Serena Mendizabal (she/her) is a Cayuga Wolf Clan-Panamanian woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Serena is a community-based researcher, grassroots organizer, and environmental advocate. Serena began her journey in climate justice and clean energy when she was 18, working in community engagement and communications at the development corporation in her community. She found gaps in community consent and further explored what climate justice and a just transition can look like in a community of over 28,000 members. From then on, Serena has dedicated her life to Indigenous self-determination, climate justice, environmental health impacts, and clean energy transitions through studies, work, and extracurriculars. Serena is passionate about self-determined community development, action, and futures led by sovereign, healthy nations. Serena is the Co-Chair of the SevenGen Indigenous Youth Council, the Just Transition Manager at Sacred Earth Solar, a Board of Director at Student Energy, and works for Protect the Tract, a Haudenosaunee-led group focused on enforcing the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s moratorium on development.

Janelle Lapointe is an Afro-Indigenous climate justice and Indigenous rights organizer from Stellat’en First Nation. She is currently the interim co-lead of Public Engagement and Mobilization at the David Suzuki Foundation and a guest on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) territories. Janelle is also an organizer with Common Horizon, a regular contributor on CBC Vancouver’s The Early Edition climate panel, a member of the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group and a council member of SevenGen Energy. She leans on her lived experience growing up on her small reserve in Northern British Columbia to ensure that intersectionality is at the forefront of environmental narratives, to build power and help others see their stake in fighting back against the status quo.

Connor Storm Johnston is a Métis Man from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who is proud to live and work in Treaty 6 Territory and the heartland of the Métis Nation. Connor earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan with a focus on Indigenous studies and Métis History, where he developed an interest in anti-oppressive pedagogy and decolonizing education. Since 2022, Connor has worked at the Metis Nation – Saskatchewan as an Infrastructure Project Manager, developing sustainable core governance infrastructure across Saskatchewan. A particular point of pride was his role in constructing a Bison Ranch in Batoche, Saskatchewan, bringing Bison back to Batoche for the first time in over 100 years. Connor is passionate about sustainable development in the Métis public service and moving towards a zero-emissions construction industry.

Willow Bearhead (He/Him) proudly identifies as a Two-Spirit individual of Nakota/Dene/Cree heritage from Paul First Nation, situated in Treaty 6 territory. He has achieved Level 2 certification in Early Childhood Education from Maskwacis Cultural College and is pursuing a degree in Indigenous Social Work at the First Nations University of Canada. Willow ardently advocates for the well-being of Native youth and champions the inclusion of Two-Spirit individuals in all environments. His ultimate goal is to become a social worker who integrates Indigenous teachings into his professional practice.

Currently serving as Vice President for the Northern Campus, Willow actively fosters Two-Spirit inclusion and to create safe spaces for all. In addition to his vice presidency, he serves as the Co-national Post-Secondary Youth Coordinator for 2 Spirits in Motion and as a Youth Worker with the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Youth Homes.

Kinnan Stevenson-French is an Aniishinaabek from Peguis First Nation, Manitoba. Who currently lives and works in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kinnan is currently the Environmental Lead for Peguis Consultation and Special Projects Inc. which acts as the department under the Band that leads Consultation and Engagement when it comes to Peguis’ Traditional Territory. Kinnan uses his combined knowledge of traditional teachings, practices and western education in Impact Assessment, to understand the impacts that projects, policies, and legislation might have on Peguis’ Treaty rights from an environmental perspective. Many of Kinnan’s current focus is on Clean Energy and Technology, and how it can be used to benefit his community when it comes to climate related issues.

Raylene Mitchell (she/her) is a proud Inuk woman from Labrador. She currently lives in Toronto working on her PhD at the University of Toronto in mechanical engineering researching energy storage solutions, more specifically for northern, Indigenous communities. She believes in indigenizing the engineering process, and is working toward a future where Indigenous knowledge and science are at the forefront of engineering designs. Raylene is passionate about community-led energy projects and accessible energy education for all. She is especially looking forward to the upcoming summit this October in Iqaluit to discuss the future of energy with other Indigenous youth from across the country.

Dakota Norris (he/him) is a proud member of the Gwich’in Nation living on Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatoon, SK with experience in Indigenous youth engagement, sustainable development and climate action. He is currently completing a Master of Environment and Sustainability, focusing on increasing Indigenous ownership in the energy transition, and a Campaign Manager for the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, leading initiatives addressing the health and social justice impacts of fossil fuel extraction. He is passionate about empowering and amplifying Indigenous and youth perspectives to lead a just, sustainable future. Dakota enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and learning, and with family whenever possible.