b'ENTREPRENEURSHIPPROMOTING INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURSHIPGeena Jackson on leading in the LairG eena Jackson believesBy Nickita Longman in their business that would ensure they where she took on a contract to support you are either bornIndigenous business start-ups with thewere giving back to benefit and heal their an entrepreneur,Squamish Nation. What started as a six- community, she shares, whether it was or you can learnmonth contract became a 13-year tenure.financial support, hiring Indigenous to become one. She was born one: withI have family that married into thepeople, supporting Elders, advocating for a paper route at the age of eight and aSquamish Nation, Jackson shares, so itclean water, providing opportunities for handful of babysitting gigs by age 14,felt like the right thing to do.youth or bringing back industry leaders Jackson says she has lived a life of takingto communities.risks. Reflecting on her journey, it is clearAt the time, the nation had just over 4,000 that many of those risks have brought hermembers. Jacksons role allowed her toWitnessing the passion Indigenous to success. help over 500 entrepreneurs start up theirentrepreneurs carry for their communities businesses. It can be hard for nations tosparked Jacksons desire to increase her Jackson is the creator and executiveachieve that kind of support and capacity,own ability to support their success. Before producer of the competition reality showbut if there is someone dedicated to thislong, she decided to pitch a show to APTN Bears Lair, and host of the successfulwork in your nation that can assist withthat would showcase Indigenous brilliance spin-off podcast called Beyond the Lair. Agrants, opportunities and day-to-daywithin the business world in a format proud member of the shshlh Nation onquestions, a community can really thrive,similar to CBCs Dragons Den. her fathers side and of English descentshe says.on her mothers side, Jackson began herI pitched the show based on that intent to own residential business at the age of 21.The position helped her gain a deepshow culture and support to one another, The business grew into success, but didrespect for Indigenous creators, particu- she recalls. The show is very inclusive not quite fulfill her desire to find her ownlarly due to the unique barriers they facedfor any First Nation, Inuit or Mtis busi-voice. While early employment taughtin their pursuits. Lack of professionalness that has a few years of experience her the basics of public relations, Jacksonsupport, limited access to funding, racism,under them. The business has to have furthered her knowledge in the area bystereotypes and discrimination are just asome history of transactions, and most studying journalism. She later pursued afew commonalities Jackson witnessed withimportantly, you have to have an element career in public broadcasting, which even- nearly every person she set out to support. of giving back in some way.tually took her to Los Angeles.Despite the consistent pushback, JacksonSeason 1 of Bears Lair was filmed during In 2007, the opportunity to expand inwitnessed another common theme.the pandemic and came with lots of the entrepreneurial industry broughtEvery single entrepreneur that Ive everlearning curves, but the throughline Jackson back to the west coast of Canada,met weaved through a common threadremained. Each season showcases 18 Bears Lair Youth Dream Camp.34 Spring/Summer 2025'