Indigenous Council for Wah-ila-toos

With the support of an independent Indigenous consultant, the Indigenous Council members were selected on the basis of their knowledge and leadership in supporting clean energy projects within Indigenous communities. The Indigenous Council is a group of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis leaders, and they reflect diverse communities, languages, geographic regions, skills, and genders. The involvement of the Indigenous Council in program and policy development is an important mechanism to ensure that Indigenous voices are represented in decisions on energy sovereignty, and federal climate policies.

In Fall 2024, the Indigenous Council released their report: Kinship and Prosperity: Proven Solutions for a Clean Energy Landscape. This report includes recommendations on how to support the clean energy transition for Indigenous, rural and remote communities, and offers policy advice rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and community-led approaches and addresses the unique challenges these communities face in achieving sustainable energy objectives. “Kinship and Prosperity” shares key strategies and success stories to emphasize the power of kinship-based collaboration and sustainable practices in creating a resilient, prosperous energy future.

Members

Alex Cook

Nunavut Inuit

Alex is the owner of ArchTech, a 100% Inuit-owned design-build developer focussing on net-zero buildings in the Arctic. Alex is committed to advancing sustainable construction practices while addressing the unique challenges posed by the Arctic environment.

In addition to overseeing ArchTech’s operations, Alex serves as a Board member of Quilliq Energy Corporation and is recognized as an Indigenous Off-DIesel Initiative Champion and Indigenous Clean Energy 20/20 Catalyst. Alex is dedicated to supporting the transition toward clean energy solutions in Northern Canada, fostering economic development, and promoting long-term environmental sustainability across the Arctic.

Grant Sullivan (Chair)

Gwich'in First Nation  

Grant has emerged as a clean energy leader in the North over the last 5 years, offering his business acumen and community knowledge to empower Northern Indigenous communities and Nations in their clean energy journey. He has led multiple renewable energy projects, including the Inuvik High Point Wind Study, Solar Net Metering Demonstration, and commercial solar PV installations in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Grant was an Indigenous Clean Energy 20/20 Catalyst (2016) and an Energy Champion in the Indigenous Off-grid Diesel Initiative (IODI). Grant offers expert advice, guidance and coaching to other Indigenous proponents leading and supporting their communities in the clean energy transition in the North. Grant served as Executive Director of Gwich’in Council International (2012–2019) and continues to be active in the Gwich’in community today. 

Jordyn Burnouf

Sakitawahk/Black Lake First Nation

Jordyn Burnouf, a proud Nehîyaw (Cree) woman from Sakitawahk (Métis Village of Île-à-la Crosse) and a member of Black Lake First Nation, whose journey weaves together the threads of land-based knowledge, climate action, and community care. Jordyn is the Sustainable Energy & Sovereignty Specialist with the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, a Bush Guide at her families’ camp, Pemmican Lodge, and a student in the Masters of Sustainability, Energy Security Program at the University of Saskatchewan. 

Whether she’s harvesting wild rice, sharing stories as podcast host of Nôhcimihk (Into the Bush), or leading discussions on energy sovereignty, Jordyn helps others connect with the land while pushing for innovative energy solutions. A 20/20 Indigenous Clean Energy Catalyst, and former Co-Chair of SevenGen, Jordyn co-founded ImaGENation, a project development program that mobilizes Indigenous youth-led initiatives. Her leadership on the Boards of Indigenous Clean Energy and the Canadian Climate. 

Kim Scott, MSc

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg 

Kim Scott, a proud Anishinaabekwe, mother and grandmother, stands as the visionary founder of Kishk Anaquot Health Research (KAHR), an esteemed Indigenous-owned consultancy firm, where her roots and heritage illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment. She has invested over 30 years advising a diverse range of clients, including universities, government departments, and NGOs on matters relating to public health, governance, sustainability, and community development. 

Kim’s advice has spanned local, regional, domestic, and international initiatives, and combines cross-sectoral and system-wide approaches to combat the complex issues facing our world today. Kim is a former member of Canada's Sustainable Development Advisory Council and continues to provide advice and guidance on a number of boards and committees, including serving as Chair of the Parks Canada Audit Committee, and to Indigenous Clean Energy and the Indigenous Leadership Fund (Environment and Climate Change Canada).  

Zux̌valaqs (Leona Humchitt)

Haiłzaqv (Heiltsuk) Nation 
(Pictured: Zux̌valaqs and her father Umakn, W̓úm̓akṇ (Mel Innes))

Zux̌valaqs is a matriarchal leader in climate action and sustainability, serving as the Climate Action Coordinator for the Haiłzaqv Nation in Bella Bella, BC. With over four years of experience, she combines Indigenous wisdom and modern solutions to protect biodiversity and secure food sovereignty for future generations. As a grandmother of 11, her work is deeply personal, driven by a vision of a thriving planet for her descendants.

Zux̌valaqs and her husband Tom are developing Heiltsuk Wáwadi Kelp, a regenerative venture focused on sustainable kelp systems, and is a champion for decarbonizing Coastal First Nations' territories through the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative. She holds an MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership, and her influence extends as an Energy Champion and Advisory Board member for BC’s Remote Community Energy Strategy. 

Grounded in her connection to family, spirit, and nation, Zux̌valaqs’s journey is one of empowering communities, advancing clean energy, and honoring the land for generations to come. 

Sean Brennan Nang Hl K'aayaas

Haida Nation (British Columbia)

A devoted father, grandfather, and proud member of the Ts’aahl Laanaas Eagle Clan, Sean has dedicated his entire career to advancing Haida sovereignty for future generations. As Project Implementation Manager for Tll Yahda Energy on Haida Gwaii, he is leading the island's transition away from diesel-based energy, working toward a sustainable and self-sufficient future.

With a strong foundation in forestry, Sean has been instrumental in shaping the Haida Gwaii Land Use Plan, spearheading Cultural Feature Identification programs and advocating for Haida rights. Through the Solutions Table forum, he has collaborated with government and industry, ensuring Haida free, prior, and informed consent is upheld, safeguarding Haida land and ancestral values with unwavering dedication. Sean is excited to see the next era in renewable energy production nationwide and a separation from fossil fuels-based energy.

Former Council members

Alex Ittimangnaq – Member from December 2022 to March 2023

Nation: Inuit (Nunavut)

Alex Ittimangnaq was born and raised in Kugaaruk, Nunavut. He is an Energy Champion and a catalyst who is currently leading the clean energy program for the Hamlet of Kugaaruk. Passionate about his community, he strives to improve the quality of living for all through collaboration with community members, federal departments and local leaders to develop a clean and sustainable energy future.  A proud father of four beautiful daughters and one son, he is committed to improving the quality of life for his family and his community.