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Monika Bear Robe (née Wilson) is Cree from Fort McKay First Nation on her father’s side and Métis from Fort Chipewyan on her mother’s side—both located in Treaty 8 territory in northeastern Alberta. She is a 2021 graduate of the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA (IBL EMBA) at SFU’s Beedie School of Business. In her role at MNP, she works exclusively with Indigenous communities and economic development corporations across Canada, advising on major projects, private investments, governance structures, and long-term strategies that support Indigenous economic prosperity. Her work is rooted in her commitment to supporting Indigenous communities as they build self-determined and sustainable economic futures.

My Journey

Monika began her career in law but soon realized her true passion lay in economic development for Indigenous communities. Wanting to pivot into business without losing that focus, she sought out a program that aligned with her values and long-term goals. SFU Beedie’s IBL EMBA offered exactly that.

Monika joined the program while serving as Vice President of Investments at the Fort McKay Group of Companies and caring for her nine-month-old son. She completed her studies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, relying heavily on remote learning and the support of her close-knit cohort. Despite the challenges, the experience deepened her resolve and expanded her impact.

My experience at SFU Beedie

“My favourite part of the program was the people,” Monika shares. “We were all professionals balancing full-time work, families, and coursework. That created a culture of support and connection that’s rare in professional programs.”

She found the program both practical and transformational. Tools she learned—like SWOT analysis, business planning, financial modeling, and project management—were applied in real time to her role. Even now, she continues to use the frameworks and skills she gained at SFU Beedie in her consulting work.

“There was so much peer support. My cohort watched my son grow up during those two years—we built a real community, and that connection continues to this day.”

Highlights

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program for Monika was learning alongside fellow Indigenous professionals across the country, each bringing their own perspectives and community knowledge. The program’s Indigenous-led courses and content allowed her to engage deeply with cultural values while developing concrete business acumen.

“It helped me see how Western business frameworks could be adapted to reflect Indigenous priorities. The program validated the work many of us were already doing, while giving us tools to do even more.”

She also appreciated the leadership of faculty who brought Indigenous worldviews into every discussion—from governance and sustainable economies to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Where I am today

Today, Bear Robe is Partner, Indigenous Equity Opportunities, at MNP and continues to give back to the IBL EMBA community—as a guest speaker, mentor, and proud alumnus—sharing her insights with the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Her advice to future students: “Stay open-minded. You might be surprised by what sparks your interest. And believe in yourself—you’re already a leader. That’s why you were chosen for the program.”