemowin at Fanshawe College. She works as a Clean Energy Youth Intern in Deshkan Ziibiing. She enjoys blending culture into her work as an Intern by bringing language revitalization into community clean energy engagements and youth leadership initiatives in her community.
My name is Brayden Euverman-Holenstein and I was born and raised in Telkwa, BC. My family is part of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and proudly so. In February 2017, I moved to Kelowna, BC and studied Business at Okanagan College.
After graduating, I took a job with Westbank First Nation as the new Recording Clerk. In this role I was able to learn the government structure and how each department operated at an accelerated rate. By sitting on every board and committee within the government, including all Chief and Council meetings, I was able to become a versatile employee for the community.
After serving as the Recording Clerk for two years, I moved my skills and training into the Intergovernmental Affairs and Title & Rights department where I currently work as a Referrals Officer.
I am privileged to be a part of the Westbank First Nation team and look forward to many more years here.
Bradley Dokkie is a member of West Moberly First Nations (Cree and Dunne-za), located in Northeastern BC, within Treaty 8 territory. Brad holds the title of Community Energy Champion at WMFN, a position which he’s held since it’s recent introduction into the organization in July of 2024.
Though moderately new to the clean energy space, Brad has a carried a longstanding interest in renewable energy and sustainability, with notable work experience which demonstrates that. In previous roles, Brad spent some time working in the wind industry, assisting in the servicing and maintenance of wind turbines. As well as more recently, gaining experience in solar installations on West Moberly’s community wide residential solar project, where he was involved in a variety of steps throughout the project. Brad has also had the opportunity to sit on Council for his nation, which helped him to gain valuable insights around community planning and project development.
Since starting as WMFN’s Community Energy Champion, Brad has actively pursued training to enhance his knowledge on clean energy solutions, completing a number of programs and courses such as: a “Strategies for Sustainability” Micro-certificate, a “Solar Energy Development” course, and receiving a “Solar PV Design and Installation” certificate.
As a key objective in his position, Brad will lead the development of a Community Energy Plan for West Moberly, which is targeted to be completed over the next year. As the position progresses, Brad is also becoming more involved in other exciting energy projects and green initiatives that West Moberly is exploring.
Outside of his professional aspirations, Brad is a dedicated father and considers this to be his most important role. He prefers to spend his free time outdoors, with some of his favourite activities being skateboarding, biking, canoeing, and running. Being 10 years sober, Brad is also a passionate advocate for sobriety and prioritizes self-development in his personal life. He hopes to inspire others towards a healthier path, encouraging the pursuit of activities and practices that promote spiritual, physical and mental well-being.
That is why Brad considers this work to be so important, as the need to transition to cleaner energy sources is a critical component to ensuring the health and well-being of our people and our planet
Drew Stewart is Senior Manager, Climate Change, Policies & Programs at Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science. His work focusses on transitioning the Métis Nation to renewables and low carbon technology, promoting nature-based climate solutions, and promoting emergency preparedness. Drew is a proud MNBC citizen and lives with gratitude on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver, Canada.
Tana Jones, Michel First Nation (AB), is a Real Estate and Land Development Specialist with KIBDC (Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Land Development, a subsidiary of Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation). Her portfolio includes leasing and development projects, among which is a proposed renewable fuel facility at 7Mile District (learn more at https://7miledistrict.ca/7mile-renewable-fuels/).
Having previously worked in the legal industry for over a decade, Tana recently completed a Master of Business Administration and a Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Certification, both from Thompson Rivers University. Outside of work and her seemingly never-ending educational/learning pursuits, Tana is likely working on restoration or salvage projects with carpenter husband, Josh, on walks with her rescued corgi, Bisquit, or chasing after her small niece and nephew.
Nudrat Ihsan is the Innovation and Research Projects Coordinator with the Hamlet of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. She has been with the Hamlet Office since July 2024. She is an internationally trained Optometrist with three years of academic and research experience. Over the last year, she has transitioned her focus toward clean energy, specifically working on solar energy projects in the community of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
Nudrat’s hobbies include cooking, baking, being out on the land, and ice fishing in the Arctic.
