Venture Out

Hosted by EntrepreNorth

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About the show

A podcast series that shares the brave stories of Indigenous Northerners who are inspiring innovation and community wellbeing through business. Hosted by EntrepreNorth's CEO Xina Cowan

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19 recent

37 min

The Next Chapter: Northern Indigenous Entrepreneurship with Cora & Jacey

Are You Ready for Your Next Chapter? Introducing the EntrepreNorth Growth ProgramHappy National Indigenous Peoples Day.To mark this special day, we are doing something a little different, this is the first time the Venture Out podcast has featured members of the EntrepreNorth team on the show.Host Xina Cowan (CEO, EntrepreNorth) sits down with Cora Kavyaktok (Program Manager and Founder of Little Inuk Photography) and Jacey Firth-Hagen (Program Coordinator) to talk about what it really means to be an entrepreneur in the North, and why this year's cohort, The Next Chapter, might be the opportunity you have been waiting for.Whether you have been running your business for a while or you are ready to take it to the next level, this conversation is for you.About the Entrepreneur Growth ProgramThe Entrepreneur Growth Program is a seven-month business education and mentorship journey designed for Northern Indigenous entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen their business, grow their confidence, and invest in themselves as leaders.This year's cohort theme is The Next Chapter, open to entrepreneurs across all sectors who have already started building and are ready to take things further. Participants travel to all three territories (Iqaluit, Whitehorse, and Yellowknife), connect with elders, local business leaders, and potential funders, and gain access to mentorship, coaching, a wellness fund, bursaries, and more.Applications are open now to Indigenous entrepreneurs residing in NU, NT, YT.The deadline to apply is July 3, 2026.Apply at www.entreprenorth.ca/growth-programIn This EpisodeWhat the Entrepreneur Growth Program is and what participants receiveWhy the word entrepreneur can feel intimidating, and why that is okayThe story behind this year's cohort theme, The Next ChapterReal stories of transformation from past participantsWhy the in-person gatherings across the territories are at the heart of the programWhat to do if you are not sure you are ready to applyAbout Our GuestsCora Kavyaktok is an Inuk from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, now based in Alberta. As EntrepreNorth's Program Manager, Cora brings close to 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur herself, the founder of Little Inuk Photography, where she has spent nearly two decades capturing portraits rooted in strength, identity, and self-worth, and Inuk Gold, a clothing brand that uplifts Inuit artists through profit-sharing. Her deep roots in Northern entrepreneurship and her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices is exactly what she brings to her work supporting participants through the growth program.Jacey Firth-Hagen (Tsuk Tsal) is a proud Dinjii Zhuh Khaii Łuk ts'àt Nihtat Gwich'in from Inuvik, Northwest Territories. As EntrepreNorth's Program Coordinator, Jacey brings over half a decade of programming experience, having started her journey volunteering at community events in high school and growing into a recognized community builder across the Delta. A co-developer of #SpeakGwichinToMe and Treaty Talks NWT, her commitment to language, culture, land, and community wellbeing shapes everything she brings to this work.Earrings They Are WearingJacey is wearing earrings by Bambi Amos (https://proudlyindigenouscrafts.com/artist/bambi-amos)Cora is wearing Porcupine Kunik Earrings (https://porcupinekunik.com) and a necklace by Tammy TooXina is wearing earrings by Tania Larsson (https://tanialarsson.com)Stay ConnectedWebsite and applications: https://entreprenorth.ca/growth-programSubscribe to our newsletter at https://www.entreprenorth.ca/Listen to Venture Out wherever you get your podcastsFollow UsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EntrepreNorth/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entreprenorth/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@entreprenorthVenture Out's theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Leela Gilday (https://www.leelagilday.com/)

54 min

Chef Steph Baryluk is taking up space in global kitchens

Meet Chef Steph: a proud Teetl’it Gwich’in Red Seal Chef and founder of Nihkhah. In this episode, Steph shares her journey of building an Indigenous-led culinary business rooted in the teaching, "we share what we know and we share what we have." Drawing from her Arctic upbringing and deep connection to food as a space for gathering and healing, she reflects on entrepreneurship, Indigenous food systems, and what it means to lead with values while shaping the future of food for generations to come.Check out Nihkhah.ca

