First elected in 2008 at the age of 26, Niki has fought for youth, climate action, Indigenous rights, and social justice throughout her time in office, showing a willingness to push the boundaries of what is politically possible. Her nominators were impressed with her recognition of the importance of including Northern communities in tackling the climate crisis, and with her commitment to listen to and work with social movements fighting for a Green New Deal, recognizing that politics comes “from the ground up”.