Generation Power
The Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE) has developed a training and career program for Indigenous youth in the clean energy sector! Generation Power is a holistic, capacity-based program that acknowledges the skills, talent and qualifications of youth and employers.
It is modelled after successful Indigenous-led educational and training programs and focuses on collective learning through cohort-based instruction, peer-to-peer mentoring and on-the-land education.
"For any youth that are interested in kick-starting or catalyzing their clean energy journey, I would recommend Generation Power as an avenue to gain knowledge in the energy field, build an incredible support network, and connect with mentorship that will guide you along the way. No matter what point you’re at in your journey, I believe this program is a powerful vector for Indigenous youth to become leaders in climate action and the clean energy transition. "
- Brendan Struthers, 2022 Generation Power Youth Participant
Our Vision
Generation Power encourages Indigenous youth to explore careers in clean energy. It is also an essential piece of the clean energy landscape in Canada that nurtures the leadership potential of both Indigenous youth and energy sector employers to advance a sustainable and equitable energy future.
Our Logo
Embodying symbolism within each icon of the logo, the Thunderbird, Feather, Cycle of Life, Earth, and Lightning each represent an important part in the wholeness that is the vision of Generation Power. A vision for a future that inspires sustainability, equity, respect, and honours our shared interconnectedness.
Something special about this design, is it's interpretative nature that all relate to the same vision. Within its imagery, some ICE team members see the sun, a wind turbine, or roots of the Earth. What do you see?
Generation Power Logo
Hover over the logo for information
Thunderbird
A representation of powerful spiritual vision, change and transformation.
Feather
Guiding the vision of Generation Power, the feather represents trust, strength, wisdom and honour.
Cycle of Life
An embodiment of the medicine wheel, four directions, seasons and generations, this is an icon of renewal and holism.
Lightning
A representation of energy, electricity, and power. Illuminating the future of clean energy and destruction of unsustainable practices.
Earth
The Earth encircles and is a part of all that we are. A representation of oneness, and reminder that we’re all interconnected in our experiences of life. hišukʔiš c̓awaak - everything is one.
Thunderbird
A representation of powerful spiritual vision, change and transformation.
Earth
The Earth encircles and is a part of all that we are. A representation of oneness, and reminder that we’re all interconnected in our experiences of life. hišukʔiš c̓awaak - everything is one.
Lightning
A representation of energy, electricity, and power. Illuminating the future of clean energy and destruction of unsustainable practices.
Feather
Guiding the vision of Generation Power, the feather represents trust, strength, wisdom and honour.
Cycle of Life
An embodiment of the medicine wheel, four directions, seasons and generations, this is an icon of renewal and holism.
Program Overview
Generation Power engages both Indigenous youth and energy economy employers, positioning Indigenous leadership as an essential component of Canada’s clean energy transition.
Taking a future-focused approach, the program introduces Indigenous youth to the growing clean energy economy in Canada and around the globe, and the broad range of existing and emerging energy careers. Employers — including project developers, utilities, non-profit organizations, communities and government — will gain an understanding of Indigenous youths' role in leading Canada’s energy future.
The program’s overarching objective is to provide opportunities for both youth and employers to further Indigenous participation and leadership in the clean energy sector. The program provides a baseline understanding of current Indigenous leadership in Canada and looks to the future to explore emerging markets, careers and opportunities.
Specifically, Indigenous youth participants will achieve the following objectives through completion of the program:
- Enhance understanding of clean energy concepts and the labour market.
- Increase equitability in clean energy workspaces, heightening the attraction and retention of Indigenous youth.
- Build confidence in leadership skills and career goals.
- Broaden career opportunities and relevant experiences for Indigenous youth in clean energy.
- Provide culturally-centered professional development and a support network of like-minded individuals.
Objectives for employers who participate in the program include:
- Develop the capacity to lead and contribute to more equitable and culturally aware workplaces.
- Understand the need for Indigenous leadership in Canada’s energy future, and build the ability to attract and retain Indigenous talent within their organizations.
- Build a network of support with ICE’s community.
ICE expects the following long-term impacts to be achieved through successful implementation of this program over several years, recognizing that the program may be adapted to accommodate changes in the external environment (i.e. economic conditions and political support for energy transition efforts).
- ICE and employment partners support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly call #92.
- Indigenous youth are contributing to and shaping Canada’s energy future with more visibility and power.
- Systemic barriers to participation in the energy economy that disadvantage Indigenous youth are dismantled and employers recognize the need to attract and retain Indigenous talent beyond corporate social responsibility.
- Intergenerational collaboration is viewed by Indigenous groups and settler-Canadians as a necessary component of a sustainable energy future.
The Team
Alex Lemay
Generation Power Program Co-Manager
Alex is a French-Canadian residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie). He’s a proud father of five little ones (four boys & one girl) and loves spending time in the outdoors with them. He holds a Paramedicine diploma from College Boreal with additional educational certifications in fire technology and emergency services. In past career experiences, Alex had the opportunity to work as a Forest Fire Ranger, allowing him to be a shepherd of our forests and see firsthand the importance of taking care of our lands in many different aspects. He also spent time as a Power Sports specialist for Honda, allowing him to help grow the outdoor motorsports industry while promoting a positive caring approach to our environment. When not helping shape our future youth as the Generation Power Program Co-Manager, he’s probably getting lost in the outdoors, fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, camping or even boardgames with friends and family.
Kayla Nolan
Generation Power Program Co-Manager
Kayla is Ojibwe from Obaadjiwan (Batchewana First Nation), residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating. She holds a Diploma in Practical Nursing and is registered with the College of Nurses in Ontario. In her experiences as a nurse, she spent many years volunteering as well as working in Indigenous communities on health promotion that created meaningful connections and experiences that shaped who she is as a professional today.
She is a Hospice Nurse in a now casual capacity, and took a leap in a new direction in her career to work at ICE. Kayla is passionate about participating in the movement towards change in the clean energy sector, as well as using her previous experiences to promote conversations around health and how clean energy impacts our wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and family, as well as with her golden retriever, Hunnie.
Alexandra Thomson
Program Director, Youth Programs
Alexandra is a Nakoda woman mixed with French ancestry, belonging to Carry the Kettle (Cega’kin) First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Alexandra strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities related to energy, infrastructure, sustainability, and socioeconomics. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish sovereignty through community-based project work and capacity-building initiatives. Alexandra is passionate about Indigenous women and youth in STEM, as she believes Indigenous knowledge can contribute to an evolving holistic framework in the field that will provide meaningful, long-lasting solutions for Indigenous communities. Alexandra’s hobbies include singing and songwriting in the genre of R&B, travelling (when possible) and exploring the outdoors, fitness and yoga, photography and fashion, attempting to cook new recipes, and reading poetry or books by Indigenous authors to nurture cultural connectedness.