By Kyle Burton, 2012 Generation Innovation Finalist
(Left to right) Generation Innovation Judge, Peter Smith; MNO Director of
Intergovernmental Relations, Joanne Meyer; MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator
Christine Skura; and 2012 Generation Innovation finalist Kyle Burton
The next generation of Metis entrepreneurs was brought to light at the premiere screening of the first MNO Generation Innovation: Métis Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (video) at Ryerson University on December 7, 2012. Click here to view the video.
Staged by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and hosted by Ryerson University, the screening was followed by a Question and Answer session with past judges and participants of the ‘Dragon’s Den’ like competition.
“It was incredible to see the support of the local community,” said Ryerson MNO Infinite Reach Facilitator Christine Skura. “The screening piqued the interests of viewers about Métis businesses. I think it’s really important to keep youth engaged in these important opportunities,” she added.
The first-of-its-kind competition provides select Ontario youth with professional entrepreneurship training from the GoForth Institute.
The production was filmed in March 2012 when four youth participants pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges.
Contestant Nicolas Delbaere-Sawchuk, a member of the Métis Fiddler Quartet, took first place in the competition. Runner up was magician duo Robert and David Bates of Bates Brothers Magic, and in third place was Kyle Burton of Burton Photography.
The judges showed immense support for the contestants.
“The entrepreneurial spirit has long been part of the Métis culture from the early days of fur trading to present day,” explained one of the judges, Lisa Diamond, President and CEO of Youth in Motion She also stated: “Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among these youth will help them create something valuable for their community while developing their passion.”
Plans are currently underway for a 2013 MNO Generation Innovation competition. Click here for more information.