As the new Communications Officer at the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF), Marylou Linklater brings over 20 years of experience in media, marketing, and Indigenous advocacy. A proud nêhiyaw-iskwêw from Treaty Five Territory, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, she has dedicated her career to elevating Indigenous voices, reclaiming narratives, and fostering meaningful engagement. From leading national storytelling initiatives to developing culturally grounded communications strategies, Marylou is deeply committed to ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders are heard, seen, and celebrated.
In this Q&A, she shares her vision for Indigenous prosperity, the power of storytelling, and the values that guide her work.
What does Indigenous prosperity look like to you, and how does your role at IPF align with your vision?
Prosperity, as my kokom taught me, is mino-pimâtisiwin—living a good life in balance with mind, body, spirit, and community. It is not just financial success but also wâhkôhtowin—the strength of our relationships, the care we give and receive, and the opportunities we create for future generations. True prosperity means Indigenous people thriving through our own ways of knowing, doing, and being—strong in language, culture, and economic sovereignty.
This role aligns with my guiding principle of maskawikâpawista—standing strong and balanced. As a communicator, I see myself as a storyteller and connector, ensuring Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders are heard, seen, and supported. I will use strategic storytelling, engagement, and collaboration to amplify Indigenous voices and create meaningful impact.
That’s why I’m drawn to the work of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. It doesn’t just talk about change—it takes action. Through this role, I am excited to amplify Indigenous entrepreneurs, create meaningful connections, and ensure Indigenous success is recognized on a national scale. IPF is building pathways for long-term, sustainable success, and I am honoured to be a part of this work.
What’s a story from your own life or work that illustrates the power of storytelling in Indigenous communities?
One of my proudest moments at the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) was developing a campaign to amplify Indigenous youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and artists involved in the Spirit Panel Project in partnership with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. While I did not work directly on the panels or the tour, my role was to work collectively with the museum to elevate their voices through strategic communications, ensuring their stories reached a wider audience.
The campaign did more than provide a platform; it centred youth voices, showcasing their resilience, lived experiences, and deep-rooted connections to history. Through art and cultural teachings, they collaborated with Indigenous artists to bring their visions to life, reinforcing that storytelling isn’t just about the past—it’s about shaping the future.
The impact was undeniable. From audience reach to emotional responses, it was a powerful reminder that storytelling is an act of reclamation. Whether through oral traditions, art, or digital media, storytelling allows us to preserve histories, celebrate strengths, and challenge mainstream narratives. This reflects the Cree teaching of kistîthîhtâhkosiwin—the act of honouring, respecting, and recognizing the wisdom and truths that shape us.
This experience deepened my passion for communications as a tool for advocacy and empowerment—ensuring our stories are told by us, for us.
How has your heritage influenced your approach to communication, leadership, and advocacy?
My Cree heritage has shaped my understanding of communication as relational and reciprocal—it’s not just about speaking but about listening deeply, building trust, and ensuring messages reflect community values.
My late uncle, D’Arcy Linklater, instilled in me that leadership is not about power but responsibility. A true leader does not stand in front but walks alongside their people. Leadership means ensuring decisions are made with wisdom, humility, and consideration for the next seven generations.
I bring this mindset into my communications work, where I focus on amplifying Indigenous voices, reclaiming narratives, and fostering meaningful engagement. Storytelling, in my culture, is sacred—it is how we preserve our histories, resist erasure, and shape the future.
A guiding teaching in my life is awâsisak kikistikâna—children are the seeds of our future. What we nurture today will shape the world they inherit. Every decision, every initiative, and every story I tell must be made with future generations in mind.
What excites you most about taking on this role, and what unique perspective do you bring to the team?
I’m excited to blend storytelling, advocacy, and strategic communications to amplify Indigenous entrepreneurship. My unique perspective comes from a combination of lived experience, strategic expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous voices.
I approach communications with intentionality and cultural integrity, ensuring messaging is authentic, impactful, and inclusive. I look forward to using my skills to elevate Indigenous businesses, strengthen connections, and position Indigenous entrepreneurs as leaders in innovation and economic growth.
If you could amplify one message about Indigenous entrepreneurship across the country, what would it be and why?
Indigenous entrepreneurs are kisewâtisiw—generous. Their businesses are built on reciprocity, community care, and giving back. Unlike traditional models that prioritize profit, Indigenous businesses operate with the understanding that true prosperity is collective. Success is not just for oneself but for families, communities, and future generations.
Yet, Indigenous businesses are often overlooked and underfunded despite their growing contributions to Canada’s economy. Investing in Indigenous entrepreneurs is more than economic growth—it’s community empowerment.
Indigenous businesses aren’t just reclaiming economic spaces; they are leading the way. Their models emphasize sustainability, innovation, and community-driven impact.
Indigenous entrepreneurship is a force for economic sovereignty, self-determination, and a more inclusive and sustainable future.
What’s a piece of cultural wisdom or a teaching that guides you in your work and life?
The most important teaching I carry with me is wâhkôhtowin—the principle of kinship. I was taught that I am not greater or lesser than anyone and that true leadership is not about standing above others but walking alongside them. This teaching guides how I build personal and professional relationships with respect, humility, and reciprocity (kistîthîhtâhkosiwin).
Being a mother has deepened my understanding of wâhkôhtowin. It reminds me that my role isn’t just to guide my son and learn alongside him, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect. The lessons I pass on to him are those I carry into my work—centring connection, community, and care.
Another guiding value is kapî tâpwîwinîhk—honesty and integrity. Our words and actions shape how we move through the world, and I believe that being transparent, truthful, and accountable is the foundation of meaningful work. As a parent, I see how modelling these values helps my son understand the importance of living with integrity.
Finally, I hold close to the teaching that everything we do today has a ripple effect on future generations (awâsisak kikistikâna). Motherhood has made this teaching even more significant to me. Success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about creating a path where our communities, families, and the next seven generations can thrive. My choices as a mother and in my work are rooted in this vision for a better future.
What’s something fun or surprising about you that you think the Indigenous community would love to know?
My absolute favourite thing to do in the world is antique shopping with my partner! In fact, we love it so much that we’re turning it into a venture.
For us, antique collecting isn’t just about finding beautiful treasures—it’s about preserving history, celebrating craftsmanship, and sharing the stories behind each piece. Over time, our love for antiques has evolved into a deep appreciation for teacups, teapots, and delicate table settings, each with a story of its own.
So, if you ever need the perfect antique teacup for your next event or just want to chat about antique treasures, you know who to call!
Marylou’s passion for storytelling, advocacy, and Indigenous economic empowerment makes her a powerful force at IPF. Through her role, she is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices, reclaiming narratives, and creating lasting impact for future generations.