The Indigenist

What does it take to run an Indigenous-led design agency that challenges industry norms? In this episode, Jennifer Taback – co-founder of Design de Plume – shares how Indigenous leadership and creativity are changing the world of design. She talks about building an agency from the ground up, weaving cultural storytelling into branding, and overcoming challenges with resilience. It’s a warm and inspiring conversation about entrepren...

In this episode, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Shauna White Bear, an Indigenous entrepreneur and founder of White Bear Moccasins. Shauna shares how a single request for handmade moccasins became the spark for a business rooted in culture, craftsmanship and community. 

What began in a small cobbler’s shop has grown into a purpose-driven venture determined to keep moccasin-making alive. Through every stitch, she honours the te...

In this episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Moirae Choquette, an Indigenous entrepreneur and the founder of Tomato Wheels Lambrusco. Moirae is redefining the wine industry with her bold and refreshing take on the classic Italian sparkling red, blending tradition with innovation to create a unique and celebrated wine experience.

From her Métis and Ukrainian roots in Saskatchewan to launching one o...

In this episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld chats with Michelle Okere, the inaugural Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from her Métis-Cree roots in Saskatchewan to becoming a leader dedicated to supporting Indigenous women, youth, and underserved entrepreneurs.

With her unique perspective shaped by her upbringing and diverse professional experienc...

In this episode of the Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld interviews Carey Calder, a proud Anishinaabe entrepreneur and founder of Nakanagis Consulting. With over 20 years of leadership in Indigenous non-profits, Carey shares her journey from her roots in Thunder Bay to becoming a leader in Indigenous consulting. She discusses her passion for helping organizations and governments manage risk, drive growth, and build innovat...

In this episode of The Indigenous Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Chad Solomon, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur from Henvey Inlet First Nation. Chad shares his inspiring journey from a self-published artist to the founder of Biskane, an online marketplace dedicated to authentic Indigenous art. He discusses the challenges Indigenous artisans face, such as art fraud and limited market access, and how Biskane is opening doo...

In this captivating episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Sage Paul, the Executive & Artistic Director and co-founder of Indigenous Fashion Arts.

Sage, an urban Denesuline woman based in Toronto, shares her inspiring journey and commitment to fostering and celebrating Indigenous expression in fashion and the arts. With almost 20 years of experience as a fashion and costume designer, Sage has le...

In this episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Drew Denton, President of EME Utility Engineering LP, a company specializing in electrical and mechanical engineering design services for residential, commercial, institutional, and complex buildings.

Drew shares the inspiring journey of EME Engineering Inc., a company with a specific focus on renewable and alternative energy projects, including solar P...

In this beautiful, honest and raw episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Jenn Harper, the visionary founder of Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned sustainable colour cosmetics brand.

Jenn shares her remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community impact, highlighting the importance of Indigenous wisdom and representation in the beauty industry. From her Anishinaabe roots to t...

In this episode of The Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Shylo Elmayan, the visionary founder of Niibin Advisory Services, an Indigenous-owned consulting firm dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities across Canada.

Shylo shares her inspiring journey of establishing Niibin Advisory Services and her deep commitment to driving positive change within Indigenous community organizations and beyond. With a foc...

In today's episode of the Indigenist Podcast with host Steven Vanloffeld. Join us as we sit down with Sharon Bond-Hogg, a proud member of the Nooaitch First Nation and the visionary force behind Kekuli Café, Canada's first Indigenous fast-food and coffee franchise.

Hailing from Merritt, British Columbia, Sharon's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to Indigenous business and entrepreneurship. Graduatin...

In this weeks episode of the Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld sits down with Corey Janvier, Founder and CEO of Cedar Brush Site Services and Janitorial. Hailing from Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, nestled in the heart of the Oilsands Region of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Corey's journey from social work to entrepreneurship exemplifies his unwavering commitment to community enhancement and economic development. With...

In this episode of the Indigenist Podcast, host Steven Vanloffeld delves into the groundbreaking journey of Chelsee-Marie Pettit, the visionary Founder of ᐋᓃᓐ aaniin retail inc. With a bold mission to redefine the retail landscape, Chelsee-Marie has carved out a significant space for Indigenous voices and values within the industry. As the driving force behind Canada’s First Department Store that is 100% Indigenous owned, Chelsee-M...

This week, Steven sits down with Jason Thompson, a proud member of the Red Rock Indian Band, who is a skilled executive and visionary entrepreneur with over 25 years of business and management experience.

As the President and CEO of Superior Strategies Inc., Warrior Engineering Ltd, and All 3 Innovation, Jason is deeply committed to Indigenous ownership and operation. These businesses have consistently demonstrated year-ov...

On our inaugural episode, Steven sits down with Tracee Smith, President and CEO of Keewaywin Capital Inc., the first Indigenous private credit fund committed to building homes for Indigenous Peoples on-reserve. Tracee is a highly accomplished individual with over two decades of experience in both corporate and charitable sectors. She is a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation in northern Ontario and holds an MBA specializing i...