About us
Providing native creatives with the tools and knowledge to grow thriving businesses rooted in their passion
Our Approach
Mission
To support Indigenous artisans in building thriving businesses that honor tradition while creating new opportunities for the future.
Vision
A flourishing Indigenous creative economy in BC, where artistry is valued, respected, and contributes to cultural and economic growth.
How We Work
Practical training, culturally aware mentorship, and a peer community that strengthens confidence and capability.
Why This Matters
Supporting Indigenous artists strengthens culture, communities, and local economies. It helps preserve traditions, advance reconciliation, and empower self-determination. Through their creative work, artisans reach wider audiences and build sustainable income, while inspiring future generations. This program fosters a close-knit community where skills, knowledge, and experiences are shared, ensuring cultural heritage thrives alongside innovation. Every piece of art tells a story that enriches society and amplifies Indigenous voices.
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The People Behind
Your Success
Co-Founder & Executive Producer, Bears’ Lair TV
Co-Founder, Bears’ Lair Dream Camps
Co-Founder & President, Indigenous Initiatives
Co-Host, Beyond the Lair Podcast
Geena Jackson is a proud shíshálh Nation member and a passionate advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV, a nationally broadcast competition spotlighting Indigenous entrepreneurs, and Co-Founder of Bears’ Lair Dream Camps, which has reached over 2,000 Indigenous youth across Canada with free, culture-based entrepreneurship training. Geena is also President of Indigenous Initiatives and Co-Host of the Beyond the Lair podcast.
Through every platform, she champions Indigenous-led innovation, visibility, and impact.
Marketing Expert
Founder of Jelly Marketing & Jelly Academy
LinkedIn | Jelly Academy | Jelly Marketing
Darian is the Metis founder of Vancouver based PR, digital ads & SEO company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and digital marketing school, Jelly Academy. He loves doing workshops, and volunteers on the board of the Digital Marketing Sector Council and NPower Canada and his local charter community – Waceya. He is the editor of IndigenousSME. His recent book Marketing Mentors featuring interviews with Seth Godin, Guy Kawasaki and marketing leads from LEGO, Lululemon and Starbucks is available now wherever you purchase your books. Darian lives in Fort Langley, BC with his wife and four children and likes to mountain bike, swim, grow dahlias and watercolour and read YA novels in his free time.
Business Coach, Entrepreneur, Author
LinkedIn | Export Navigator | Prep Academy Tutors
Shannan is a mom, entrepreneur, and conscious leader dedicated to pursuing her passions and uplifting those around her. She is the co-author of three international Amazon bestselling books: Self-Love Elevated, Volume II, bLU Talks, Volume 11, and Let’s Not Sugar Coat It: Real, Raw & Unfiltered Stories without the BS!
With over 25 years of experience in business and economic development, Shannan is co-owner of Prep Academy Tutors of Interior BC. She is currently a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) candidate at Guglielmo Marconi University in Rome, Italy, and holds an MBA from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
Her gift lies in creating spaces where people feel inspired, accepted, and empowered to bring their best selves forward. Shannan believes learning unlocks unique gifts when paired with the right guidance and encouragement. She is also recognized for her warmth, community involvement, adventurous spirit, and love for travel, the outdoors, and new challenges.
Strategist, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker
Mike is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant and advisor who has spent more than 20 years working to catalyze social responsibility and sustainability with organizations on four continents. He brings his background in philosophy and his penchant for systems thinking to the service of Junxion’s clients in social services, social finance, and social purpose business. Mike has been an advisor to Reconciliation Canada, EntrepreNorth (an Indigenous-led enterprise accelerator in northern Canada), Pirurvik Centre (which teaches Inuit culture and language), and many other Indigenous and BIPOC-led organizations.
Strategist, Curator, Art Expert
LinkedIn | Points North Creative | Website
Lynn Feasey is a creative strategist, curator, and facilitator with 25 years of experience dedicated to strengthening the arts. She believes in the transformative power of creativity to build strong communities and sustainable economies, and is known for turning bold ideas into impactful, inclusive projects that elevate both artists and the places they call home.
Her work has been shaped by the hundreds of artists she has had the privilege of working with, as well as collaborations with governments, museums, galleries, and arts organizations. She has led major projects including Canada’s Northern House at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and cultural festivals across the North, while also sharing her insights on the role of arts in community and economic development.
Lynn’s approach blends entrepreneurial vision with deep sector knowledge and emotional intelligence, helping artists and organizations align their creative work with their values and market goals through her acclaimed Wayfinding Sessions.
Through her signature program, The Wayfinding Sessions, Lynn mentors artists and organizations with a values-driven approach that blends entrepreneurial vision, sector knowledge, and emotional intelligence. Her facilitation style is warm, genuine, and inclusive—creating safe spaces for dialogue, growth, and creative self-determination.
Award-Winning Entrepreneur
Greg Hopf is a Dene entrepreneur, award-winning tourism leader, and advocate for Indigenous youth, known for inspiring authentic reconciliation and sharing powerful stories of Indigenous knowledge. Raised in the Dene community of Liidlii Kue, his deep connection to land and traditions drives his work to advance opportunities for Indigenous communities.
He has managed a hunting lodge, helped build the Aboriginal Sport Circle, and led the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Kelowna. As founder of Moccasin Trails and Moccasin Trails Consulting, Greg specializes in cultural tourism, economic development, and guiding organizations on Truth and Reconciliation, with clients like Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Whistler Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Tourism Edmonton, and the Alberta Provincial Government.
Greg now works to build legacy and capacity in Indigenous communities, while sharing his culture with his children and educating others in a respectful and meaningful way.
Personal Finance Expert
Asahal (Shannon) Hickey is the founder of Dollar Dame Inc., and former stockbroker who helps people become more “money” savvy than their banker. Shannon Hickey Her programs teach how one can save and invest for any type of goal so they can live a life on their terms. Living below the poverty line as a teenager ignited an interest to solidify financial security at a young age. A fun fact is her Myers & Briggs personality type is the same as the humble billionaire investor, Warren Buffett.
Founder & Administrator of the Indigenous Artisans Accelerator
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
Ńíkiki Pixémcal, from Lil’wat in the St’at’imc Nation, is an Indigenous entrepreneur and photographer who turned a passion for business and marketing into a thriving career. After managing other businesses, Ńíkiki started a photography business over six years ago, delivering 1,000+ albums and reaching six-figure success in the first year. Recognizing a need for business support among creatives, Ńíkiki founded the Indigenous Artisans Accelerator to empower Indigenous artists financially and culturally. As administrator for the Integrated Indigenous Medicine Collective, Ńíkiki also works to train Indigenous health practitioners and midwives, with a vision to restore traditional healthcare in every Native community.
More workshop facilitators will be announced soon!