Eeyou Entrepreneurship in Focus: A Celebration of Community at the Cree Nation Business Summit
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
A Warm Welcome, A Shared Commitment
From the moment the IPF team arrived in Mistissini for the 2nd Annual Cree Nation Business Summit, held under the theme “Eeyou Entrepreneurship in Focus.” We were welcomed with warmth, generosity, and hospitality. The incredible food, Bannock, soups, and blueberry jam, the laughter shared with new friends, and most of all, the people, reminded us that this work is rooted in connection.
The Cree Nation Government’s Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) poured their hearts into this gathering. Their tireless work and attention to detail created an atmosphere of celebration, innovation, and collaboration. It was inspiring to see so much care go into honouring both past and future entrepreneurs.
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
The Summit was more than an event. It was a celebration of history, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape Eeyou Istchee. We left with gratitude for the kindness we experienced and with a stronger commitment to walking alongside the Cree Nation Government and its partners in building prosperity.
Honouring Footsteps, Igniting Futures
The Summit created space to celebrate the legacy of Eeyou entrepreneurship and plant seeds for the future. The inaugural Regional Business Awards Gala, held in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA), honoured longstanding Cree businesses that have built and sustained the local economy for decades. These trailblazers carved paths that today’s youth now walk.
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
Over several days, the youth worked tirelessly with mentors to refine their ideas, create promotional materials, and prepare their business pitches. They learned the art of telling their stories, balancing feasibility with vision, and presenting with confidence. What started as brainstorming on paper transformed into fully realized business plans delivered on stage to an audience of leaders and
community members.
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
It wasn’t just a case study; it was a transformative experience.
“What made the Bear Den so special for me was seeing the youth’s ideas come alive. I watched how hard they worked during the sessions I facilitated, and even after those sessions ended, they poured in extra hours to refine their pitches. Then, to see them stand on stage in front of hundreds of community members and judges with such confidence, presenting thoughtful and creative business ideas. It filled me with pride. I couldn’t stop smiling. Being there with them was an honour, and I left inspired by their courage and their vision for the future. If this is what youth dedication and hard work look like, then the future is bright.”
— Marylou Linklater, Communications Coordinator, IPF
It wasn’t just a case study; it was a transformative experience.
“What made the Bear Den so special for me was seeing the youth’s ideas come alive. I watched how hard they worked during the sessions I facilitated, and even after those sessions ended, they poured in extra hours to refine their pitches. Then, to see them stand on stage in front of hundreds of community members and judges with such confidence, presenting thoughtful and creative business ideas. It filled me with pride. I couldn’t stop smiling. Being there with them was an honour, and I left inspired by their courage and their vision for the future. If this is what youth dedication and hard work look like, then the future is bright.”
— Marylou Linklater, Communications Coordinator, IPF
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
The Bear Den was not only about competition, but about confidence, belonging, and the belief
that youth voices and ideas are essential to shaping the Cree Nation’s economic
future.
Walking Beside Youth, in Action
At IPF, we believe the solutions and strengths already live within communities and their youth. Our role is to amplify, support, and maximize the potential that is already there. That’s why we were honoured to walk beside young people through a series of workshops designed to build confidence, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills.
Connections in Motion: Icebreakers and games designed to get everyone pumped and excited to start the week. The youth moved around, introduced themselves, laughed, and even danced out their nerves. They shared their goals, dreams, passions, and words of encouragement by answering: “If I could speak to my younger self, what advice would I give?”
Designing Your Business Idea: Mapping ideas using a business model canvas. With guidance and encouragement, the youth began to see how dreams could be shaped into
tangible ventures that honour their communities.
Marketing, Branding & Advertising: Exploring how identity and storytelling can shape strong brands. Youth designed logos, posters, and short campaigns that
expressed pride in who they are and the visions they carry.
Money Smarts for Indigenous Youth: Building financial literacy through fun, interactive tools designed specifically for Indigenous youth. These lessons gave them practical skills to budget, save, and think about how money can fuel their ideas.
Public Speaking & Pitching Skills: Creating space for youth to find their voices. With encouragement and practice, nerves turned into confidence, preparing them for the Bear Den stage.
Throughout, what stood out most was the dedication of the youth. From late-night brainstorming to filming promotional videos to finally stepping onto the stage, they gave their whole selves to the process.
