Reflections from Yellowknife: Learning from Indigenous Entrepreneurship in the North

Recently, I travelled to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to attend the Empowering Innovation Spirit Conference hosted by EntrepreNorth. Yellowknife is located on the traditional and ongoing territories of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, and I am grateful for their stewardship of the land, welcome and leadership.

The gathering was designed with intention: to explore how entrepreneurship can strengthen community well-being, drive innovation, and shape a future grounded in shared values and Northern strength. The event intentionally celebrated and supported Indigenous entrepreneurship in the North, bringing together Indigenous entrepreneurs, innovators, youth leaders, policy-makers, funders, and allies from across Northern Canada, the Circumpolar Arctic, and beyond.

A Generous Welcome

This was my first time travelling to the North.Growing up and working in Southern Canada, my understanding of the country has often been shaped by an east-west lens.. Visiting Yellowknife expanded my perspective profoundly. The trip itself was eye-opening, and the city’s energy, shaped by both its natural surroundings and its diverse community, left a lasting impression.

From the outset, I was struck by the hospitality and care with which conference participants were welcomed. One of the most powerful moments came from being hosted on the land by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Organized by B. Dene Adventures, a small group of conference attendees spent time on the land while Bobby Dene shared stories of his family and community, including both stories of resilience and the realities of colonial harm. His patience, honesty, and generosity in sharing his family’s land and traditions with us set the tone for the entire visit.

Learning Through Culture and Collaboration

The conference was exceptionally well curated, highlighting the strengths of Northern and Indigenous entrepreneurship. I was particularly inspired by Brenda Dragon, founder of Aurora Heat, who has built a sustainable, Indigenous-led business rooted in traditional knowledge.

Beyond the formal sessions, participants engaged in cultural workshops and experiences, from traditional crafts to celebrations of music, art, and dance. I had some unforgettable moments  witnessing the Aurora Borealis (in the wee hours of the night!) around a campfire, a spiritual and grounding experience that underscored the deep connection between land, culture, and community that local leaders had shared throughout the conference.

The conference was also a space for building relationships. I met Indigenous entrepreneurs from remote Northern communities, whose perspectives on both the opportunities and barriers of starting businesses in the North are essential to hear. International participants from Greenland, Finland, and Alaska brought additional richness, offering lessons and possibilities for supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in northern regions.

Lessons to Carry Forward

This trip allowed me to question many of my own assumptions and continue un-learning the narratives I’ve been taught about the North.  My visit offered a glimpse into a region with  incredible natural beauty shaped by diverse communities with deep histories and enduring connections to the land. Alongside Indigenous leaders and community members, I met newcomers who proudly call Yellowknife home, including immigrants who have lived there for years. Their stories challenged my assumptions about who makes up the Northern population and highlighted the generosity of Indigenous communities in continuing to welcome others onto their lands.

This experience reinforced that supporting Indigenous self-determination must be central to skills development and economic growth strategies in the North. The Future Skills Centre’s (FSC) role is not to direct but to walk alongside Indigenous communities — helping remove barriers and supporting access to resources and partnerships that enable their visions to flourish. On a personal level, I left with a renewed commitment to explore Canada’s North with my own family, engaging in respectful tourism that uplifts Indigenous businesses and communities.

FSC has partnered with EntrepreNorth on the Taking It Digital project, and other Northern-based organizations to develop tools and resources that support Indigenous entrepreneurs. This conference reaffirmed how much more there is to do. Looking ahead, FSC is dedicated to strengthening partnerships that invest in Northern and Indigenous innovation — not as one-off projects, but as part of a long-term commitment to reconciliation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint, official policy or position of the Future Skills Centre or any of its staff members or consortium partners.