43 min

Les Walker is building new spaces to lead and grow in the North

Meet Les Walker: Owner and CEO of Walker Home Construction in Whitehorse, Yukon, and a proud member of Champaign Aishihik First Nation.Les’s journey is one of transformation; from early challenges to building a thriving construction company that creates more than homes and community spaces. At the heart of his business is a powerful philosophy: cultivating warriors within our community. This commitment shines through in his workforce, where the majority of staff are First Nation citizens, and in the leadership he demonstrates every day.With national recognition - including the NACA Indigenous Business Award of Excellence and the Cando Indigenous Economic Developer of the Year Award - Les’s impact extends well beyond the job site. In this interview, Les explores his personal journey of growth, the art of leading with care and adaptability, and what it means to build capacity and resilience in the North.Check out Walker Home Construction

48 min

Siku Rojas is creating value, beauty, and community in real-time

Meet Siku Rojas, the creative force behind Yurak - a painter, printmaker, illustrator, jewellery maker, and learning tattooist based in Iqaluit, NU. From a young age, Siku has used art to explore identity, culture, and belonging. Their work often weaves in tunniit (Inuit tattoos), depictions of Inuit culture, queer relationships, and the lived experiences of being a mixed-race Indigenous youth. Through their practice, Siku offers bold and beautiful visual representations of genderfluid and queer Inuit stories.But Siku’s path is not only about art; it’s about entrepreneurship. As a full-time artist and alum of the Digital Creatives cohort at EntrepreNorth, Siku has built Yurak into both a business and a platform for community connection. Their journey reflects the balancing act of being a working artist while staying true to deeply personal and cultural themes.Follow Siku on InstagramCheck out their website

47 min

Leela Gilday is redefining the 'art of business' through music

Meet our friend and powerhouse artist, Leela Gilday: an award-winning singer-songwriter whose music carries the heart of the North. A proud member of the Dene Nation, Leela weaves stories of land, people, and journey into songs that feel like home to Northerners, and offer a doorway into the North for everyone else.But Leela’s story isn’t just about music; it’s about entrepreneurship. Over more than 20 years, she has built a sustainable career as an independent artist, touring internationally, winning JUNO Awards, and proving that artists can thrive on their own terms. From navigating the business side of the music industry to creating platforms that uplift other Indigenous voices, Leela is redefining what it means to blend art with enterprise.Follow Leela Gilday on Instagram and FacebookCheck out Leela's website

49 min

Allison Kormendy is supporting her community’s health and wellbeing through her business

Meet Allison Kormendy: the owner of Wild Roots grew up in Dawson City, Yukon, a small Northern town of less than 1,500 people. She is Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in from her father’s side and Yupik from her mother’s.One of Wild Roots’ main purposes is to bring First Nations Traditions and values to the forefront of wellbeing. To intertwine modern day sciences with traditional knowledge to create stronger individuals and therefore stronger communities. Through her small batch food and plant medicines, Allison is connecting to her culture and helping her community heal physically and spiritually through her business.Follow Wild Roots 'Holistic Nutrition & Well-Being' on Facebook and InstagramVenture Out's theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Denendeh's Leela Gilday.

52 min

Angela Code is empowering women to find their strength on the land

Meet Angela Code: a Sayisi Dene | Dënesųłıné hunter, hide tanner, land-based educator, filmmaker, and facilitator from Tadoule Lake - a remote northern community in Manitoba. Angela has lived in the Yukon for many years and this is where she operates her business, Dene Cha'niyé - Indigenous Cultural Contracting. Dene Cha'niyé is Dënesųłıné for “our code of ethics” or “our set of morals” or “our culture, our way of being and knowing.” Angela loves her culture and being out on the land, and through her business she creates opportunities for others - especially women - to find that love too. She offers workshops on ethical hunting and harvesting from a Dene perspective and she also instructs hide tanning, tool making, and the processing of wild meat. Colonization has stifled these practices in many communities, and gender politics impact access to land-based skill development for women. Angela is shifting this narrative in critical ways, and in her words "if women feel empowered with knowledge and skills, they will pass it onto their children and we will have a much more robust economy. Our communities will flourish." In this episode, you will also meet Sayisi Dene | Dënesųłıné land guardian and powerhouse Stephanie Thorassie, who is a relative and dear friend of Angela's and is the Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Initiative, which has a goal to permanently protect the Seal River Watershed from industrial development as an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). Follow Dene Cha'niyé on Instagram and Facebook Follow the Seal River Watershed Initiative on FacebookVenture Out's theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Denendeh's Leela Gilday.

