Benjamin Scott | Founding Project Director / Co-Lead

Benjamin Scott is a member of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation and a true Northerner at heart. He has a passion for supporting organizations to redefine business practice through an Indigenous worldview, and sharing business knowledge and tools to help build entrepreneurial leadership and capacity within communities. He is the creator of The Multi-Directional Business Compass which offers an Indigenous-centred perspective for thinking about business, community, and economic impact in a more circular and holistic way. The Compass framework now serves as the foundation of EntrepreNorth’s programming to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to build sustainable business and livelihoods across Northern Canada. Benjamin offers strategic business services through Feed the Fire Business Consulting to support Indigenous focused organizations on pathways to economic self-determination, resurgence and resilience. He holds a MBA in Aboriginal Business and Leadership from SFU, a BA in Urban Studies from UofC, a Leadership Certificate from UofA, and is an Action Canada Fellow Alumni.​

​Xina Cowan | Co-Director

Xina lives and works in Whitehorse on the traditional territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Her ancestry is Irish, Scottish, and Mohawk and she is honoured to be learning her family's shared histories. She is the granddaughter of Barbara Monture Malloch and the great-granddaughter of Gilbert 'Slim' Monture from Six Nations. After studying Human Relations at Concordia University in Montreal, Xina moved to the Eeyou Itschee Cree community of Wemindji in 2013 and began her career in Indigenous-centered programming. Since then, Xina’s work has taken her all across the North. At EntrepreNorth, she oversees the organization's strategy, operations, impact storytelling, partnership development, and fundraising alongside her Co-Lead, Ben. Xina is also a certified Coach and is the Host and Producer of EntrepreNorth's podcast series Venture Out.
 
Prior to joining EntrepreNorth, Xina was the Development Manager for Indigenous projects at Youth Fusion and was the Editor of WIOT Magazine at Rezolution Pictures. Her (not so) side passion is promoting Indigenous fashion designers and artists from the Circumpolar Arctic. 

Katie Johnson | Director of Programming & Innovation
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Lasänmą—Katie Johnson is a member of the Agünda (Wolf) Clan and a citizen of Kluane First Nation.  A creative visionary working with northern peoples for the past two decades, she is committed to generating positive outcomes for Yukon First Nations through community-led initiatives by First Nations, not-for-profit groups and businesses.
 
She produced The Gathering of Northern Nations pan-northern indigenous cultural expo during the 2007 Canada Winter Games, which led to her role as Co-producer of the highly acclaimed Yukon 2010 First Nations performing and visual arts events at the Vancouver Olympics. That experience propelled the momentum for founding theAdäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon. She has also served as Director of Arts and Executive Director of the Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association, promoting community economic and social development through Indigenous arts, culture, and tourism. 
 
Katie believes in building bridges and partnerships across cultures and regions, to foster Reconciliation through action. She is an experienced and successful entrepreneur, steadily growing her Bella Elite Consulting business since 2011. She contributes to her Nation as board member and previous Chair of Kluane Dana Shäw Corporation working with board members to strategize and implement investment opportunities for the future health and well-being of its citizens.  Most recently she coordinated the publication ofLhù’ààn Mân Keyi Dań Kwánje Nààtsat Kluane Lake Country People Speak Strong,a community history based on the lives of Elders.
 
Honoring her ancestral roots, Katie renews her energy and maintains connections to traditional values through learning her Southern Tutchone language and spending time on the land with her daughter Bella, family, community and Elders in Asi Keyi—Kluane country.

Dave De Lugt | Program Manager

Dave lives in Yellowknife, which resides on Chief Drygeese Territory, the traditional home of the Yellowknives Dene and the North Slave Metis.

After attending Lakehead University for a degree in Geography, Dave was offered a job in Yellowknife delivering pre-employment and on the job training for northern residents. He has now spent the last decade traveling across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon; connecting with northerners, Indigenous governments, federal and territorial government agencies and private organizations. His passion for teaching has been solidified by over fifteen years of professional education, teaching in a wide variety of environments from world class whitewater rivers, to boardrooms, to canvas tents in the high arctic. When he’s not at work, he’s spending time out on the land hiking, running, paddling or adventuring with his loved ones and his dog.

He’s honoured to be a part of the team at Entreprenorth, and to be working with Indigenous entrepreneurs to help build sustainable and meaningful business across the north. 
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Kristin Richard | Impact Fund Manager
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Born and raised in the Métis homeland and Treaty 1 territory, Kristin is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation. Currently residing on the unceded territory of the Shíshálh Nation. With over 8 years of specialized experience in the financial services industry, Kristin's career centres on supporting Indigenous businesses and communities. Her passion lies in unlocking access to capital and forging innovative pathways for economic growth.

