The Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) presented Keenan Beavis, a proud Métis entrepreneur and investor from Vancouver, British Columbia, with the 2025 Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award. Beavis has become one of the world’s most vibrant young business leaders. Beavis’s path, which began as a YouTuber and led him to start Longhouse Branding & Marketing, is a testament to creativity, tenacity, and the power of community. For Indigenous businesses and youth nationwide, his narrative provides motivation and valuable insights.
Early Beginnings: From YouTube and Gaming to Entrepreneurship
At the age of twelve, Beavis started a YouTube channel that swiftly rose to the 27th most-viewed in Canada, sparking his entrepreneurial drive. He learned the basics of digital marketing, in particular search engine optimization (SEO) from this early exploration with the internet. Keenan credits much of his business sense to playing online games such as Runescape and World of Warcraft where he says he learned “communication, economics and trade”. He developed his abilities further in high school by starting a Pokémon themed t-shirt shop, where he gained direct experience in effective advertising and running a company with narrow profit margins. These early experiences gave him an attitude of curiosity, adaptability, and self-reliance that prepared him for his future endeavours. Beavis’s experience demonstrates how internet platforms can serve as effective launching pads for Indigenous youth to reach a national audience and hone their entrepreneurial skills. Keenan’s story further exemplifies the potential that youth have when they grow up with stable access to the internet in the same way that he did.
Founding Longhouse Branding & Marketing
Beavis established the Indigenous-owned agency Longhouse Branding & Marketing in Langley, British Columbia, in 2018. Starting as a small digital marketing consultant, it has since expanded to become one of the world’s largest Indigenous-owned marketing agencies, serving over 850 companies and organizations, generating over $455 million for its clients. With a focus on branding, web development, advertising, social media, and SEO, Longhouse helps partners “Look Great” and “Get Seen” in their respective industries. Longhouse is known to help busy leaders in over 92 industries ranging from non-profits and governments to professional services to trades, retail and medical. Along with being a top employer of young people in their local community, the company with Keenan provides the next generation of business leaders with practical experience and mentorship. Through community work, speaking and volunteer initiatives, Keenan is inspiring others to do the same. Beavis’s leadership is grounded in Indigenous values, placing an emphasis on fostering relationships, making a positive impact in the community, and giving back.
Achievements and Recognition
Keenan Beavis’s impact has been recognized across Canada for both his business success and his commitment to community. In 2025, he was awarded the National Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year by the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), celebrating his leadership and dedication to supporting other Indigenous entrepreneurs. In 2024, Keenan was named the Young Alumni of the Year from his alma mater.
Through Longhouse Branding & Marketing, Beavis has shown how effective and values-driven business can create real economic impact. His agency has become a trusted partner for hundreds of businesses and organizations across the USA and Canada, helping them grow while staying true to his values.
Beyond business numbers, Beavis has been invited to speak at schools, conferences, and panels, where he shares practical advice on entrepreneurship, marketing, and leadership. Keenan’s achievements reflect his broader mission of celebrating curiosity and inspiring others to take a chance on themselves.
Keenan Beavis is recognized as an artificial intelligence thought leader, writing a book about “AnswerMapping” an industry-leading strategy he created for the space of AI SEO, often referred to as AIO (artificial intelligence optimization).
The Longhouse Business Award: Giving Back
The Longhouse Business Award, an annual initiative that gives five $2,000 scholarships and practical branding and digital marketing seminars to deserving business students and young entrepreneurs—with an emphasis on Indigenous applicants—is a pillar of Beavis’ dedication to community. After evolving from the Longhouse Indigenous Youth Mentorship prize, the prize currently supports young people under 25 who wish to start their businesses, as well as post-secondary students. The criteria used to choose recipients include vision, impact, initiative, communication, and a track record of self-improvement. By bridging the gap between academic theory and practical marketing practice, Beavis and his team’s seminars empower young people to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to strengthening their communities.
Mentorship, Advocacy, and Indigenous Values
Speaking frequently on subjects including team culture, marketing with storytelling, and the role of business in promoting innovation and community well-being, Beavis is an ardent supporter of entrepreneurship. He believes that community and business are closely intertwined, and that in particular, Indigenous business owners are inspiringly supportive of one another during challenging times. His leadership style places a strong emphasis on developing relationships, mentoring, and the value of giving others opportunities. A new generation of Indigenous youth is being inspired by Beavis, who is redefining success in the Canadian economy by incorporating Indigenous principles into every facet of his company.
Lessons for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Indigenous entrepreneurs can learn numerous essential lessons from Keenan Beavis’s journey:
- Start Early and Try New Things: Digital platforms may be excellent resources for education and personal development.
- Embrace Community: When you help others, provide value and create connections, your success is increased.
- Give Back: Initiatives like the Longhouse Business Award give opportunities to the next generation of leaders and have a cascading effect by inspiring others to similarly give back.
- Remain True to Your Values: Resilience and long-term growth comes from being yourself and living your core principles through your business.
A more successful and inclusive future for all Canadians will be shaped by celebrating & bringing visibility to Indigenous entrepreneurs who lead with purpose like Keenan Beavis.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information intended only for informational purposes. Indigenous-SME Small Business Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any products or services mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their research and due diligence before making business decisions.
