Portrait
Name
The Cowessess First Nation ImaGENation Team
Ashleigh Dawn, Daphne Kay, Kyrah Delorme, and Shayla Wing
Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4, SK
Description
The Cowessess First Nation (CFN) ImaGENation team is advancing the design and construction of an an energy efficient greenhouse to promote food and energy sovereignty in the community. Solar will be a major component of the greenhouse and additional clean energy and energy efficiency options will be explored, such as passive-solar, geothermal, and grow lights to replace winter sunlight. The goal is to automate as much of the operation as possible, with temperature control and automatic water pumps to help grow healthy foods and medicines as part of a sustainability and food equity initiative. The CFN ImaGENation Team intends to provide purpose to the community through gardening and nutrition, and also hopes to utilize the structure as a prototype that can be scaled up and built in other Indigenous communities.
Ashleigh is from Cowessess First Nation, a small yet strong community located in Treaty 4 Saskatchewan. She is currently working in the field as a solar installer and is quite the go-getter with aspirations to design and share plans for a solar-powered and self-sufficient greenhouse for Indigenous communities.
Daphne Kay is a proud Anishinaabe Ikwe from the Cowessess First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory, and is currently the Community Energy Specialist for her Nation working within their ec. dev. co., Cowessess Ventures Ltd. In her position, Daphne oversees existing renewable energy initiatives and assets, and examines new energy opportunities that can be implemented by Cowessess First Nation. She is also responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing community engagement sessions, training programs, public events, and educations days for Cowessess citizens. Daphne is a current participant in the 2020 Catalyst Program, as well as a team member of the CFN Team in the ImaGENation Program – both Programs of the ICE Network. Daphne is a life-long learner and has studied Political Science at the University of Regina and Land Management at the University of Saskatchewan. She has always been passionate about sustainable living and protecting the land. In her spare time, Daphne likes to read, bead, sew and dance.
Kyrah Delorme (she/her) is a Plains Cree and Saulteaux woman from Cowessess First Nation. Kyrah was born and raised in Treaty 4 Territory, TheAncestral lands of the Anishinabe̅k, Nehiyawak, and Oceti Sakowin Nations as well as the homeland of the Métis. Kyrah holds an Undergraduate Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies Majoring in Health Studies from the University of Regina and the First Nations University of Canada. Kyrah has worked with various Research Labs focused on Indigenous peoples’ health. Has background in grant writing, training development, land-based teachings, and working with various Indigenous communities.
Shayla Wing is a member of the Cowessess First Nation on Treaty 4 Territory, where she created memories growing up on her homelands. Keeping close to her community, Shayla now works as an Administrative Assistant at the Cowessess First Nation Urban Office. To extend her involvement within the Indigenous community, Shayla will be returning to school to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Social Work. Shayla’s passions include hiking and new adventures while always willing to learn new things.