About Me
Geena Jackson is a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt) and a passionate advocate for Indigenous Rights and self-determination. She is an entrepreneur and business leader with 25 years of experience that has worked for First Nation communities and Industry. As an economic development officer for the Squamish Nation for 13 years, followed by executive positions with large Industry companies, Geena recognized that successful projects for Indigenous communities are founded on uniting three vital groups; Indigenous Communities, Industry Expertise and Government support systems.
Indigenous Initiatives has united a team of experts with the knowledge and relationships to navigate complex projects to support Indigenous communities. Geena has helped over 550 Indigenous entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses and social enterprises through exceptional technical assistance to write and attain grant funding and access loans. She is also the creator and host of the Bears Lair TV show on APTN which is dedicated to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs on a National scale.
Key Experiences
KEYNOTE SPEAKING
Geena Jackson is a phenomenal event host whose charisma, expertise, and dedication have shone in various noteworthy gatherings. As the host of the Indigenous Partnerships Success Showcase (IPSS), Geena showcased how innovative relationships between Indigenous businesses and corporate Canada, can foster reconciliation and unity across the nation. Moreover, she was the trailblazing host of the inaugural Indigenomics SHE event that amplified the voices of Indigenous women in business, emphasizing their integral role and impact. Her versatility is evident, as she also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the 30th-anniversary gala of the celebrated Chor Leoni Men’s Choir. Geena’s commitment to creating engaging, inclusive, and powerful events is second to none, and her talent can turn any event into a resounding success.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Geena Jackson, throughout her illustrious career, has made a profound impact on Indigenous communities. She has significantly bolstered the economies of these communities and fostered over 550 Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations. Her extensive expertise in business development, networking prowess, and pragmatic skills have enabled her to secure funding and devise strong business plans for Indigenous development. Through her innovative initiative, “Bear’s Lair”, she has affirmed her commitment to Indigenous socio-economic growth, spotlighting and actively promoting Indigenous business acumen. Her dedication to Indigenous economic progression has left an indelible mark on Indigenous communities nationwide.
FACILITATOR
Geena has excelled as a facilitator, bridging the gap between Indigenous communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous companies, and governments to create mutually beneficial and lasting partnerships. Her work through Bears’s Lair plays a pivotal role in enhancing economic health by facilitating funding and visibility for Indigenous entrepreneurs. By improving access to resources, facilitating valuable connections, and advocating for Indigenous entrepreneurs, Geena is actively contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Canadian economy.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Building on her 13-year tenure as an Economic Development Officer for the Squamish Nation and subsequent executive roles in prominent industry corporations, Geena Jackson stands as a pillar of Indigenous economic development. She founded Indigenous Initiatives, a pioneering venture centered on the belief that the prosperity of Indigenous communities is woven tightly with industry proficiency, governmental support, and proactive community involvement. Guided by her extensive expertise, Geena has successfully harnessed First Nations’ Trust funds to fuel economic growth, profoundly impacting Indigenous communities across the nation.
Key Projects
Bears’ Lair TV
Geena is the creator, executive producer, and core judge of the popular television program Bears’ Lair. The show follows the journeys of 18 Indigenous entrepreneurs across the nation as they pitch their plans to ‘The Bears’ – our panel of Indigenous business moguls – and Guest Judges to try and earn their share of $180,000 in available prize money. This show creates collaborative, empowering and safe spaces for education and mentorship opportunities to inform and inspire Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Bears’ Lair TV Youth Entrepreneurial Camps
Dream Camps encourage young adults to imagine opportunities, to be inspired to continue their education, pursue training and consider entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance by:
• Showcasing local Indigenous businesses, role models, and ways entrepreneurs can follow their passion as they pave their path to self-sufficiency while upholding Indigenous values such as building community wealth.
• Increasing their access to human, cultural, and technical resources that guide them on their journey and boost their success.
Every aspect of the Youth Dream Camps is designed to acknowledge and then use inspiration and information to dismantle the perceived (internal) and systemic (external) barriers often facing young Indigenous entrepreneurs. The Bears’ Lair TV Youth Dream Camps provide up to 25 Indigenous Youth ages 12 to 18 with opportunities to explore the world of small business, life as an entrepreneur and ways to pave their path to self-reliance. Over three fun-filled, interactive days, Youth work in teams with Coaches/Mentors to tackle five team challenges, boost their confidence and develop ‘Business FUNdamentals’ skills.
Indigenous Initiatives
Geena is the president and co-founder of Indigenous Initiatives. She co-founded the organization with her husband Dean Montgomery in 2018. Indigenous Initiatives is a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated company that establishes collaborative economic development between Indigenous Communities, Corporations, Government and Not-for-Profits that respect the cultures and core values of Indigenous people. It works with communities and businesses in supporting initiatives that build growth and success within Indigenous Communities.
Opensky Services
Geena is the President of Opensky Services. A staffing organization that manages recruitment, screening, referencing and interviewing of applicants to place suitable candidates for required positions across different organizations.
Sunspear Renewables
Geena is the Principle of Business Development at Sunspear. She leads the management and communications of internal and external Indigenous & community relations strategies. She is a strong supporter of the green economy and has been working on energy sovereignty for indigenous communities for the past decade.
“It has been my genuine privilege to collaborate with Geena on significant and transformative projects centered around Indigenous relations. Our shared objective has consistently been to identify, address, and bridge the evident gaps within the Aboriginal communities. Geena’s unwavering dedication, innovative thought process, and proactive approach to problem-solving have been instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives. Together, we have endeavored to foster an environment of inclusion, respect, and progress for these communities, laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable development.”
“My association with Geena Jackson stretches back several years, a period during which we have worked together on a multitude of projects benefiting my community of Squamish First Nation. In her position within the nation, she left an indelible mark on over 600 Indigenous entrepreneurs, profoundly impacting their journeys and their businesses. Her work has not only paved the way for economic empowerment and growth among Indigenous entrepreneurs, but it has also reshaped communities, introducing new opportunities and hope.”
“My collaboration with Geena on creating an entrepreneur’s workbook was nothing short of a masterclass in dedication and passion. Her knowledge and her wisdom is unwavering. Working with Geena, you don’t just embark on a project; you become part of a movement that’s transforming lives and communities.”
Contact Geena
