August 17, 2016 – Congratulations to Stephanie Seymour and Shadrak Gobert, the 2016 recipients of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) John Wesley Beaver (JWB) Memorial Student Awards, which seek to help Indigenous youth in post-secondary studies.

Seymour, from the Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is a PhD candidate pursuing a doctorate in forestry/natural resources management at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Her research is focused on reducing First Nations fossil fuel dependency and replacing that with biomass renewable energy.

Gobert, from Frog Lake First Nation in Alberta, is a University of Toronto fourth-year student studying Aboriginal and environmental studies and has been living in Ontario for 10 years. He says he plans to pursue a career in renewable energy projects, specifically those being developed on Indigenous land.

“These young people have worked extremely hard. Both are eager to share their knowledge with peers and the next generation,” said Jeff Lyash OPG president and CEO. “This special program also highlights our commitment to youth and education by supporting Indigenous students who are continuing their education.”

OPG notes it is working with more than 50 Indigenous communities helping to create opportunities, training and jobs.