EntrepreNorth and the Definity Insurance Foundation announce a new partnership rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems

EntrepreNorth and the Definity Insurance Foundation are thrilled to announce a new partnership. Our collaboration, rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, will reimagine how we uplift Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive and write their own stories of resilience, community wellbeing, and generational wealth for today and tomorrow.

"We are humbled by our partnership with the Definity Insurance Foundation. Together, we are igniting a movement where Indigenous wisdom, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come. Through this partnership, we are nurturing Indigenous-led solutions and rooting Northern and Indigenous capacity to ensure cultural integrity and community-based leadership." 
Xina Cowan, Co-Director, EntrepreNorth 

“We recognize the importance of economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities. To contribute to this outcome, the Definity Foundation is supporting EntrepreNorth and Indigenous entrepreneurs to utilize their knowledge and talent to generate community wealth on their own terms. The challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the North call for new approaches and improved access to capital, to advance equitable solutions for and by the community. We are excited to embark on this journey of learning and growth alongside EnrepreNorth.” 
Arti Freeman, Present & CEO, Definity Insurance Foundation

It has long been known that entrepreneurship is a pathway to sustainable economic development and self-determination. It’s a powerful catalyst that ignites local capacities and invites individuals to step into positions of leadership as they create value for their communities.  EntrepreNorth believes that Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs can become catalysts of prosperity and drivers of social change within their own communities, and that the development of sustainable enterprises can create local economic opportunities to help break through poverty, address social challenges, and strengthen Northern ways of life. 

The multi-year partnership will support EntrepreNorth’s efforts in creating systems change, mobilizing knowledge, and building an ecosystem of support for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are innovating solutions to strengthen economic resilience and community wellbeing for generations to come.

This coming year, our partnership will drive the growth and impact of EntrepreNorth’s flagship Entrepreneur Growth Program, which takes a cohort of early-stage entrepreneurs through an immersive professional and personal growth journey. This year’s cohort is dedicated to Indigenous Language Innovation. The partnership will also support EntrepreNorth’s goal to flow patient impact capital into the North through the development of a $10 million Impact Fund. This fund will provide entrepreneurs who are catalyzing transformative change with access to capital that is equitable, relational, and non-extractive. 

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About EntrepreNorth
EntrepreNorth empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods across the North. The project offers culturally-grounded business education, programming and supports to Indigenousentrepreneurs 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.
For more information on EntrepreNorth, please visit entreprenorth.ca.

About Definity Insurance Foundation
The Definity Foundation supports communities across Canada in pursuing climate, health, social and economic justice. With a particular focus on equity, we support solutions that address systemic barriers, especially those faced by Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities. Through partnerships, providing resources, and support for new approaches to complex problems, we’re contributing to a healthier, more equitable and just Canada.
For more information on Definity Foundation, please visit definityfoundation.org 

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For more information, please contact:
Selene Vakharia
Communications Manager
EntrepreNorth
[email protected] ​


Abby Wong
Manager, Strategic and Granting Projects
Definity Foundation
[email protected]