As we step into a season of celebration Aksis is proud to mark a remarkable milestone—our 15-year anniversary! For a decade and a half, we’ve been dedicated to uplifting Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals strengthening connections and creating pathways for growth within our communities. We are excited to unveil our refreshed brand as we move into our next chapter. This milestone highlights the strength, innovation, and resilience of our community. Happy Holidays from all of us at Aksis! 🎁🎄❄️
Aksis presents:
🌟A Day in the Life of an Indigenous Professional🌟
Jen Casorso is a social-system strategist, writer, and reflective facilitator living and working on Treaty 6 territory in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She is Cree/Métis on her matriarchal side and a colonial settler on her paternal side, carrying deep respect for the gifts, tensions, and responsibilities that come with these intersecting identities.
In her role as Managing Director of EndPoverty Edmonton, Jen works daily to build relationships and support systems change. She collaborates with communities, governments, and organizations to address the root causes of poverty and envision a city where everyone can thrive. She also authors Mycelium Notes, a reflective space exploring regeneration, ecological metaphors, and the living nature of social change.
Like many members of Aksis, Jen believes that transformation begins in relationship. She continues to learn how to live that truth through practice, humility, and connection. It is a privilege for her to be part of a growing circle of Indigenous professionals shaping a more just and regenerative future.
🎀Members Only🎀
Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle
Through our new Indigenous Business Resource Centre, Aksis is launching an inaugural Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle: a space created to uplift, support, and champion Indigenous women in business professions. Across the Indigenous entrepreneurial landscape, women often lead the way but rarely have dedicated spaces designed specifically for their growth. Through our recent Aksis Annual Member survey, members indicated their interest in building a supportive circle for this reason. The Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle aims to directly respond to that need.
Our inaugural gathering will be held at the Aksis in connection to Ribbon Skirt Day (January 4), a time that honours the identity, teachings, and strength carried by Indigenous women.
The Aksis Indigenous Women’s Leadership Circle will: • Support the unique needs of Indigenous women entrepreneurs. • Provide guidance and lived experience to shape Aksis programs and services. • Create pathways for mentorship, collaboration, and visibility. • Strengthen the ecosystem for Indigenous women in business where support has long been missing.
If you’re interested in joining the Circle, Please RSVP to the link sent via email. For any further questions please email info@aksisyeg.ca
This Circle welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous Aksis members only. If you’re interested in joining but are not yet a member, we’d love to welcome you into the Aksis Community. https://aksisyeg.ca/membership-pricing/
Date: Janurary 8, 2026 Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM Location: Aksis Office, #300, 10055 – 106 Street
❄️🎄Upcoming Aksis Events🎄❄️
🎄As the end of the year approaches Aksis is excited to bring our members together for our upcoming Mix N’ Jingle gathering, a chance to honour our shared achievements, celebrate the spirit of the season, and look ahead to the next chapter of Indigenous business leadership. Thank you to our amazing members! A special cheers to IT Partners and RavenWolf Brewing Co. for their valuable contributions to our celebration. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you all!
Don’t forget your (bingo)dabber as there will be games and prizes!
AKSIS Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace
Reminder: Set Up Your Profile
This is a friendly reminder to register for the new Aksis Indigenous Business Directory & Marketplace. This exclusive, public-facing platform celebrates and showcases businesses and professionals across the Greater Edmonton area, while giving members access to unique advertising opportunities.
As many of you know, the Directory has been in a pilot phase since April 2025. During this pilot, we welcomed participation from all members so we could learn, test, and better understand how the platform can best serve our community. As we move into the new year and transition out of the pilot, there will be some adjustments to align the Directory with its intended purpose of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners. Beginning in 2026, directory listings will become a member perk available only to those registered as businesses. We want to share this early, so members have time to prepare and so the change is transparent and fair.
If you haven’t done so already, please check your inbox (and junk folder) for the registration email with setup instructions. You’ll be able to choose whether to display your contact details, while still maintaining a presence in the directory. If you run into any issues, reach out anytime at info@aksisyeg.ca—we’re happy to help.
We’re excited to feature your business in the new Directory!
Follow Us
Stay connected and keep up with our latest updates, events, and initiatives. Follow Aksis on social media:
🌐 Website: www.aksisyeg.ca 📘 Facebook: Aksis Edmonton 📸 Instagram: @aksisyeg 🔗 LinkedIn: Aksis Edmonton
Community Events
Indigenous Edmonton Community Tea and Bannock Friday, December 5, 2025, 3:30PM Edmonton Public Library – Highlands, 6710 118 AVE
Indigenous Holiday Market Saturday, December 6, from 9:00-5:00PM TELUS World of Science – 11211 142 ST
Inuit storytelling and Drum Dancing with Jaynine McCrae Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:00-2:00PM MPR #3, Indigenous Peoples Experience, Fort Edmonton Park & Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM MPR#3, Indigenous Peoples Experience, Fort Edmonton Park
Inuit teachings with (Jana) Kadlugak Angulalik Saturday, December 13, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM MPR#3, Indigenous Peoples Experience, Fort Edmonton Park