By Jay Cumming
Annie Korver, a proud citizen of the Métis Nation within Alberta and founder of Rise Consulting, has been named a finalist for EY’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year® 2024 award. Her recognition marks a significant milestone in Indigenous representation in Canadian business, highlighting her leadership and commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation.
Leadership Rooted in Reconciliation
Korver’s passion for fostering meaningful relationships between Indigenous Peoples and corporate Canada was sparked during her MBA studies at the University of Calgary. There, she explored the intersection of energy development and Indigenous rights, setting the foundation for a career focused on economic reconciliation.
In 2013, she founded Rise Consulting to help businesses engage authentically with Indigenous communities. The firm supports clients by decolonizing policies, developing reconciliation action plans, and fostering cultural awareness. Since its inception, Rise has worked with over 80 clients and donated more than $380,000 to Indigenous organizations and communities in the past three years alone.
“Being an EY Entrepreneur of the Year® finalist is a personal honour and a celebration of Indigenous voices in leadership,” says Korver. “It shows the importance of including Indigenous perspectives in decision-making spaces.”
Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Voices
Korver’s influence extends beyond her business. As a Leadership Council member for Forward Summit, she contributes to fostering dialogue and action around Indigenous inclusion.
At Forward Summit | West in Calgary last May, Korver joined the panel “Amplifying the Voices of Others: Indigenous Women as Trailblazers and Changemakers in a Quest for Progress.” Alongside trailblazing women like Geena Jackson (*Bears Lair TV*), Hope Regimbald (LNG Canada), and Grand Chief Kahsennénhawe Sky-Deer (Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke), Korver shared insights on the critical role Indigenous women play in driving progress and building bridges across communities. The panel was moderated by Amanda Ens of BMO Financial Group.
“Indigenous women are at the forefront of creating change,” Korver said during the panel. “Our stories, leadership, and resilience are powerful forces for progress.”
Creating Shared Value
Rise Consulting embodies a values-driven approach, guided by the principles of respect, reciprocity, and shared responsibility. As a certified B-Corp, the company prioritizes community investment and sustainable impact.
Korver recalls a pivotal moment while working with Imperial Oil, when corporate leaders visited Maskwacis, Alberta, to meet with Indigenous community members. “Seeing the disparity firsthand changes perspectives,” she explains. “It’s about understanding the shared responsibility we all have to make a difference.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Korver’s leadership has not only driven her company’s success but also paved the way for greater Indigenous inclusion across industries. As a Director with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, she continues to champion reconciliation at the national level.
For Korver, being an EY Entrepreneur of the Year® finalist is a recognition of her journey and a call to action. “Reconciliation isn’t just about addressing the past—it’s about building a better future,” she says.
Her vision is clear: a Canada where Indigenous and corporate communities thrive together, creating prosperity without compromising rights or well-being. Annie Korver’s work serves as an inspiring testament to the power of values-based leadership and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices.