b'PROFESSIONAL Q&AIve seen that optimism throughtogether. Seeing other Indigenoussupportive and to use humour the Young Entrepreneurshipyoung people in the same situationto get messages across. Being Symposium (YES), which I wasas themselves, or succeeding inserious or stressed doesnt help in proud to create and run alongsideachieving their dreams, is inspiringmost situations.my former boss, Dan Brant. Thisto everyone around them.event has been life-changing, and not just for me but for youngWhat are some of theWhats one crucial thing Indigenous individuals acrosscollaborative success storiesyoud like people to keep in the country. Its led to so manyyouve seen throughout yourmind when working with successes in the mainstream andtime at Indspire? Indigenous organizations and Indigenous communities, so thatsIndigenous youth?been gratifying to witness. I alwaysMany success stories have comeYouth want opportunities. They say that young Indigenous peopleout of Indspires work. Togetherwant a chance to succeed, and just need opportunities and theywith our partners, weve supportedwhen they get it, they will. The will succeed, and YES gave themover 6,000 students over the pastsame goes for Indigenous organiza-a platform to realize they couldtwo years, each year, which has accomplish their goals, build theirbeen incredible. Every one oftions: they have the experience networks, and feel good those students has had a uniqueand expertise to succeed. When I about themselves. story; theyve overcome challengessee governments awarding massive and unbelievable hardships, andamounts of money to different But there are challenges. A highthey have all progressed! I am soorganizations or individuals, I always percentage of Indigenous youthproud of them, and proud that wethink that there are Indigenous come from rural environments andprovided a little assistance alongorganizations out there that can do face financial and social barriersthe way. the job just as well, if not better. when they go to a big universitySo Id like to see more opportuni-or college. Thats why we tryWeve also had success collabo- ties come their way so that they to help by providing financialrating with the federal governmentcan grow. That comes down to support and mentorship, and byand the private sector to supportrespect, understanding, and assisting students where theyFirst Nation, Inuit and Mtisworking together. see challenges. students. Without those partners, we wouldnt be able to reach soOtherwise, I want people to One of the biggest barriers facingmany students.Indigenous youth right now isremember that Indigenous adjusting to life after the pandemic.When building theseorganizations like Indspire have the Theres a mental challenge comingpartnerships, what are someexperience and expertise to work out of this that will be difficultof the strategies that youwith Indigenous communities, orga-for some to overcome, especiallyimplementor that youdnizations and individuals, and that as they get used to being aroundlike to see? we can be a source of connection. people again. Were hearing this, and were assisting where we can. I go into everything with anWhats next for you?open mind and willingness to How do you seecommunicate. I also go intoIm always looking for better ways to entrepreneurship andconversations with Indspiresexecute deliverables, be more effi-education functioningpartners with a focus on showingcient, or provide more assistance in together to empowerresults and demand for support.either funding or capacity-building Indigenous youth? Weve supported many studentssupport. I want students to be able who are now thriving as doctors,to succeed, so Im always looking I see these two paths supportingteachers and other professionals,for ways to look after more of their each other and providing theand we need to celebrate theirneeds. That also means finding ability and confidence to succeedsuccess. Thats what makes the in either one or together. YES wasIndspire Awards so great becauseways to work more effectively with about entrepreneurship, but morethey highlight excellence in theprivate and public sector partners.importantly, it is about building theIndigenous community. Otherwise, I am here to help. Im confidence in Indigenous young people that they can succeed inI also believe strongly in listening.happy here, and I really enjoy the anything they set out to do. It putsThats the only way I learn whatwork. Whenever you can support Indigenous young people intopeople want and how we can6,000-plus students, thats a teams and they accomplish goalshelp. I also like to be uplifting andgood feeling.38indspiration2022'