Slade Williams is currently employed within his own First Nations Community, as an Energy Champion here at Skwah First Nation. With a background in carpentry, he has worked previously as a wood framer for more than five years.

Over the past two years, he has been an active participant in EPIC trainings (Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities) and events. The EPIC program ended last March2025 was funded through the Fraser Basin Council as a pilot program. Focused on adaptation practices to address climate related impacts. Also, driving forward activities in the process, spearheading the creation and implementation of the Skwah First Nation’s Community Energy Plan

 Mr. Williams’ commitment and enthusiasm displayed has culminated in selection into the 2020 Catalyst program, another climate impact resource to build capacity towards resilience, offering potential to drive impactful changes in his community.

Channeling this newfound expertise into projects, including preparing funding applications for the CEBF (Clean Energy business fund) and BCICEI (BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative) supporting community-based energy initiatives. Once his Nation received these fundings this helped to finance the feasibility studies needed for the Energy Plan, and the solar panel infrastructure.

 Williams has been actively exploring solar power and electric charging options for his Indigenous community; Slade has been dedicated to advancing clean energy within the Skwah First Nation by exploring and developing clean energy opportunities. This work involved assisting in data collection that supports community economic development initiatives, which reflected a strategic approach to integrating sustainable energy solutions that bolstered both environmental and economic resilience.

Outside of his professional duties, he has been passionately involved in his community. Mr. Williams gained potential as an avid war canoe paddler, racing across circuits stretching from Seattle, Washington, to the southern shores of Vancouver Island, throughout the lower mainland and the Fraser Valley.

His commitment to cultural preservation shines as he teaches drumming in local schools, passing down traditional knowledge to the next generation. With his every paddle stroke and drum beat, Slade demonstrated that transformative community development is not just possible, but it is inevitable with his heartfelt dedication and fervent passion.

Slade responsibilities include defining the scope, securing funding, initiating the plan, and leading community engagement efforts such as an Open House and a Community Energy Forum to ensure active participation and input into the CEP’s development and finalization. 

Additionally, his work encompasses vital resilience planning including enhancing emergency response strategies and ensuring the community’s preparedness for climate-related challenges.