At Planetary, we believe the best solutions emerge at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and community. That’s why we were thrilled to sit down with Nova Scotia’s own Crystal Nicholas, an inspiring leader who champions economic development and environmental sustainability for Mi’kmaq communities. As the President of the Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency (WMA), which translates to “the People’s Agency”, Crystal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for creating a future that weaves culture, reconciliation, and innovation together.
You can listen to the full conversation on our YouTube channel, but here are some highlights from our conversation with Crystal. She was generous enough to share her journey, her vision for the future, and her insight into how organizations like Planetary can collaborate authentically with Indigenous communities.
From Finance to Leadership: Crystal’s Journey
Crystal’s career demonstrates her resilience and growth. She began as a junior finance officer, and, working her way up, she spent 17 years working with her home community of Potlotek First Nation. Along this journey, she identified major gaps in representation, and decided to pursue a law degree while simultaneously continuing her work in economic development.
“Negotiating collective agreements for unions within our community showed me the importance of having Indigenous voices at the table,” she told us. “That inspired my move to WMA, where I now work with thirteen Mi’kmaq First Nations to drive sustainable growth while honoring our cultural heritage.”
Why Economic Development Matters
For Crystal, economic growth is deeply personal— it’s all about creating robust opportunities that align with traditional Mi’kmaq values.
“My inspiration comes from our ancestors,” she shared. “I strive to weave our culture into the fabric of economic development, creating a thriving future for our people that honors our past and embraces new possibilities.”
The WMA is working on transformative projects that span clean energy, infrastructure, and governance. From partnering with the Canada Infrastructure Bank to pioneering Indigenous equity initiatives, Crystal and her team are opening doors for Mi’kmaq communities to lead in actors like CDR— the industry where Planetary operates— as well as wind energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Indigenous Perspectives on Sustainability
When asked how initiatives like Planetary’s OAE intersect with Mi’kmaq values, Crystal emphasizes the deep cultural tie to the ocean.
“Mi’kmaq people have a profound spiritual and cultural tie to the ocean. Efforts to improve ocean health align with our values of stewardship and respect for nature,” she said. “Collaboration platforms like Planetary are key to integrating traditional knowledge into environmental solutions.”
Crystal also shared her vision for a sustainable future with us: A thriving environment that balances traditional ecological knowledge with modern innovation, in turn creating opportunities for cultural preservation and economic resiliency.
A Call To Action
As we wrapped up our conversation, we asked Crystal what she would like people to take away from her story. Her response felt powerful:
“We’re all interconnected. The health of the Earth is inseparable from our own well-being. By learning from and amplifying Indigenous voices, we can foster a more holistic understanding of environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a sustainable future rooted in shared responsibility.”
Crystal’s message is a reminder that true, collaborative, sustainable progress comes from listening, learning, and then acting in solidarity. At Planetary, we are committed to continuing these conversations and building partnerships that honor the wisdom and leadership of Indigenous communities.
Looking Ahead
Crystal’s leadership truly exemplifies what it means to drive real change while staying firmly rooted in tradition. Crystal’s work is paving the way for a future where reconciliation and innovation go hand in hand, whether it’s through sustainable clean energy projects or cultural revitalization.
We were deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from Crystal, and we look forward to future collaborations that support Mi’kmaq communities and advance our shared mission to protect the planet.
Stay tuned for more conversations with leaders like Crystal in our Breaking Ground, Making Waves series.
Interested in learning more about the Wskijnu’k Mtmo’taqnuow Agency? Visit their website at https://wmalimited.com/
