At this year’s Generate 2025 Awards, hosted by the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia, we proudly celebrate Kara Wilson of the Quatsino First Nation as this year’s recipient of the Anitra Paris Female Youth Leadership Award. This award honours a young woman living in British Columbia who exemplifies leadership in environmental protection, climate advocacy, and community collaboration. Kara Wilson does just that, and more!
A Leader Rooted in Community
Kara was born and raised in the coastal community of Quatsino, BC. Her journey into the clean energy sector began with Cape Scott Wind LP, a project located within the territories of the three North Island Nations. From the start, Kara’s motivation has been grounded in her desire to uplift her Nation and neighbouring communities by advancing community-led clean energy solutions.
As a young Indigenous professional, Kara embodies the next generation of leadership needed in BC’s clean energy future. Her work is guided by technical skill, ambition and a deep commitment to place, culture, and community wellbeing. Kara is part of a growing wave of Indigenous women stepping forward to lead sustainable energy transitions across the province.
Kara has helped progress several clean energy initiatives for Quatsino, demonstrating technical insight and the ability to unite diverse partners. Her leadership has facilitated collaboration between Nations, provincial and federal governments, private industry, and academic institutions. She is creating pathways others can follow, where Indigenous knowledge, climate action, and innovation intersect. Kara’s nomination highlighted her as a role model, continuing the legacy of Indigenous clean energy champions on Vancouver Island. She represents the future of energy leadership: inclusive, community-driven, and connected to the land.
Honouring the Legacy of Anitra Paris
This award is named in memory of Anitra Paris, a beloved advocate, communicator, and climate champion whose legacy inspires women in the energy sector. Through her work with Clean Energy BC and Barkley Project Group, Anitra championed inclusive solutions to environmental challenges, always rooted in collaboration, community, and hope.
Anitra believed deeply in empowering young women, particularly Indigenous women, to lead the transition to clean energy in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and just. In honour of Anitra’s legacy, her loved ones established the Anitra Paris Foundation, including a scholarship fund through the Vancouver Foundation. This fund supports Indigenous youth in BC who share Anitra’s commitment to environmental leadership, reconciliation, and community strength.
Fittingly, the upcoming event, Women in Clean Energy: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future of BC, will take place on June 3rd and has officially sold out. This gathering will bring together leaders, mentors, and advocates from across the province to celebrate the vital role of women in shaping BC’s clean energy future.
All proceeds from the event will support the Anitra Paris Foundation, continuing Anitra’s legacy of empowering women in the energy sector and creating space for new leadership to thrive. Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and the generous sponsors who made this event possible. Kara Wilson’s award is more than a recognition of past accomplishments; it’s a celebration of what’s possible when young leaders are supported, empowered, and given the space to lead. Her work exemplifies the qualities the Anitra Paris Award honours – youth leadership, climate advocacy, community building, and environmental stewardship.
Learn more about the Anitra Paris Foundation and support future women leaders in clean energy: https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/anitra-paris-scholarship-fund
To inquire about future sponsorship opportunities, contact: admin@cleanenergybc.org
We’re excited to share that Kara Wilson will be co-presenting with our very own Mary Vasey at the 9th Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference on June 18–20, 2025, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo, BC. Together, they’ll showcase the Quatsino Solar PV Project, a powerful example of Indigenous-led clean energy and community partnership. This project highlights the potential for collaboration that centres Indigenous leadership while delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits.
📅 Date: June 18–20, 2025
📍 Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre | Nanaimo, BC
Congratulations, Kara! Your leadership inspires, and your voice, actions, and commitment are building a cleaner, more equitable future!