Meet our Energy Trailblazer: Nikki Muswaggon
Nikki Muswaggon
Electrical Apprentice, Cross Lake Housing
Cross Lake, MB
Nikki Muswaggon has built her career at the intersection of community empowerment, sustainable development, and skilled trades. A proud member of Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, she began in academia pursuing a Bachelor of Science before shifting to the electrical trade, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact in her community.
Recruited by NRG Management before graduating, Nikki launched her apprenticeship and earned certifications as a Certified Fiber Optic Technician and IT Technician (CompTIA+). Her work has helped strengthen clean energy infrastructure across northern communities and in cities like Winnipeg.
Now an Electrical Apprentice at Cross Lake Housing, she’s pursuing her Red Seal certification while staying rooted in the community that raised her. She also served as the youngest Program Manager at Keewatin Tribal Council, leading initiatives across 48 Indigenous communities.
“I don’t always see myself as a role model, but I know our youth are watching me closely,” says Nikki. “I want to show them—and other young Indigenous women—that there is a place for them within the clean energy sector and the skilled trades.”
Sought out for her rare mix of technical skill, leadership, and cultural insight, Nikki brings both heart and expertise to every project, helping build stronger infrastructure and more empowered communities.
Nikki’s Career Journey
Math and science courses
In high school, Nikki took math and science courses and applied to the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Manitoba.
Pre-employment training
Nikki studied to become an electrician at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.
Professional growth
Nikki started by researching and getting to know the basics of energy efficiency.
Advice on entering the energy efficiency sector
As a female and a Black female, there are always going to be obstacles. That doesn’t mean, however, that I didn’t face them head-on. I like a challenge. I welcome it, actually. It motivates me. So for any women out there who are BIPOC or women in general, we are dominating a very male-induced industry.
Where things are trending in workforce development is, upskilling the soft skills that you don’t have. We’ve recognized that it’s not just learning the technical stuff, you have to give them the management skills and the business skills and the stakeholder engagement skills.
The great thing is that with this sector, there is such a need for workers that they are offering courses to everyone. That’s really opening up for people. You don’t need to go back to school necessarily. Go do a degree or diploma. You can take like little courses at a time to upskill yourself and make yourself relevant.