56 min

Gwich'in changemaker Jordan Peterson is sharing the art of negotiating with Northern communities

Meet Jordan Peterson: A disruptor, systems thinker, and entrepreneur from Aklavik, Northwest Territories.Jordan is the CEO of Affinity North: an Indigenous-owned consultancy dedicated to empowering communities and fostering sustainable growth. With a deep understanding of Indigenous culture and values, Affinity North specializes in negotiations, policy, governance, and strategic planning. By prioritizing cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, the consultancy develops tailor-made solutions that create lasting positive impacts.As a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities, Jordan has a strong background in leadership and negotiation. He has held significant roles, such as the elected Deputy Grand Chief/Vice President and Chief Negotiator of the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Strategic Lead for Nation Building at Vuntut Gwitchin Government, and board member of various Indigenous organizations. In these roles, he has focused on advancing self-determination and fostering a new relationship with Canada. In this episode you will also meet beloved Elder Sarah Jerome from Fort McPherson, NWT. Sarah has spent her career leading the way in language and cultural preservation, and she is one of Jordan's greatest mentors. Follow Jordan and Affinity North on LinkedInVisit Affinity North's website

59 min

Jennifer Lindell's hair salon centres the beauty of Inuit values

Meet Jennifer: An award-winning Inuk entrepreneur, hairstylist, and mother from Iqaluit, NU. Jenn is the Owner of Jenn 87 Hairstyling: Iqaluit's only Inuit-owned hair salon that offers clients a truly unique experience and sense of community. Jenn fell in love with hairstyling as a teenager and it's been her career passion ever since. Over the years, she's built a thriving business that models her cultural teachings and the values of respect and generosity that she was raised with.The salon is a space where clients come to feel beautiful and to feel at home. Inuit art and traditional design elements take centre stage, and passers-by are always invited to pop in for a coffee. On occasion, there's even the opportunity to buy smoked fish and handmade jewellery from local sellers. Knowing that access to commercial space is a major barrier, Jenn also ensures that her building (which she proudly owns) is available to host local sewing groups and community workshops. In this episode you will also meet celebrated Inuk broadcaster and communications specialist, Joanna Awa. Joanna has been a devotee of Jenn's from the very beginning, and she deeply appreciates all the trailblazing work that Jenn has done for Inuit entrepreneurship across Nunavut. Follow Jenn87Hair Venture Out's theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Denendeh's Leela Gilday.

1 hr 3 min

Misty Ireland is carrying the spirit of plants forward

Meet Misty: An Intuitive Entrepreneur who is Dehcho Dene from Tthek'éhsehdélı̨ First Nation (Jean Marie River) in the Northwest Territories.Misty is the Owner of Dene Roots, which promotes the power of Dene Science and offers products for those seeking deeper spiritual connections, balance, and wellbeing. For over 15 years she's been creating smokeless smudge sprays that can be used anywhere and blend traditional medicines like spruce root, juniper berry, and sage.Misty is also a Reiki Master and Life Coach. Last year, she made the bold decision to combine her gifts and jump into entrepreneurship full-time. She hasn't looked back since and wants to encourage more Northerners to take the plunge. For Misty, entrepreneurship is a pathway to inspire community-level change that elevates our economies and our collective sense of wellbeing.In this episode you will also meet Tłı̨chǫ changemaker Benjamin Scott, who is the Founding Project Director of EntrepreNorth. Ben and Misty are thought partners who have offered each other a lot of mutual support over the years, and Ben has been witnessing Misty's growth journey since her participation in EntrepreNorth's inaugural Land Crafted cohort.Follow @denerootsVisit deneroots.caThis episode features Northern Love Affair by Digawolf. Venture Out's theme song is Fires Across the Tundra by Denendeh's Leela Gilday.