Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon – September 26, 2022 – Launching this week, the 2022-23 cohort of EntrepreNorth’s Entrepreneur Growth Program will bring together ten digital creatives, including filmmakers, graphic designers, musicians, visual artists, videographers, and sound engineers, from across the three territories for a nine-month personal and business growth journey.

There is a growing demand for digital services and content that are Indigenous-owned and produced, culturally relevant, and authentic. This demand coupled with the proliferation of video streaming technology and content sharing platforms, and greater access to high-speed internet in the North is creating new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in remote locations to build digital-driven businesses. 

“EntrepreNorth is excited to support a talented group of Indigenous creatives who are helping to grow the digital arts and media sector across the North. Our programming  will help them to hone their business and leadership skills, access mentorship, and develop industry connections to expand their market reach and impact in a way that honours their own culture, languages, and worldviews.” says EntrepreNorth’s Founding Project Director, Benjamin Scott.
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The 2022-23 Digital Creatives Cohort includes:

Nunavut:

• Ipeelie Ootoova, an actor, writer, and director from Mittimattalik (Pond Inlet). Ipeelie first appeared on screen in John Houston’s The White Archer in 2010. In 2013, he was nominated for a Best Actor Award at the American Indian Film Festival for his portrayal of Natak in Maïna (2013). Now living in Rankin Inlet, Ipeelie is working to create opportunities in the northern film industry for Inuit living outside of the territorial capital of Iqlauit. 
   
• Siku Rojas, a non-binary Inuk artist and designer from Iqaluit, Nunavut. Through their business, YURAK, Siku offers a wide range of services including brightly coloured illustrations, sharp logo designs, eye-catching album covers, and one-of-a-kind paintings and jewellery pieces. Their goal is to become a full-time artist and to create opportunities for other creatives in Iqaluit including a land-based art studio, community runways for seamstresses and upcoming designers, and a culturally safe tattoo studio where Inuit can receive their kakkiniit and tunniit. 

 

• Rico Manitok, a videographer from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Rico’s introduction to the arts scene came in 2018 when he joined the cast and crew of the theatrical show Kiviuq Returns. He went on to work and train with Chickweed Arts in Iqaluit, which in turn paved the way for his entry into the Nunavut film industry. After moving back to Rankin in 2020, Rico created Manitok Media to provide the communities of the Kivalliq with videography services. 

Northwest Territories:

• Brandon Larocque, a musician and sound engineer born and raised in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, but with deep roots in Tuktuyaaqtuuq. A graduate of the digital audio engineering program at Pixel Blue College in Edmonton, Brandon has released several albums that he produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered as BrandonSonnet. He has also scored and created original Foley sound effects for multiple short films. Brandon launched Rowhouse Rec to provide quality sound work in the North.

 

• Cody Fennell, an artist and illustrator from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Working under his own name, Cody Fennell Design, Cody has created original movie posters and DVD cover art for the likes of Spike Lee; directed award-nominated music videos; and designed gig posters, shirt designs, and album covers for a variety of talented musicians. Moving forward, Cody wants to collaborate with new clients and continue to innovate, creating products for the North and beyond, and inspiring the next generation of northern creatives just as he was inspired as a child.

 

• Elaine Landry, a Dene illustrator and designer from Zhatıé Kų́ę́ (Fort Providence) in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. Elaine has been making art for more than 15 years and digital art for a decade. Although best known for her work as an illustrator, Elaine also loves designing clothing and accessories. Since 2017, Elaine has been selling her creations at a variety of venues from Indigenous craft shows in the North to comic conventions in Alberta. 

 

• Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson, a Tłı̨chǫ photographer from Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. Introduced to photography at 14, Jamie turned her hobby into a career when she was 18. Working under the banner of Jamie Stevenson Photography, Jamie is the North’s premier boudoir photographer. She also works closely with Dene make-up artist Karen Murray on artistic shoots and is regularly contracted to photograph events across the territory. 

 

• Melaw Nakehk’o, a Dehcho Dene and Dënesųłıné artist born and raised in Denendeh (also known as the Northwest Territories). Melaw is a visual artist who paints, sews and beads. She is also a traditional moosehide tanner. Her work reviving and teaching moosehide tanning techniques has inspired a resurgence of the practice and shaped a broader community building movement within Canada. In addition to teaching land-based Indigenous art practices, Melaw works creatively through performance art, contemporary visual art, public art, filmmaking, and graphic recording. 

Yukon:

• Brian Ladue, a videographer and producer and member of the Ross River Dena Council. Brian came to digital video storytelling through work with Kaska Nation governments gathering traditional knowledge, mapping, and documenting stories and language. Inspired by the power and potential of digital mediums for storytelling, Brian started a video production company, now known as Northern Wild Productions. With experience in the documentary, educational, and promotional genres, Brian is eager to explore new genres and opportunities. 