To ensure this impact continued beyond the Summit, and thanks to the generous support of Square. IPF was able to gift iPads and a laptop. Access matters. For many youth, these weren’t just devices but
bridges to education, connection, and opportunity.
“When the youth received their iPads, their faces lit up. They were glowing, honoured, and some said things like, ‘Wow, I can use this going back to school.’ It wasn’t just about a device — it was about feeling seen, supported, and encouraged in their journeys. For me, it was a proud moment to witness their excitement and to know they left the Summit with not only new skills and confidence, but also the tools to keep building on their dreams. One small device, infinite possibility.”
— Alejandra Metallic-Janvier, Program Officer, IPF
“When the youth received their iPads, their faces lit up. They were glowing, honoured, and some said things like, ‘Wow, I can use this going back to school.’ It wasn’t just about a device — it was about feeling seen, supported, and encouraged in their journeys. For me, it was a proud moment to witness their excitement and to know they left the Summit with not only new skills and confidence, but also the tools to keep building on their dreams. One small device, infinite possibility.”
— Alejandra Metallic-Janvier, Program Officer, IPF
Our Digital Access Report highlights why this matters: nearly 40% of Indigenous households in Canada still lack reliable access to digital tools and high-speed internet. By placing tools directly in
the youth’s hands, we ensured that the creativity, learning, and confidence
sparked at the Summit could continue at home, in classrooms, and in their
future businesses.
Download the report here: Digital Access Report
Roots, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Partnership
This was IPF’s first entrepreneurial programming partnership with DCI, and what a beginning. Thanks to the contributions of our funders —
EleV and Square — IPF was able to join forces with DCI and community leaders like Samuel McLeod and Shawn Iserhoff to support youth programming in a meaningful way. Their trust in our work enables us to stand alongside communities and amplify the strengths that already exist.
“This Summit was filled with warmth, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. I was deeply moved by the youth, the commitment of the DCI team, and the sense of shared purpose among everyone
present. At IPF, we are honoured to walk beside DCI and community partners, and we look forward to supporting the continued growth of this annual gathering. For IPF, this was the start of something meaningful, a partnership we hope to
nurture year after year as we continue to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs together.”
— Marylou Linklater, Communications Coordinator, IPF
“This Summit was filled with warmth, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. I was deeply moved by the youth, the commitment of the DCI team, and the sense of shared purpose among everyone
present. At IPF, we are honoured to walk beside DCI and community partners, and we look forward to supporting the continued growth of this annual gathering. For IPF, this was the start of something meaningful, a partnership we hope to
nurture year after year as we continue to uplift Indigenous entrepreneurs together.”
— Marylou Linklater, Communications Coordinator, IPF
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our time in Mistissini, what stays with usis the entrepreneurial spirit that filled each day. The laughter shared, the guidance of Elders, the generosity of mentors, and the courage of youth all came together in a way that inspired us to see what’s possible when innovation and commitment meet. The Cree Nation Government’s Department of Commerce and Industry is leading this work with vision and commitment, ensuring that Eeyou entrepreneurship continues to thrive.
Photo courtesy of the Cree Nation Government Department of Commerce & Industry (DCI)
For IPF, it was an honour to walk beside DCI at this year’s Summit, where culture, community, and entrepreneurship came together in such a powerful way. We left inspired by the youth, by the trailblazers who paved the way, and by the shared vision for the future of Eeyou entrepreneurship. We are excited to continue to support, to amplify, and to stand alongside as this Nation continues to write the next chapter of prosperity and innovation. Together with our partners, we are building futures rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community strength.
Together with our partners — including EleV and Square — we are building futures rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community
strength.
“This Summit showed what’s possible when we honour history, celebrate culture, and stand beside communities in their entrepreneurial journeys. I am proud of our team, inspired by the youth, and deeply grateful for the partnerships that make this work possible.”
— Relay Tangie, Acting Executive Director, IPF
“This Summit showed what’s possible when we honour history, celebrate culture, and stand beside communities in their entrepreneurial journeys. I am proud of our team, inspired by the youth, and deeply grateful for the partnerships that make this work possible.”
— Relay Tangie, Acting Executive Director, IPF
Learn more about Cree Business Summit: Cree Nation Business Summit: Eeyou Entrepreneurship in Focus
Download the Digital Access report: Digital Access Report
Learn more about Money Smarts: Money Smarts - Indigenous Prosperity Foundation
Request A Community Workshop: Money Smarts Workshop Request Form