Nunavut News Article: Celebrating our Indigenous Partners

How mentorship fuels local success stories across Nunavut

Written by the team at Nunavut News

As featured in Nunavut News on December 22, 2025

In Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, it’s not unusual to hear the whir of a snowmachine heading out toward the water or see someone hauling supplies into a workshop behind their home.

When Kangiqtiniq artist Haley Alakan White decided to formalize her growing mixed-media craft business, she already had the skills she needed – techniques handed down from family and elders, knowledge of materials like bone, antler and stone, and a loyal base of customers who recognized the value of her work.

What she didn’t have was a business plan or a clear route to access the funding that would allow her business to thrive.

We don’t often see the challenges of transitioning an idea into a viable business or organization. This often involves a lot of paperwork, from proposal writing and figuring out price lists to tracking down funding opportunities.

Working with Catalyste+ Advisor Tracey Johnston-Aldworth, Haley created a detailed business plan, registered her business, secured a licence and completed her first funding application.

“I really appreciate the opportunity. I can’t wait to move forward with the confidence I’ve gained from Tracey about my business,” White says.

Catalyste+ is a Canadian nonprofit with more than 50 years of experience in economic development and has long worked with Indigenous communities to strengthen the skills, systems and support that allow ideas to grow into something more.

Nunavut Advisory and Mentorship Program (AMP) is delivered by Catalyste+ Indigenous and Northern Services in partnership with the Nunavut Economic Developers Association.

Through the program, Indigenous-led businesses, hamlets, economic development corporations and nonprofits can apply for no-cost guidance.

“We connect local leaders and entrepreneurs with experienced advisors who offer practical guidance in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, grant readiness and organizational sustainability,” says Jessica Bomberry, Project Officer for the Indigenous & Northern Services at Catalyste+.

“Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, AMP fosters community-driven solutions and long-term economic resilience, reducing barriers to support while building local capacity, confidence and leadership, ultimately helping Nunavut economies transform ideas into lasting impact.”

Catalyste+ led a two-day governance workshop for Sakku Investment Corporation, an Inuit Birthright Corporation with decades of regional impact.

A different kind of challenge faced Derek Qimuksiraaq Irwin, founder of Qaumajuq Environmental Ltd (QEL).

As his Inuit-owned consulting company took on more work, the question became how to keep up with communications, branding and online presence–the behind-the-scenes structure that many small businesses struggle to maintain.

Catalyste+ Advisor Arthur Grant Lee helped QEL publish a new website, update their marketing tools, and set up systems for managing client communications.

“Grant is a great guy. He not only helped me build my website, but he improved my Facebook. He got me on Instagram and he gave me a full breakdown of marketing techniques, which is amazing. So he went above my expectations, actually,” Derek says.

And it isn’t only individual entrepreneurs looking for guidance.

Sakku Investment Corporation, an Inuit Birthright Corporation with decades of regional impact, invited Catalyste+ to lead a two-day governance workshop.

Advisor Oriana Trombetti walked board members through legislation, bylaws and the practical roles of governance – the kind of clarity that strengthens decision-making for years to come.

“Oriana was an absolute pleasure to work with through all phases of our Board Governance Workshop project,” says Kevin Sanguin, Director, Professional Development at Sakku Investments Corporation. “Board members and the Sakku Executive Team were unanimously very pleased with Oriana’s preparation and delivery of the Board Governance topics.”

When people have access to training, mentorship and steady guidance, opportunities stay closer to home. Jobs grow, local expertise strengthens and funding reaches those who know exactly where it’s needed.

Explore programs and services online at Indigenous and Northern Services, by email indigenousservices@catalysteplus.org or toll-free at 1-800-268-9052 ext. 4113.