OUR APPROACH

OUR METHOD

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 that has 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.

Dean is a member of the Metis Nation, of Cree descent, with over 25 years of leadership in Indigenous economic and business development, plays a key role in developing, monitoring, and evaluating the overall corporate strategy, and oversees core areas of our business operations.  Dean has a strong history of creating profitable business growth and fostering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives between First Nations and corporations across Canada while helping Indigenous communities and businesses realize an increased volume of business activity with further involvement and ownership in large-scale business opportunities in the development and resource sectors.

Kimberly Buffett has focused her career and work on community, social and economic development to create more vibrant and prosperous communities throughout Canada. For several decades, Ms. Buffitt has been working collaboratively with all levels of government and strategic partners in industry, finance and education to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life and opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike. Ms. Buffitt has a passion for business and people and her environment and has successfully leveraged her experiences and passion to create a better world for herself, her children and her community.

Cory has over a decade of experience in the power sector and holds expertise in technical and economic evaluation of a variety of clean energy project types, and has a background in energy and finance. He focuses on identifying both projects and partners that advance community growth and well-being including goals for self-sufficiency, energy security, and sustainability.