Gina Simon
Community Energy Champion (CEC) for Michipicoten First Nation (MFN) since May 2021

During her short time as CEC, she has spearheaded a transformation of education and awareness within the community, leading the charge on First Nation Community Retrofit projects, Power Up Youth Energy Camps and various community engagements both on and off reserve. She is currently working with MFN leadership to complete MFN’s Community Energy Plan with the intent to provide future direction for energy plans and projects that create social, political, environmental and economic benefits. 

Ms. Simon has over 10 years in the energy field beginning with an apprenticeship at the wind farm located in M’chigeeng First Nation. From there, she joined Ontario Hydro to continue her apprenticeship, as a Construction Maintenance Electrician. She completed her apprenticeship hours with Hydro One and graduated from Sault College with a Journey Person Potential Electrician classification.  

Gina is only one step from her obtaining her ‘Red Seal’. She reached a crossroad and decided to return home to assist her parents, “I am grateful to return, to the nest, from where I learned to fly. We have only one set of parents, so being in this sacred space, to regain my strength and soar; and now as the CEC for MFN, I am doubly blessed.”  

As the world becomes aware of climate change and the need to lessen our carbon footprint on Aki, Mother Earth she welcomes every chance to network with other CECs within the IESO programs and is now part of Anishinabek Nation Energy Working Group; both initiatives aim to bridge gaps in First Nations' energy-sector activities. Gina believes choosing this new career path has provided her with an opportunity to grow and advance in her knowledge-- to make positive change at the community level and in the world of energy.