join us sept. 30, 2023

Walter Andreeff (he/him) is a Métis man living in Slave Lake with knowledge in Indigenous-led land use assessments, a familiarity with Métis Nation governance and rights, and experience in some best practices for Indigenous participation, collaboration, consultation and intercommunity partnership in environmental/impact assessments. He loves the land and the entire beauty of mother earth and all its natural wonders. He is also a trained Climate Reality Leader and a Rock hound and mushroom lover.

Elder, Knowledge Keeper and Educator from Kahnawá:ke Mohawk Territory – Ka'nahsohon Kevin Deer (he/him) is from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. For the last 30 years he has been involved in Mohawk Language retention and revitalization. He is also a Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse which involves knowing sacred songs, dances and rituals. He enjoys discussing and presenting the Iroquoian world views, history and philosophy. Kevin has participated in many events. In 1990, he was involved in the Oka Crisis using the power of peace to try to resolve that conflict. In 2003, he was part of a planning committee of the historic event that involved horses coming across the land from British Columbia to Six Nations to help wipe the tears of the 7 generations and heal the earth. In September 2015, he was deeply involved in the Bretton Woods IV convocation, performing a ceremony to help all participants who gathered to see, hear, and speak more clearly about matters of global financial concern from a Native, First Nation’s perspective. In February 2016, he made a presentation on Native spirituality at the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week in New York.  

As a lifelong environmentalist and a Master of Sustainability, Mikellena Nettos knows (she/her) that we have a long journey ahead of us in the fight against climate change. This battle is multifaceted, and she believes that real and significant change begins with the education of those who can and will create change, the youth of the future. Her sustainability journey began when she was in her junior year of high school, and with the increasing intensity and frequency of climate disasters—the need for sustainability and her passion for action have only intensified since then. She completed the Climate Leadership Corps Training in October 2021, and is thrilled to be the Community Engagement Manager for Climate Reality Canada. She has an undergraduate degree in Medical Science with a Minor in Environmental Sustainability and Dramatic Arts (Hons. BSc), and a Master’s degree in Sustainability Science and Society (MS), both from Brock University. Her educational background lays a strong foundation for interdisciplinary action towards a more sustainable future.

Jamie Latvaitis (he/him), Regional Engagement Coordinator for The Climate Reality Project Canada, is a graduate of political theory from Concordia University. His experience is defined by mobilization in the field and more particularly by his role in student mobilization during the 2019 climate strikes. That path has then led him to organize strikes, marches, conferences, and mediated gatherings to encourage collective and large-scale engagement. More recently, Jamie has dedicated most of his time to regenerative farming. That direct connection to the land is a more personal way of understanding the land in its current state. Jamie’s theoretical knowledge, his experience in climate mobilization, and his agricultural background bring an original perspective to the social, economic, and environmental issues that need to be assessed.

Maya Cousineau Mollen (she/her), from the Innu Nation, was traditionally adopted by Quebec parents at her Innu mother's request. She began writing poetry at the age of 14. Her first collection of poetry was published in autumn 2019 under the title: Bréviaire du matricule 082. Her first collection won the French-language poetry prize at the Indigenous Voices award 2020. She has 22 years' experience in the First Nations world. Now a Community Development Consultant with EVOQ Architecture, Maya continues her work with communities. In the realization of various projects, EVOQ encourages First Nations and Inuit communities to reclaim their cultural and historical imprint and express it through the poetry of architecture. Maya Cousineau Mollen is a member of the Wolfpack street patrol, a group of volunteers from First Nations and Quebec who provide support to the homeless. She was also part of the group of signatories and allies for the Kanata file. In December 2019, she was invited by Ariane Mnouchkine to take up a writing residency at the Théâtre du Soleil. During this stay, she was also invited to give a lecture during Mme Hélène Cixous' seminar. Her second collection, Enfants du lichen, was published in April 2022. It received rave reviews from literary critics, including Hugues Corriveau of Le Devoir, who gave it 4.5 stars out of five.