Forward Together

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 Indi...

Episode Overview On this episode of  Forward Together , host Rod Miller sits down with Geena Jackson —broadcast journalist turned economic development officer, TV creator, and founder of Bears' Lair Dream Camps. Geena shares how her career came full circle, from interning at Hollywood entertainment shows to spending 13 years in economic development with the Squamish Nation—and eventually pitching...

Episode Overview Forward Together host  Rod Miller  sits down with  Darian Kovacs —Métis entrepreneur, founding partner of  Jelly Digital Marketing & PR  and creator of  Jelly Academy —for a candid conversation on building ethical, measurable marketing that actually converts. Darian shares Jelly's origin story (combining PR, social, and digital ads), why  storytelling + reciprocity  sit at the hea...

Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages with Sarah Jacknife, a Métis and Cree policy expert, educator and entrepreneur. They discuss Sarah's journey from her roots in the Elizabeth Métis settlement to founding Jacknife Consulting, which focuses on Indigenous policy and inclusion. The conversation explores the importance of education, the role of po...

Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, Rod Miller sits down with  Corey Janvier (Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation), Founder & CEO of Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial, to unpack how he grew a 100% Indigenous-owned business from a $400 Facebook-Marketplace kit into a multi-division operation serving Metro Vancouver and beyond. Corey shares how ceremony, compassion...

Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together Podcast, Rod Miller sits down with Métis entrepreneur and governance leader Colby Delorme . Colby talks about what pulled him into entrepreneurship, how culture shapes the way he leads, and the lessons he's carried through building  Imagination Group . He shares why mentorship matters for Indigenous youth, including a story of unexpected sup...

Episode Overview In this episode of the  Forward Together  podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with  Deborah Green , a proud Cree woman from the Kawacatoose and Piapot First Nations in Saskatchewan and one of Canada's most influential voices on Indigenous reconciliation. With over 25 years of professional and personal experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion, Deborah has dedicated her career to...

  Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages with Scott Alanen, Vice President of Investment at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation (AIOC). They discuss Scott's journey from traditional finance to advocating for Indigenous economic prosperity, the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing capital, and the importance of trust...

Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Gould, founder of Story Foundry. Jay shares his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and how it influences his work in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope within Indigenous communities and the role of storytelling in bridging c...

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in In...

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Barry Morrissette, a producer and technologist deeply involved in the intersection of technology and Indigenous storytelling. Barry shares his journey and the importance of empowering Indigenous voices through media and technology. He discusses the Indigenous Lens Program, which aims to provide opportunities for youth to...

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, Rod interviews Justin Bourque, a prominent figure in Indigenous economic empowerment. Justin shares his journey from a young apprentice in the oil sands to becoming a leader in Indigenous equity ownership. He discusses the importance of embracing Métis heritage, the challenges and breakthroughs in large-scale Indigenous partnerships, and the signifi...

In this inaugural episode of Forward Together , host Rod Miller sits down with one of Canada's most respected Indigenous leaders, JP Gladu. From his early experiences in community to the boardrooms of national industry, JP shares how his cultural identity and values have shaped his leadership journey—and why economic reconciliation is not only possible, but essential. Together, they explore what i...