 

• Nick Johnson, a hip hop artist and member of the Kluane First Nation based in Whitehorse, Yukon. After completing film school in Vancouver in 2010, Nick and Yudii Mercredi (Vuntut Gwitchin) formed a hip hop duo called Vision Quest. Producing music that reflects their experiences as Indigenous youth living in northern Canada, Vision Quest’s lyrics weave together Indigenous languages and social, political and economic issues facing Indigenous people across Canada and the world. 
  
  

Through a unique combination of cohort-based learning, applied work sprints, one-on-one business mentorship, professional coaching, and investment-readiness support, these ten entrepreneurs will be supported in taking strategic steps to develop and grow thriving businesses that provide digital services and content to the North and beyond. A key part of the experience will be learning from each other, building industry relationships across the three territories and Canada, and connecting with EntrepreNorth’s growing ecosystem of supporters.

“When I first became an entrepreneur, it was difficult to find the necessary information and resources to build a business and I didn’t have access to an entrepreneurial mentor. The EntrepreNorth program is so important because it provides northern entrepreneurs with these critical tools for launching and expanding their businesses. As importantly, it creates a safe space for Indigenous business owners to learn and grow together. I’m excited to see what the next nine months brings us!” says Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson, cohort participant. 

To learn more about the entrepreneurs and their ventures, visit the Digital Creatives Cohort page.

About EntrepreNorth:
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across northern Canada. EntrepreNorth delivers culturally-grounded business programming to early-stage entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform. For more information, visit www.entreprenorth.ca.
Website: entreprenorth.ca | Social Media: @entreprenorth | #innovationspirit

MEDIA CONTACT
Xina Cowan, Community Manager | EntrepreNorth
E: xina@entreprenorth.ca 
T: 1 (514) 606-1226

Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - October 5, 2021 - Starting this week EntrepreNorth is welcoming a new cohort into its Entrepreneur Growth Program. The theme of this 2021-2022 cohort is local food which is integral to our economies, daily health and wellbeing, and growing sovereignty as communities and Nations.

The making and sharing of food brings communities closer together and connects us to the land and our ways of life. This cohort is bringing together a group of entrepreneurs from across the North who are passionate about sharing their love of food with others. “We look forward to supporting this group of entrepreneurs with new business skills to offer products that bring a sense of culture and place to our tables” says EntrepreNorth Project Director, Benjamin Scott.

The 2021-2022 Local Food cohort includes:

Nunavut:

• John Niakrok, who is Inuk and enjoys preparing dishes with caribou and Arctic char he has harvested himself. He likes to cook food not available at local restaurants, like donairs, pancit noodles, donair garlic fingers and donair poutine. The takeout restaurant and food truck that John is planning to open will be a welcome addition to the food scene in "the hub of the Kivalliq." *Based in Rankin Inlet*

 

• Nuka Fennell, who was b​orn and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut by a large, mixed family. They are a Chef who has worked in the culinary industry for ten years and owns a catering company called Fireweed. Their repertoire features robustly flavoured dishes that centre natural and sustainable ingredients, nourish body and spirit, and cultivate comfort. Chef Fennell is a non-binary trans person. They are also proud to be one of Canada's most northern amateur drag performers. *Based in Iqaluit*

Northwest Territories:

• Shayna Allen, who is Inuvialuk and owns a food truck called InuvikEats. Shayna’s culinary creations are best described as fusion. She loves learning about other cultures and then designing savoury dishes that meld the flavours and techniques of their cuisine with local northern ingredients (for example, her beloved “Nice Pho What?” soup). When Shayna isn’t operating her food truck, she is catering and offering cooking classes. *Based in Inuvik*
  
  
• Lance Raddi Gray, who is Inuvialuk and owns Gray’s Harvest. He has a deep appreciation for all the plants and medicines that grow in the North. Gray’s Harvest is committed to sustainably harvesting local plant ingredients and transforming them into usable/consumable products, including delectable teas, syrups, and oil infusions. The Gray’s Harvest team makes products they like to use, knowing their clients will love them too. *Based in Inuvik*
  
  
• Kaitlyn White-Keyes, who is originally from the southern reaches of Treaty 8 territory and owns Ever Sweet Company. Her business is located in Yellowknife (where she has spent most of her life) and serves up small-batch artisanal caramels, traditional candies and locally crafted treats. Profits from Ever Sweet Company will go toward developing a safe, land-based healing space for Northerners living with addiction. Kaitlyn is in the business of ‘doing good’ while satisfying her customers’ sweet tooth. *Based in Yellowknife*

Yukon:

