| by Jennifer Kinakin, District Careers Coordinator
Over four days, 35 Indigenous students, representing all secondary schools from the North Vancouver School District (NVSD), engaged in a program focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurial leadership—delivered through an Indigenous lens. The experience featured several workshops and a visit to the UBC Sauder School of Business, connecting students with pathways to post-secondary and business opportunities. Inspired by the vision of Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Executive Director of Indigenous Business Initiatives at UBC Sauder and Windsor Secondary alumnus, and supported by Wendi Campbell, President & CEO of Junior Achievement BC (JABC), the program aimed to: - inspire and empower Indigenous students through culturally grounded financial and entrepreneurial mentorship
- learn about the rebuilding of the Indigenous economy
- build connections between NVSD, UBC Sauder, and JABC to foster future opportunities
Students toured UBC, visited the First Nations Longhouse, and heard from Indigenous Sauder students and alumni about pursuing commerce while staying rooted in community and identity. Looking ahead, NVSD will launch the Indigenous JA Company Program in 2025/26 for Grades 10–12—offering students the chance to build and run real businesses, guided by JABC educators and Indigenous business mentors. Thank you to our NVSD Indigenous educators, support staff, and leaders. This initiative represents a shared commitment to nurturing empowered, future-ready youth. Special thanks goes out to UBC Sauder School of Business for providing many of the photos below. 
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