History of
Catalyste+ North

To thrive here is no small feat. The resilience and innovation are integral to the people who have called Nunavut home since time immemorial. The values of working together, with respect, dignity, and resilience, towards achievements that benefit all for the people, the land, the community. Passed down from generation to generation, these teachings permeate society. There is a name for the knowledge and mindset: Qaujimajatuqangit.

Simply put, thriving in Nunavut, can only be achieved by working together.

Since 2018, Catalyste+ has worked in partnership with the Nunavut Communities Futures Association (NCFA) to support what matters most to the Inuit and Nunavummiut. Catalyste+ has built relationships and partnerships across the territory with this year’s programming prominently in the Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot and Kitikemot regions.

The Nunavut Advisory and Mentorship Program (AMP) has supported dozens of entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities in the North since 2016. With guidance from local voices and partners like the NCFA, Catalyste+ has built a program that works towards the goal of resilient businesses development, economic growth, and improved employment outcomes. To these ends, a committed and passionate cohort of Catalyste+ Advisors work with businesses to help their mentees work through challenges and achieve new heights for their businesses.

Through the 6-month long program, Advisors listen and learn from their mentees on what specifics they are looking for to create resilient businesses, innovative products, and overcome challenges. Advisors meet regularly online, and even in person.

Catalyste’s AMP Advisors take to heart Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit guiding principles as a personal obligation.

“This fundamental respect for dignity and equality underpins my relationship with people.” Catalyste+ Advisor Jim Klassen says, “The goal being to develop a mentoring environment that is supportive and understanding.”

Welcoming visitors is fundamental to the way of life in Nunavut. Despite the difficulty and distance, dozens of Catalyste+ Advisors have made the journey to Nunavut since programs began.

With that goal, Tourism to Nunavut remains the most important way for outsiders or southerners to experience the territory. In collaboration with the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation (ED&T) the first cohort of the Inuit Tourism Business Mentorships. The program offers tailored mentorship to five Inuit owned travel businesses.

“I’d say we are good for the rest of business life!” Charlie Tautuaqjuk from Baker Lake remarked. Along with Deanna Tupic, their business, Central Tourism and Outfitting provides visitors sustainable eco-tourism tours and big game harvesting. The mentorship empowered their already present skills into a resilient business plan.

The program has delivered results that go beyond refined tourism experiences. Collaboration between Catalyste+ advisors and businesses have resulted in enhanced business planning, successful grant applications, and improved financial reporting. The diversity of companies that have benefited from the program is wide. Companies like Tikippugut Inc, offer customizable experiences like sailing through the Hudson Strait or companies like Coppermine Outfitters that offer sport hunting tours out of an intimate Bed and Breakfast in Kugluktuk. Together they will help welcome to the world to the North.

Foundational to Catalyste+ is the commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous people. To that end, Reconciliation for all is a process rather than a destination. In 2024, Catalyste+ Advisors begin to undertake the journey of understanding Inuit perspectives to ensure that their partnership is meaningful. With guidance and leadership from Northern partners, workshops were held for AMP Advisors in partnership to emphasize Inuit perspectives. Understanding the impacts of colonial practices and laws on Inuit communities, systemic racism, Inuit Culture, and Indigenous intercultural capacity are invaluable for Advisors who themselves are not from the region. Additionally, a workshop was held in 2024 exploring the complexities of running a business in the north, a region whose challenges require business innovation and resourcefulness like no other.

Catalyste+ is committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples across Canada through meaningful actions and partnerships. We strive to ensure our work is aligned with what matters most to our partners and listen to how we can do better. Through supporting projects that promote economic prosperity, self-reliance, and resilient communities we look to embody the spirit of Reconciliation in everything we do.

“By weaving these principles into the fabric of our mentorship, we not only honour the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit but also foster an environment where meaningful and sustainable growth can occur.” Klassen says. “This holistic approach has shaped all of my collaborations and will continue to guide my efforts in nurturing and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.”