In her most recent role at CIBC, she served as a Manager for Indigenous Markets, managing relationships with Indigenous Nations and corporations. Kristin's prior roles have been deeply rooted in the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly in helping start-ups flourish. Her unique blend of financial expertise and cultural insight has allowed her to shape meaningful connections and create tangible impact.
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Currently completing her MBA in Indigenous Business and Leadership at Simon Fraser University, Kristin's educational interests align with her professional dedication. She is also a graduate of the Canadian Private Capital Investment School, a member of the Indigenous leadership Circle, and she serves as a board member of the Community Futures Sunshine Coast.

Julie Downes | Curriculum Lead

Julie Downes is a non-Indigenous educator, facilitator and curriculum designer residing on Yellowknife Chief Drygeese Territory, the home of the Yellowknives Dene and North Slave Metis.

Julie is passionate about being on the land. Upon graduating from Lakehead University's HBOR and B ed program, she has spent the last decade teaching in a variety of capacities. Her work includes job and pre employment field training for Northerners across all three Territories, and as an Educator with YK1 she prioritized on the land programming at ecole Itlo, and could often be found preparing gah or liwe in the wall tent for a bunch hungry of 8 year olds. 

Through her work with the Yellowknife's Farmers Market and Urban Garden, she has used her entrepreneurial spark to engage with her passion for small business and food systems. She is excited to help support Indigenous Entrepreneurs across the North through innovative curriculum design and programming. 

Paul Betsina | Impact Fund Catalyst

​Paul Betsina is a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, residing in Dettah. 

In his past role as an Economic Development Officer with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Paul has been instrumental in developing and implementing initiatives to enhance the community's socio-economic status. His efforts span various sectors, including business support, commercial development, arts and crafts, and tourism, all aimed at fostering a healthy business community in Dettah and Ndilo.

Paul previously served as the Business Development Manager for Det'on Cho Corporation, an investment firm dedicated to promoting the economic self-sufficiency of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation by seeking economic opportunities within the Northwest Territories and beyond.

​With 16 years of experience successfully operating Tadeh Cho Welding, Paul is intimately familiar with the experiences, challenges, and needs of northern Indigenous entrepreneurs. In addition to his professional roles, Paul is a talented performer with the Yellowknives Dene Drummers, showcasing his dedication to preserving and promoting his cultural heritage.

Arden D'hont | Finance Specialist

​Arden D’hont is the Finance & Data Specialist with EntrepreNorth. Arden is a member of the North Slave Metis Alliance and was born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration - Business Management from Langara College. Arden has worked in both the public and private sector and brings years of experience in business operations, finance, investment banking, and Indigenous engagement and relations.

​She is honoured to be working with EntrepreNorth helping to serve Indigenous people across Canada’s North to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas, hopes and dreams. Arden is located in Sechelt British Columbia on shíshálh Nation lands.rden 
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Pedro Navarro | Product Development Lead

He is based in Yellowknife on Chief Drygeese Territory, the home of the Yellowknives Dene and North Slave Metis.

Pedro first came to Yellowknife in 2012 as an exchange student. After his two-year exchange journey, he went back to his home country, Spain where he completed a diploma in computers and telecommunications and obtained an honors award. Soon after that he completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Pedro has worked as a computer technician, as a business support analyst and, prior to joining EntrepreNorth, as a Junior Software developer in the GNWT. As Product Development Lead, Predo manages the development of EntrepreNorth’s new app tool, which supports Indigenous entrepreneurs and social innovators who want to build and grow sustainable businesses with purpose. 

​In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter. He enjoys football (i.e soccer), kayaking, fishing and many other activities including his newest hobby, squash. His passion for football has led him to helping coach and refereeing in Yellowknife’s football community. He is a lifelong Real Madrid fan.

He is honoured to be part of the team at EntrepreNorth, and he feels very lucky to be part of assisting in the development of sustainable and impactful businesses throughout the north.

Gabriel Russell | Policy Lead 

​He was born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, which resides on Chief Drygeese Territory and is home to the Yellowknives Dene and the North Slave Métis.
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With a recently completed degree in Economics from the University of Calgary, Gabriel has spent summers working in various positions in the Northwest Territories and Alberta as a Student Intern. Through the GNWT, Gabriel has held positions within the Department of Finance as a Junior Statistician, the NTHSSA as a member of their COVID-19 Response Team, and as a Legal Assistant with Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP, based in Calgary, Alberta.

