Built on strength: Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic sovereignty 

Imagine a future where Indigenous communities thrive, empowered by their own vision and enterprise. Indigenous Peoples, a rapidly growing population in Canada, are at the forefront of shaping this future. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous peoples represent about five per cent of Canada’s population, and their journey towards economic sovereignty has faced historical barriers stemming from colonialism, lack of infrastructure, limited capital and restricted access to opportunities. Futurpreneur believes entrepreneurship is a transformative tool for Indigenous self-determination and economic reconciliation, fostering growth and prosperity. 

We asked members of the Futurpreneur Indigenous team about their experiences and how entrepreneurship supports economic sovereignty for Indigenous communities. We also asked how the Futurpreneur Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) helps young Indigenous entrepreneurs take meaningful steps toward that goal.  

Here’s what they shared:

Holly Atjecoutay, Head of DEI and Director, Indigenous and Northern Entrepreneurs 

“Historically, Indigenous economies were egalitarian, independent and flourishing, akin to modern-day entrepreneurship. These ways were lost with colonialism. Indigenous people possess blood memory of entrepreneurship; it comes naturally to so many Indigenous youth. At the foundation of Indigenous economic prosperity and reconciliation is entrepreneurship! We are witnessing the revitalization of Indigenous economies, reclaiming our sovereignty and space within the broader Canadian economy. Our all-Indigenous team works alongside young Indigenous entrepreneurs, building tailored programs and connecting them to valuable resources and supports.” 

Jason McDonald, Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“Without entrepreneurship, many First Nation territories would not survive; there would be 100% dependence on outside funds. The saying in Akwesasne is, ‘If we are depending on government funds to survive, we are not sovereign.’ What the IESP does helps overall communities survive. I am proud to be a member of IESP.” 

Noah Wilson, Senior Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“According to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), ‘Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.’ One of the core elements to help our communities achieve self-determination and economic sovereignty is to create an environment for economic reconciliation led by Indigenous small and medium enterprises. We cannot rely solely on initiatives driven by Indigenous Nations. The strongest economies are driven by entrepreneurs who have the independent ability to drive innovation, accountability and resilience. We are helping lead the movement that is unlocking the repressed potential of Indigenous entrepreneurs who have been historically excluded.” 

Devaiya Corbett, Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“Entrepreneurship goes far beyond just owning your own business. It is a shift in thought, leadership and trailblazing new opportunities. Being an entrepreneur means dedicating your energy to a vision bigger than yourself for the benefit of future generations. Our IESP is one piece of the puzzle supporting economic sovereignty. Our dedicated team is committed to building meaningful relations and supporting young entrepreneurs to not only live their dreams, but to create change, break cycles and become proud business owners.” 

Jocelyn Eisert, Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“From my experience, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about reclaiming economic dependency and preserving cultural identity. The IESP is designed to address historical economic marginalization by providing targeted support. It’s not just about funding, but about creating a holistic ecosystem for Indigenous entrepreneurs. We are seeing young entrepreneurs create businesses that are not just economically viable, but also deeply rooted in traditional knowledge. It’s about creating economic pathways that respect and elevate Indigenous cultural practices. We are not just an entrepreneurial program—we are a movement towards reclaiming economic opportunities and building resilient, culturally grounded economic futures.” 

Logan Daoust, Bilingual Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“Entrepreneurship is a way for Indigenous peoples to reclaim economic independence. It diversifies the workforce and strengthens local economies, while keeping culture at the heart of business. The IESP helps young Indigenous entrepreneurs take meaningful steps towards that goal by providing financing, one-on-one mentorship and tailored resources.” 

Jordan Smith, Program Specialist, Indigenous Entrepreneurs 

“Entrepreneurship has been a meaningful part of my own journey and something I’ve seen make a real difference in Indigenous communities. It’s a powerful way for Indigenous peoples to reclaim control over our economic futures, supporting economic self-determination and sovereignty. It also creates space to carry our cultures forward in meaningful and modern ways, weaving tradition into innovation. Programs like the IESP provide the mentorship, funding and culturally grounded support that young Indigenous entrepreneurs need to take the first steps. We’re not just building businesses—we’re helping shape a future rooted in Indigenous strength, creativity and sovereignty.” 

At Futurpreneur, we are honoured to walk alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs as they build businesses that reflect their values and contribute to thriving communities.  

If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur, ages 18-39, anywhere in Canada interested in starting, buying or growing a business, click here to learn more about a loan with mentorship and resources from the Futurpreneur Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program.