From vision to venture: Indigenous high schoolers embrace entrepreneurship via the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at UBC Sauder School of Business and Junior Achievement BC

Nearly 70 Indigenous high school students from five school districts—North Vancouver, Vancouver School Board, Burnaby School District, New Westminster School District, and Surrey School District—gathered at the UBC First Nations Longhouse to celebrate the completion of the Pathways - Company program from the Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education at UBC Sauder and Junior Achievement BC. 

The event marked the culmination of a transformative 10-week journey that blended Indigenous traditions with business principles, teamwork and leadership skills, empowering students to envision their futures as entrepreneurs and community leaders. 

Led by the Spitz Centre at UBC Sauder School of Business and Junior Achievement BC (JABC), the program has grown significantly in its second year, now including students from 10 high schools across five school districts.  

Weekly mentorship sessions guided by JABC volunteer advisors and Indigenous business leaders introduced students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship while grounding their learning in cultural teachings. The result? A series of innovative business ideas that reflected the unique strengths and perspectives of Indigenous communities. 
 

Empowering Indigenous youth through entrepreneurship 

At the graduation ceremony, students received handmade cedar headbands before presenting their business proposals to an audience of peers, educators, and seasoned Indigenous entrepreneurs. Their ideas ranged from a mobile medical service for remote communities to a youth-led cultural space, a locally sourced hand lotion, and a platform for funding youth sports. Each concept was rooted in Indigenous values, emphasizing community, sustainability, and collaboration. 

Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director, Spitz Centre for Indigenous Business Education, opened the ceremony with a greeting in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and a traditional song, setting a tone of cultural pride and celebration. Reflecting on the students’ progress, he shared, “When we began this program two years ago, intending to create meaningful impact, we envisioned it as dropping a pebble into water to spark a ripple effect. Today, we’re seeing those ripples expand, creating even greater waves of change and opportunity.” 

Thomas-Whonoak encouraged the students to take pride in walking in two worlds: one grounded in their cultural teachings and the other in their pursuit of education and entrepreneurship. “Whether your path leads to a diploma, a degree, an MBA, a PhD, or a Red Seal certification in the trades, know that you are building a future that honours your heritage and creates opportunities for your communities,” he said. 

Honouring knowledge keepers through collaboration and mentorship 

The program’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration. Wendi Campbell, President and CEO of JABC, highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for Indigenous youth. “This program empowers high school students to explore business and entrepreneurship grounded in Indigenous culture and values. Through this experience, youth gain connections, knowledge, and business skills that inspire ideas and opportunities beyond high school,” she said. 

For many students, the program was a life-changing experience. Miles Baker, from the Eslha7an Learning Centre, shared, “This program influenced me to create my own business ideas while honouring my grandma’s teachings as a knowledge keeper. My advice to others? Trust your heart and move forward.” 

Celebrating the next generation of changemakers 

Volunteer mentors also witnessed the students’ growth firsthand. Erik Janze, volunteer with the North Vancouver School District, noted, “Standout moments came during weeks three or four when I could really see the students’ confidence start to grow. They opened up to each other, shared their strengths and vulnerabilities, and generated incredible business ideas.” 

The graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of achievement but a powerful reminder of the potential within Indigenous youth to shape the future of business. As Sarah Thomas, Indigenous COO of Canadian non-profit, Clear Seas, told the students during the fireside chat at the event, “Find out what you’re passionate about and keep at it. It’s the young minds in this room that will take us to the next level of learning in the reconciliation space.” 

A welcoming school environment: UBC Sauder 

UBC Sauder faculty and staff, including Elsa Doxtdator-Jansson, Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor, interacted with the high school students to suggest post-secondary pathways in business. They highlighted the extensive support available through UBC Sauder’s Indigenous student services, which are dedicated to offering a welcoming environment for Indigenous learners. 

The Spitz Centre for Indigenous Education serves as a unifying hub for Indigenous-focused initiatives across UBC Sauder. It seeks to expand access, foster culturally grounded education, build economic capacity and a deeper understanding and allyship within the broader UBC community.