Episode 12: Igniting Indigenous Futures — Bears' Lair and Dream Camps with Geena Jackson

Episode Overview On this episode of Forward Together, host Rod Miller sits down with Geena Jackson—broadcast journalist turned economic development officer, TV creator, and founder of Bears' Lair Dream Camps. Geena shares how her career came full circle, from interning at Hollywood entertainment shows to spending 13 years in economic development with the Squamish Nation—and eventually pitching and producing Bears' Lair, an Indigenous-led business show on APTN and CBC that centres collaboration over competition. She also dives into Bears' Lair Dream Camps, a national youth entrepreneurship program that has already reached nearly 2,000 Indigenous youth in more than 70 communities, teaching them business basics, leadership, and confidence in a culturally grounded, community-driven way. This is a powerful conversation about representation, "co-opetition," and why it's never too late to start something big. Key Takeaways How Geena's early broadcast journalism dreams and Hollywood internships eventually came full circle in the creation of Bears' Lair. Why she believes in "co-opetition"—a collaborative, Indigenous-led alternative to traditional business competition shows. The behind-the-scenes hustle of funding and producing Bears' Lair during a pandemic, and what it took to get Seasons 1 and 2 on APTN and CBC. Real stories of Indigenous entrepreneurs whose businesses and visibility grew after appearing on the show. The vision and impact of Bears' Lair Dream Camps, a national program teaching Indigenous youth (ages 14–18) entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy in their own communities. Why Indigenous entrepreneurship is growing faster than any other demographic in Canada—and how allies, funders, and partners can support that momentum. Geena's perspective on starting a national TV show in her 50s, designing a legacy, and the importance of "Who Not How" when scaling your impact. Guest Bio: 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. Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward. Resources & Links: Connect with Geena Jackson → Click Here! Bears' Lair → https://bearslairtv.com Bears' Lair Dream Camps → https://www.bearslairdreamcamps.com/ Beyond the Lair Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/2BXjxd9CSXFBKpk572QTB8 Why Not How Book By Dan Sullivan: Amazon Store Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/ Follow Forward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link Forward Summit Events and Pricing: Register Now!