Hitting the Road with Bears’ Lair Dream Camps

Court “Blackbird” Larabee and Blackbird Canada just wrapped another high-impact contract, this time fueling the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Through Blackbird Canada we partnered with Bears’ Lair Dream Camps (the youth spin-off of the hit APTN show that’s like Shark Tank for Indigenous business). We hit the road to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Cold Lake, Saskatchewan, and Northern Alberta, delivering hands-on youth entrepreneur classes for Indigenous youth ages 11-18.

The Thunder Bay stop hit different. Hosted by Fort William First Nation in my hometown, I facilitated and led the full camp. Watching local youth from my own backyard build business ideas, tackle team challenges, craft logos and pitches, and practice real “Business FUNdamentals” was pure full-circle energy.

These free, immersive 3-4 day Dream Camps blend Indigenous values with practical skills: branding, target markets, start-up costs, marketing plans, public speaking, and confidence-building “co-opetition.” Youth leave with gift cards, swag, and—most importantly, proof they can turn ideas into community wealth.

Blackbird Canada is proud to support programs that inspire education, training, and self-reliance across First Nations communities. More contracts like this mean more youth getting the tools, more Nations lifting their future leaders, and more doors opening for authentic Indigenous-led work.

Looking for a facilitator, coach, or Indigenous relations specialist who delivers results on the ground? Court “Blackbird” Larabee and the Blackbird Canada crew are ready.

Let’s build the next one.