Gabriel is excited to use his experience and initiative to drive change in Northern policy in support of Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities.

In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, particularly soccer, with a passion for the outdoors, camping, and being on the water. He is also an NBA fan, with his favourite team being the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Brad Poulter | Entrepreneur in Residence

Brad Poulter is a born and raised northerner and the founder of Barctic Technology: a Yellowknife-based technology and marketing firm. Its software has helped thousands of mainly Canadian companies sell products around the world. Barctic has also worked with dozens of northern companies and organizations to help them build technological capacity and systems to help them compete globally.

After fishing his honours Degree in Business from the University of British Columbia, Brad returned to the North to do communications work for the Office of the Premier. After a brief stint as a scuba dive master, Brad served 10 years managing business service programs and communications at the Business Development and Investment Corporation. He also taught marketing at Aurora College.

​Brad is an avid adventure seeker, investor, educator and technology enthusiast with a passion to better the north through entrepreneurship, innovation and home-grown out of the box ideas. He offers 1-1 support to our program participants in the areas of e-commerce, web design, and digital marketing.

Roman Asmundson, CPA | Impact Fund Analyst

Based in Yellowknife, NWT, Roman Asmundson is EntrepreNorth’s Impact Fund Analyst who is leading the creation of the impact fund financial model.

Previously, Roman worked at Paypal as part of the Global Finance Operations Team where he spearheaded automation efforts, slashing manual reconciliation time though improving internal mapping . He also worked at  Vancity Credit Union, where he built internal databases leading to significant cost savings, streamlined manual processes, and reduced fraud through new and innovative reconciliations.

Roman graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary. While completing his degree, he was a teaching assistant for accounting and supply chain operations and volunteered with the community tax program and We Swim, a program dedicated to supporting children with disabilities to gain essential water safety skills.

With a proven track record in finance and a passion for social impact, Roman is committed to fostering economic change and opportunity in Indigenous communities through the Northern Impact Fund.

When not working or hiding from the weather, Roman enjoys biking, camping, and watching the northern lights.

Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson | Program Coordinator
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Jamie Wetrade-Stevenson is a talented Indigenous photographer based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. As a proud member of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation, she carries a profound appreciation for her cultural heritage and deep roots in the North. Jamie's work often highlights the rich traditions and strong identities of the people in the region. She uses her lens to capture the essence of her community through powerful portrait photography, shedding light on the beauty and resilience of its people.

Beyond photography, Jamie has an extensive background in entrepreneurship, which she leverages to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for others within her community. She is passionate about fostering relationships and nurturing a strong sense of togetherness among those she works with. Jamie is currently taking on the role of the Program Coordinator for EntrepreNorth, where she guides and supports fellow entrepreneurs in their journeys. Her commitment to community building and her love for the North make her a driving force for positive change in Yellowknife and beyond.

Maslyn Scott | Digital Content Creator
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Maslyn Scott, an aspiring visual artist born and raised in Denendeh, is K’asho Got’ine and Tlicho Dene. Maslyn strives to connect to people through art. Her main inspirations are rooted in the North, coming back to her family and the comfort of her community for support and grounding.
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After graduating High School in Yellowknife she moved to British Columbia and attended Vancouver Film School, where she studied and earned a diploma in Visual Arts and Digital Design. She has been under the mentorship of Gwich’in artist and Jewellery Designer Tania Larsson since she was fifteen and was recently trained as a graphic recorder through Drawing Change. She returned to the North in 2023 inspired to strengthen her connections with her home, culture and to the people who shaped her.

Maslyn is passionate about learning and developing her skills in both contemporary and traditional arts, and exploring how these two can merge and work together. She is experienced though still progressing in visual arts, 2D animation, digital arts and design. She remains committed to always learning more.

Paul Andrew | Elder in Residence

Paul Andrew was born in the Mackenzie Mountain and currently resides in Yellowknife. At the age of eight, Paul was taken to residential school. He returned to his community and served at Tulita Chief at the age of 22 and later Dene Nation Vice President. Paul is a student of Dene history including environment, Dene understanding of Cosmology, pharmacology, ecology and Aboriginal Spirituality.

After many years as Chief, Paul began his 30-year career with CBC. His focus has been and still is on teaching about Dene language and culture, building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, healing and reconciliation, and regaining pride for the Elders and hope for the youth of the Northwest Territories.
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Paul has received many awards including the CBC Team Building Award, NWT Literacy Award, and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award. He has served on many boards such as the Dene Language Committee, the NWT Forum on Community Wellness and Addictions, Aurora College Board of Governors and is an Elder Advisor to various groups and organizations.