Episode Overview

In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, host Rod Miller sits down with Dean Montgomery — CEO of Indigenous Initiatives Inc., President of Sunspear Renewables, Co-Founder of Bears’ Lair TV, and a proud citizen of the Métis Nation. Dean shares how his family background and early entrepreneurial experiences shaped his approach to building meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities and corporate Canada. He reflects on the dramatic shift in Indigenous economic development over the past decade — and how nations are taking increasing ownership in energy projects, business development, and long-term economic planning.

Dean also highlights the work behind Indigenous Initiatives, Sunspear Renewables, and Bears’ Lair — from supporting nations with funding and strategic planning, to advancing Indigenous-led clean energy solutions, to empowering youth through entrepreneur camps. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of values, community leadership, and hope — and why Indigenous-led companies are now guiding the way forward in strengthening economic reconciliation across Canada.

Key Takeaways

• Dean’s Métis and Cree heritage deeply influences his worldview and commitment to supporting Indigenous communities.
• His early business ventures naturally led to building relationships with local nations long before “inclusion” was a mainstream concept.
• Indigenous Initiatives Inc. helps nations with strategic planning, governance, community engagement, and gaining access to capital.
• Many nations face barriers around funding, financial history, and capacity— areas Dean’s team works to strengthen.
• Sunspear Renewables supports energy sovereignty through Indigenous-owned solar and microgrid projects while training local community members.
• Clean energy projects allow nations to redirect savings into areas like health care, housing, and education.
• Bears’ Lair TV and the youth entrepreneur camps provide safe, inspiring spaces for Indigenous youth to learn business skills and design ventures that support their communities.
• Youth consistently create business ideas rooted in community well-being and cultural pride.
• Indigenous-led companies are increasingly leading major partnerships and guiding corporations on how to work effectively with nations.
• Dean encourages corporations to begin with their values and be clear about what they are truly willing to give in a partnership.
• His long-term vision includes Bears’ Lair programs in more communities, Indigenous microgrids powering nations, and continued growth in education and capacity building.

Guest Bio:

Dean Montgomery is a proud Métis business leader with 25+ years of experience building strong, respectful partnerships between Indigenous communities, Corporate Canada, government, and non-profits. His work focuses on creating real economic opportunities — grounded in Indigenous values, leadership, and ownership. With a focus on long-term impact, he works alongside companies to launch Indigenous Relations departments, develop meaningful engagement strategies, and structure joint ventures that reflect true partnership and profitability. This work turns collaboration into action — specializing in the resource and energy sectors.

Host: Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Dean Montgromery → Click Here!

Learn more about Indigenous Initiatives Inc. → Click Here!

Learn more about Sunspear Renewables → 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 Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/ Follow Forward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link

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