HOW BEARS’ LAIR STARTED

In the spring of 2021, Geena spoke with a crew at APTN about her dream of creating a new TV reality series about Indigenous entrepreneurs. Showcasing their products, services, and path to success would also highlight Indigenous values often woven into their business models. Geena knew it was time for a new, educational and inspirational new ‘Reality TV series with REAL impact! Geena is inspired by the sense of accomplishment and pride people feel when they succeed in turning their dream into reality. She knows that when an Indigenous entrepreneur creates a successful social enterprise or small business, many people benefit from their success. She knows that every time:

  • A young digital artist or jewelry maker earns extra money for their family

  • A part-time caterer or bookkeeper fills a gap in a rural or remote area,

  • A trainer or consultant expands their client base to earn more revenue, or

  • An eco-tourism operator or construction contractor launches a company that creates local job

There are multiple direct and indirect social and economic benefits for the community – and the country.

Mission / Vision / Value / Principles

We will honor the diversity and strengths of Indigenous entrepreneurs, business owners and our allies in inclusion who are striving to find a balance between honouring People, respecting the Planet, and making a Profit to achieve a Purpose. We believe that the cultural strengths, expertise, and knowledge held within many Indigenous entrepreneurs and community members can help to shape a more inclusive and sustainability-focused world.

OUR MISSION

FEED THE SPIRIT OF INDIGENOUS BUSINESS

To work towards our economic reconciliation vision, we will create and strengthen relationships that shape a dynamic, community-driven network of people, programs and resources to support Indigenous entrepreneurs at every stage of their business lifecycle.

OUR VISION

INSPIRE RECONCILIACTION

Our vision is that every individual is inspired into ReconciliACTION – that they make compassionate decisions and then take meaningful actions that move our nation towards Reconciliation.

OUR VALUES

HONOUR INDIGENOUS TEACHINGS

Honoring and building on common threads of values woven into many Indigenous teachings; integrity, respect, equity, inclusiveness, openness, reciprocity, transparency, and accountability to the community and whole ecosystem as we work towards economic Reconciliation.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We action these values by following four guiding principles on Bears’ Lair TV:

1. Recognize differences, yet seek common ground.
2. Respect and celebrate diversity.
3. Promote co-opetition.
4. Incite ReconciliACTION.

VALUE-DRIVEN WORK BEGINS BY ACKNOWLEDGING DIFFERENCES.

  • We’ll work to facilitate connections that support the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

  • We will create a collaborative, safe & empowering space to share & learn from others – regardless of their age, race, gender, beliefs or social status – so that everyone benefits.

  • We all have skills and knowledge to contribute to nurturing innovation, community well-being and shared prosperity.

  • We will help to pave a path for success by aligning & inspiring people to share resources & knowledge that everyone can access.

  • We will continue to secure sponsors, advisors & partners to help update our website, expand our team & create value for the community.

Each 30-minute episode will feature brief background stories and inspiring ‘pitches’ of the 18 Contestants:

  • During the first 6 pitch episodes –> with 3 Contestants per show –> there’s 6 Episode winners of $10,000

  • Then on 2 semi-final episodes –> with 3 Contestants per show –> 4 advance to the season finale

  • Then on the Season finale –> with 4 finalists –> 1 Contestant wins $100,000!

  • Watch each episode and correctly answer the weekly trivia question to be entered for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the beautiful Klahoose Wilderness Resort

BUT THE FUN – AND OUR WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION, DOESN’T END AFTER THE SEASON FINALE!

For four weeks after the season finale airs on APTN, the #BearsLairCommunity can vote to award 4 runners-up with $5,000 each.

Bear’s Lair TV winners will be required to do follow-up interviews to show our team and viewers how they used their prize money to ‘Make Shift Happen’ for their business and their community – so EVERYBODY wins!

We are excited and proud to say that Bear’s Lair is:

  • 100% owned by an Indigenous businesswoman

  • Working with Indigenous media-makers to produce the show

  • Led by a core panel of Indigenous business moguls, The Bears’ who volunteered their time and promotional support

  • Elevating and Educating Indigenous Youth Through Bears’ Lair Dream Camps across Canada
  • Promoting Indigenous Business and Industry Leaders Through the Beyond the Lair Podcast