Jamie is with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte hailing from Tyendinaga in Southern Ontario, and also has ties to the Fort Albany Cree of the James Bay Region. Residing in Tyendinaga now, Jamie accepted the position of Community Energy Champion and has been working to make energy efficient improvements to his community’s buildings for over a year now. Jamie has been in the energy sector for quite a few years, receiving his Registered Energy Advisor credentials in 2020, and recently his Certified Energy Manager credential in 2025.
Since working within MBQ administration Jamie has found a passion in renewable energies and is eager to learn about possible ways to help his community move towards the goal of becoming Net-Zero. MBQ is currently in the process of completing their first set of Net-Zero tiny homes and are very excited about the project.
In his spare time he likes to stay busy with different sports including golf and volleyball. Jamie is a participant in ICE’s Bringing it Home Project Accelerator program, after attending one on-site already, he is looking forward to meeting his fellow cohorts and collaborating to help move forward all community’s clean energy goals.
Wâciye – Brooke McLeod is a proud member of Moose Cree First Nation, born and raised in Moose Factory, Ontario, on Treaty 9 territory. She currently serves as the Community Energy Champion for her community, where she supports local clean energy initiatives. Brooke plays a vital role in Moose Cree’s biomass program, helping to ensure boilers remain operational through the colder seasons, while also identifying opportunities for biomass retrofits and integrating these systems into new builds. In addition, she is involved in advancing solar energy initiatives and supporting energy efficiency retrofits for community buildings, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs for Moose Cree members.
She holds a diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology from Cambrian College, bringing a strong technical foundation to her work. Brooke is committed to serving her community by advancing clean energy solutions and laying the groundwork for future generations.
Brooke is also a certified yoga instructor and has been sharing the healing benefits of yoga through local classes. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, and spending as much time on the land as possible.
Devon Morin was born and raised in Maskwacis, AB and is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, which is one of the four First Nations in Maskwacis. Devon went to school for Business Administration and studied at Maskwacis Cultural College. Devon is currently the Renewable Energy Coordinator of Samson Cree Nation. He has been with (SCN) since 2022. Devon is proud of the accomplishment in the past 3 years. The vision of (SCN) is to become a example of renewable energies in First Nation communities. Devon is excited to learn more about the extensive areas of renewable technologies and its benefits towards sustainable energies in first nations communities.
Marie Kunuk-Allen is a proud Nunavut Land Claims beneficiary, born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
She currently serves as a Project Manager at Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, a 100% Inuit-owned renewable energy developer operating in the Qikiqtani region. In this role, she is committed to supporting projects that empower Inuit communities in the region.
Marie is inspired and highly motivated to be part of Nunavut’s transition to renewable energy solutions.
Donna is a proud First Nations woman. She is a member of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly Pine Creek First Nation). Donna found herself moved by both the work and recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission to form a FEDERALLY INCORPORATED not-for-profit residential construction business, focused specifically on the plight and the poor housing conditions of Indigenous people living both on- and off-reserve.
Donna has spent 20 years in the residential construction industry, beginning as a tradesperson. Over time, she worked her way up from being a labourer to becoming a project manager. During her career in private residential development, she has helped deliver more than $500M in projects. Donna has been featured in a national campaign with Canadian Construction Association and is the Manitoba Representative for Startup Canada Women campaign.
Ay’Den D. Abraham (25) is an up and coming Clean Energy Champion in his nation of Frog Lake First Nations located in Treaty six territory land of the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux and Dene peoples of so called Canada.
He holds many roles in the nation and now the title of Top 25 Under 25 Environmentalist and Change Maker through The Starfish Canada and also sits on the Youth Steering Committee for The Youth Habour. He is a Champion of Change through the Global Indigenous Development Trust’s masterclass.
Ay’Den is very involved within the ICE network as well, being one of the first participants to take part in most programming offered through Indigenous Clean Energy.
His work is primarily focused on bringing in new economic development opportunities that involve Sustainable Technologies & Development to his nation as he and his team are considered to be under the guise of Ec. Dev. This allowed he and his team to take up opportunities within Cando as well.
All while empowering the youth by providing them with resources and tools to attend conferences, workshops and other events. His duties include coordinating emails and meetings between partners, document/budget creation and reporting, grant application work and various other tasks. He occasionally volunteers for the local Fire Hall as well as he is a certified firefighter.
