About SevenGen

SevenGen Energy is an Indigenous youth council committed to a sustainable and equitable energy future. Our mission is to create a space where Indigenous youth and communities are mobilized to advance in the energy and sustainability sector through capacity building, program development, mentorship and advocacy. SevenGen envisions a future where our kin seven generations ahead live harmoniously and in honour of protecting the stewardship of the Earth.  

To sustainably and responsibly impact the global economy and energy landscape, we must include Indigenous ideology for the greater health of all entities on earth. The name SevenGen is inspired by the Lakota prophecy that says the seventh generation are the ones who will bring and lead change. Indigenous youth today are the seventh generation who can and will lead change and restore peace.

Back in 2019, for the first time, we gathered over 200 Indigenous youth from across Canada to hear their ideas on the energy future, build meaningful relationships and partnerships with other youth and energy leaders, while inspiring more to lead in the climate action movement. Indigenous youth represent Canada’s fastest growing demographic and from the first summit we see the passion to lead and take action in their communities. The global pandemic delayed the second SevenGen Summit, in which the council could not let the momentum fade, so they pivoted by creating the ImaGENation Program.

How did SevenGen Start?

At the International Student Energy Summit 2017 in Merida, Mexico, Indigenous Youth Summit Co-Chairs Cory Beaver and Disa Crow Chief first shared their vision for the Canada-wide Indigenous Student Energy Summit. To transform their vision into reality, Cory and Disa recruited the SevenGen 2019 Organizing Committee, which included Braden Etzerza, Devon Blind, Hunter Adams, Lindsey Red Crow, Michael Batas, Morgan Murphy, Nathan Kaye, Nikita Kahpeaysewat and Olivia Reshetylo.

Through hard work and determination, the SevenGen 2019 Organizing Committee united communities, built relationships, and broke social barriers in the energy conversation. SevenGen 2019 sparked a movement that will empower Indigenous communities to lead and live sustainably through the intersection of energy, food, water, and the transition to a sustainable economy. 

Get Involved

If you are interested in volunteering before or during the summit, please contact serena@studentenergy.org.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact james@studentenergy.org