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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Changemakers Forum 2025
Register now to hear from Indigenous leaders who are showcasing their community projects and more!
Forum is taking place in Vancouver, BC on November 14th, 2025