Ay’Den firmly believes “We are the living testament to our ancestors prayers” a saying he has and lives by staying true to his virtues and plains Cree teachings.
Born and raised in the Yukon, Maureen is a proud member of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation from Old Crow. Deeply rooted in her community and culture, she’s dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous well-being and sustainability. She has worked with Natural Resources within her own First Nation government, when the Sree Vyaa Solar Project was beginning. She has also worked for the Council of Yukon First Nation (CYFN) in the Health department, focusing on community and family health. In 2024, Maureen began working with Northern Energy Innovation (NEI) at the Yukon University, where she contributes to advancing clean energy solutions for northern communities. Her work is driven by a commitment to empowering First Nations and building a sustainable future grounded in Indigenous knowledge and innovation.
Kristie Halka-Glazier, Ewipgeg (Stillwaters), is the Director of Energy & Mines with Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI); an Indigenous and Treaty Rights-based organization whose members include all nine Mi’gmaq communities of New Brunswick. Within Kristie’s eight years with MTI, Kristie created a directorate for the Energy & Mines department, and now leads a growing staff of six, their focus based upon facilitating consultations and sharing crucial information with communities and stakeholders through meetings with proponents, governments, and agencies. Her team also collaborates with partners and communities on green energy projects like solar and wind to promote sustainable development, and they work to prevent and mitigate negative impacts on the traditional territory of Mi’gmag’i from proposed energy and mining projects.
Kristie, a proud Mi’gmaq from Oinpegitjoig (Pabineau) First Nation, is devoted to, and spends much time with her family, especially her four grown children, and four grandchildren. She’s also passionate about working with MTI’s Mi’gmaq communities towards self-sufficiency. She and her husband both play and work hard, spending much time enjoying the great outdoors snowmobiling and off-road driving with their RZR Pro R.
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation/ Three Fires Group
Description
Jess is a proud member of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and currently leads the consultation department in her community. She aims to increase community involvement in all projects and works with proponents to find solutions that align with community priorities in conservation, youth empowerment, social wellbeing and economic development. She aims to build long-term relationships with clean energy partners in the territory to support generational wealth for her community and incorporate community values into these major energy projects. Jess completed a graduate degree in Environmental Sustainability, a Master of Science degree in Rural Planning and Development and is currently working towards her professional planning designation. Her masters research focused on urban and regional planning through a First Nation lens, questioning the colonial foundations or planning and exploring the interconnection of economic reconciliation and Indigenous-led Nation-building. Her late grandmother, Melva George, is a key area of inspiration for her work.
A proud Wolastoqey woman and mother, Jayme has spent 15 years serving communities in high-level leadership roles, including Director of Operations for both her home community, Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) and sister community, Bilijk (Kingsclear First Nation). Jayme is a dedicated and experienced legal and administrative professional with a strong commitment to Indigenous governance and community development.
Jayme began her career in law, practicing in the areas of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights litigation and Criminal Law. She has worked both independently and with law firms, bringing her legal acumen into community governance through roles such as Policy Development Officer and Legal Counsel.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick, Jayme is a barrister and solicitor in good standing with the New Brunswick Law Society. Her legal and operational expertise is matched by a deep personal commitment to advancing the well-being and rights of Indigenous peoples. She is known for her integrity, humility, and passion for creating systemic change that supports future generations.
Jayme is a collaborative leader who values listening, learning, and walking each day in a good way—striving always to bring open-hearted, solution-focused leadership to her work. She is passionate about creating economic independence and sovereignty for Indigenous communities through sustainable initiatives to create generational wealth in communities.
I’m a Rez kid with big dreams; I have a passion for nation-to-nation prosperity through community projects and entrepreneurship. I believe in taking a cultural and traditional approach to modern issues and our collective desires; I absolutely love connecting with other cultures to learn and share.
Billy Kilabuk is an mmos clerk Maintenance Management operating system, he works for municipality of pangnirtung since 2015, he has a beautiful wife Rosemary, and 3 beautiful children Lexie,Lali and Xavier, he lives in pangnirtung since he was born, he loves to do some hunting fishing and camping also always fixing stuff for his family and friends, always eager to learn new things.
