Indigenous Prosperity Foundation

06/05/2026

Meet Chad Smoke, IPF’s Launchpad Program Officer.

Chad is from Akwesasne and brings a wide range of experience, curiosity, and welcoming energy to his new role with IPF.

In our latest Q&A, Chad shares more about who he is, the experiences that shaped his path, and what excites him about supporting Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs through Launchpad.

From his background in banking, administration, management, and trades work to his love of hockey, golf, film, and music, Chad brings adaptability, sincerity, and a people-focused approach to this work.

Read the full Q&A here:
https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/supporting-the-next-chapter-of-launchpad

We're so excited you have joined the IPF team, Chad Smoke!

06/04/2026

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Chad Smoke, IPF’s new Launchpad Program Officer!

Chad is from Akwesasne and brings experience, care, and a strong understanding of Indigenous entrepreneurship to this next chapter of Launchpad.

Through his previous work with NACCA, Chad has become a familiar and trusted presence to many people across the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem. We are excited to celebrate his move into this new role with IPF, where he will continue supporting Indigenous youth and early-stage entrepreneurs as they explore their ideas, build confidence, and take meaningful next steps.

We are so glad to have Chad joining the IPF team.
Read the full announcement here: https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/indigenous-prosperity-foundation-welcomes-chad-smoke

06/03/2026

🚀 Launchpad is here to help Indigenous entrepreneurs turn ideas into action!

Launchpad offers a cohort-based mentorship and funding opportunity for Indigenous youth (39 years old and under) working on business, community, or social impact initiatives.

✔ Open-access entrepreneurship training available year-round
✔ Selected participants will receive mentorship over a 3-month cohort cycle and may be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in funding.
✔ Six cohorts annually, with the first cohort beginning in July

Participants can learn at their own pace while gaining access to experienced mentors, business development support, and grant funding opportunities designed to help advance their ventures.

📅 Expression of Interest deadline: June 19th, 2026
https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/launchpad-applications

This Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step in the application process. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete a full intake form and participate in a follow-up conversation.

Ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?

Apply today! https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIBiHMxcLUm8caiWLQweZricoAgRyVBGubpDWIJPqlBUN0ZZUDZDQVQ0RFNWQkRCQlVZSDcwVUVZNi4u

05/28/2026

This May, IPF was honoured to be part of Forward Summit West in Calgary, joining Indigenous entrepreneurs, community leaders, and economic development practitioners for meaningful conversations about growth, leadership, and long-term prosperity.

IPF Executive Director Michelle Okere facilitated the Scaling Smart workshop at the Thrive Indigenous Entrepreneurs Growth Lab, helping entrepreneurs explore how to grow their businesses with stronger systems, confident leadership, and sustainable support.

She also moderated the Building Strong Indigenous Economic Development Corporations panel at Forward Summit West, alongside Jeff Epp of Mikisew Group of Companies, Frank Busch of Kelso Technologies Group, and Geena Jackson of Bears’ Lair and Indigenous Initiatives Inc. The panel explored governance, collaboration, Nation-led economic development, and community-driven business strategies.

These conversations reflect IPF’s commitment to showing up where Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities are, contributing to the work of building stronger pathways for the future.

Read the full story on our blog. https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/ipf-at-forward-summit-west

05/21/2026

Learning through play. Building confidence together.

At the end of February, Alejandra Metallic-Janvier travelled to Moose Cree First Nation for the Moose Cree Business Development Conference, where IPF was invited by Futurpreneur to bring Money Smarts to youth, families, and community members.

We were invited by Futurpreneur to bring Money Smarts, a hands-on financial literacy program through play, to the conference, and the experience is still sitting with us in the best way. Participants gathered in groups, worked through all eight rounds, asked thoughtful questions, and shared plenty of laughter along the way.

The room was full of energy, snacks, friendly competition, and real conversations about money, careers, and what the future can look like.

One of the moments that stood out most was seeing families learn together. Parents and youth sat side by side, supporting each other and sharing the experience. It was a beautiful reminder that learning in community builds confidence, connection, and lasting memories.

We are grateful for being invited into this space and to the Moose Cree First Nation for such a warm welcome.