• Scott & Jackie Dickson, who have been married for 24 years and are partners in life and in business. They are the owners of Takhini River Ranch, located on Ta’an Kwäch’än territory (Scott  is a member of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council). Their business provides customers with a full farm-to-table experience: they raise the animals, grow the feed, and process the meat on site using a mobile abattoir. In addition to ensuring high quality meat, having control over the entire process allows Scott and Jackie to work closely with local chefs to develop tailored products. *Based in Takhini River Valley
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• Allison Kormendy, who is Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yupik and is a holistic nutritionist. She is the Owner and Operator of Wild Roots, a small business promoting holistic nutrition and well-being on a cellular level. Wild Roots connects Allison’s traditional teachings with contemporary science and holistic health. Customers can enjoy a diverse range of products that prioritize local ingredients including teas, “boosts,” therapeutic elixirs, and the best-selling Klondike Kombucha. *Based in Dawson City*
  
  
• Teresa Ward, (otherwise known as Grandma Treesaw) has long been making Teslin Tlingit-style bannock for her friends and family in the Yukon. In 2014, Teresa started selling premixed bags of her famous bannock recipe (crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside) and she hasn’t looked back since. Today, customers far and wide can enjoy a true taste of the Yukon by ordering Teresa’s bannock mix from her online store. Teresa is a grandmother of eight with one more on the way! *Based in Teslin*

 

• Christine Lewis, who is Northern Tutchone, and is opening a food truck called Bannock Slap. The name of her business comes from a memory of the first time she made bannock with her mother (who gave her the bannock to slap raw). Bannock Slap will feature a menu of local, traditional and contemporary flavours. Customers can enjoy a variety of bannock options along with ice creams and teas featuring seasonal produce. ​Christine’s goal is to be the change she wants to see, starting with Bannock Slap. 

Beginning this month, these eleven entrepreneurs are embarking on a nine-month personal and business growth journey. Through a unique combination of cohort-based learning, applied work sprints, one-on-one business mentorship and professional coaching, the entrepreneurs will be supported in taking strategic steps to develop and grow thriving food businesses. A key part of the experience will be learning from each other, building industry relationships across the North and Canada, and connecting with EntrepreNorth’s growing ecosystem of supporters.

“I’m really looking forward to harnessing my skills as an entrepreneur with the other members of this program. There is so much involved in operating a food business and it feels good to know that we’re all on this journey together. We are creative, innovative people with a deep desire to connect with others through food and culture. The talent and determination is there, and we now have the opportunity to learn about business in a way that resonates with who we are as Indigenous people,” says Lance Raddi Gray, Cohort participant. 

To learn more about the entrepreneurs and their ventures, visit the local food cohort page.


About EntrepreNorth:
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous and community-based entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across Northern Canada. EntrepreNorth delivers culturally-grounded business programming to early-stage entrepreneurs in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon who are ready to elevate their business and community impact. EntrepreNorth is a project on MakeWay's shared platform, which provides operational supports, governance, and charitable expertise for changemakers. The shared platform enables more time and money to go towards achieving greater impact. MakeWay is a national charity that builds partnerships and solutions to help nature and communities thrive together. For more information, visit www.entreprenorth.ca.

Website: entreprenorth.ca | Social Media: @entreprenorth | #innovationspirit


MEDIA CONTACT
Xina Cowan, Community Manager | EntrepreNorth
E: xina@entreprenorth.ca 
T: 1 (514) 606-1226

Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - June 19, 2020 - EntrepreNorth is excited to announce a new partnership with Shopify to accelerate the growth of ecommerce opportunities for Indigenous and community-based entrepreneurs across Northern Canada. Shopify is a leading global commerce company founded in Canada, providing trusted tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business of any size. 

Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon - September 16, 2019 - EntrepreNorth is proud to announce the second cohort of its northern entrepreneur support program. The theme of this new cohort is On-theLand Tourism. Successful applicants include: James McPherson, who offers custom adventure tours in the Sahtú Region; Bobbi Rose Koe, who guides tourists and youth along the Peel River; Alexander Flaherty, who takes clients on land and fishing expeditions, and five other tourism entrepreneurs from across the North.

NUNAVUT, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, YUKON – SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 – EntrepreNorth is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the recently launched northern entrepreneur support program. The theme of the first cohort is land- and marine-based products. Successful applicant ventures include: Hinaani Design, a clothing and design enterprise from Nunavut; Aurora Heat, a fur-based business from the Northwest Territories; and The Yukon Soaps Company, a bath and body company from the Yukon.

NUNAVUT, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, YUKON – MAY 1, 2018 – EntrepreNorth is excited to announce the launch of a six-month Entrepreneur Growth Program to empower, connect and accelerate the efforts of northern community-based entrepreneurs. Responding to the needs of entrepreneurs, the program will combine practical business training, invited guest speakers, one-on-one business mentorship and life coaching, and networking opportunities with investors. Programming will take place in each of the three territories and will be complemented with online group support.