Read the full blog: https://www.indigenousfoundation.ca/blog/building-confidence-and-connection

05/13/2026

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation was proud to be part of Indspire’s 2026 Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering, hosted this week at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 💙

The Indspire gathering brought together Indigenous students from across the country for several days of learning, exploration, and connection centered around education, entrepreneurship, leadership, career pathways, and future opportunities. 🎓🌱

Our team was grateful for the opportunity to share resources through MoneySmarts and Launchpad, connect with youth from across Canada, and take part in conversations about financial literacy, confidence, goal-setting, and Indigenous prosperity. 💡

There was so much good energy, encouragement, and inspiration throughout the week, and we’re excited for all the young people stepping into their futures and chasing what’s possible. 💜

05/13/2026

This photo from last week still means a lot to us.

It captures more than a group standing together. It reflects young Indigenous entrepreneurs stepping into their ideas, sharing their stories with confidence, and being surrounded by a community that believes in them every step of the way.

Behind this moment are months of mentorship, encouragement, hard work, guidance, and support from people both in and beyond this photo. Mentors, judges, staff, partners, and the community all helped create space for these entrepreneurs to grow, build connections, and believe in what’s possible for their futures.

We are so proud of every person in this photo and everything this moment represents.

This is what Indigenous youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and community support look like. 🌱

If you’ve been thinking about starting or growing a business, join the next Launchpad cohort: https://indigenousfoundation.thinkific.com/

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Bradley Jr Mianscum, founder of Mianscum Advisory and Bookkeeping Services, on being named First Place Winner at the Inaugural Indigenous Launchpad Showcase. 🤩🎉✨

Bradley presented a clear and purpose-driven business focused on helping entrepreneurs strengthen their financial systems, build confidence in their numbers, and avoid common challenges as they grow. 🙌🤝

His vision reflects the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurship: practical solutions, community-minded service, and a commitment to helping other businesses succeed.

Congratulations, Bradley. We are proud to celebrate your work and excited to see what comes next.🙌👏🎉

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Cianna Fayant Gill, founder of Mînawâ, on being named Second Place at the Inaugural Indigenous Launchpad Showcase!!!! 👏 🤩 🎉

Cianna presented a thoughtful and purpose-driven business model rooted in secondhand fashion, sustainability, community care, and creative reuse. Through Mînawâ, she is building a model that includes boutique, community, and recycling streams, creating pathways for clothing to be reused, recirculated, and reimagined.

Her presentation reflected clarity, care, and a strong commitment to building a business with both purpose and possibility.

Congratulations, Cianna. We are proud to celebrate your work and excited to see where Mînawâ goes next. ✨

05/08/2026

Five Indigenous youth entrepreneurs stepped forward to present their businesses, share their vision, and connect with a room full of partners, community leaders, and supporters at the inaugural Indigenous Launchpad Showcase, held on May 6, 2026, at the NACCA Forum.

Featuring:
Kyler Wilson — KylerWilsonVO
Cianna Fayant Gill — Mînawâ
Nikole Braun — Kree-Maican Cultivations
Bradley Mianscum — Mianscum Advisory and Bookkeeping Services
Theron Morningstar — Indigenous Athletic Development Circle

This moment reflected what Launchpad was created to support: Indigenous youth entrepreneurs building confidence, strengthening their ideas, and moving toward the next stage of growth with community behind them.

Thank you to our judges for bringing your insight, care, and leadership to the inaugural Indigenous Launchpad Showcase. Elaine Chambers, Jennifer Brennan, Abdullah Snobar, Bobbie Racette, Cynthia Desjardins.

Thank you to our mentors: Katonhetsheriio Ashley Clark, Anthony Wingham, Kass Ondra, and Coby Royal

With gratitude to our partners: NACCAinfo DMZ Mastercard Foundation EleV Indigenous RBC BMO Financial Group

A special thank you to and their team for helping us capture this moment with care, creativity, and intention.

https://youtu.be/BnSNcyXUQkg

The Indigenous Prosperity Foundation is proud to share the video from our inaugural Indigenous Launchpad Showcase.Held during the NACCA Indigenous Prosperity...