Meet Kendal
Kendal’s Bio
Kendal Netmaker is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and dynamic keynote speaker on a mission to inspire and empower people around the world.
By sharing his personal journey, Kendal proves that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you have the power to create change.
Raised in Sweetgrass First Nation by a single mother, Kendal and his siblings grew up surrounded by poverty and limited opportunities. Yet, one life-changing moment set him on a path to success and ignited his passion to uplift others.
A master storyteller, Kendal blends real-life experiences with powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and the impact of storytelling. His heartfelt keynotes inspire thousands every year to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.
Kendal is also the founder of Neechie Gear®—a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers Indigenous youth through sports. He is the author of Driven To Succeed and has earned over 25 business awards, including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40® and runner-up for YBI Global Entrepreneur of the Year.
Achievements
2022
University of Saskatchewan Alumni ‘One to Watch’ Award
2021
Communications & Leadership Award, Toastmasters Canada
2020
CANIE Indigenous Entrepreneur Award – Praries
2019
Canada’s Top 40 Under 40®
NACCA National Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Raj Manek – Ravi Maithel Find-A-Way Award – Entrepreneurship
Driven To Succeed – Canada Book Award Winner
Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards – Motivational
2018
Keyano College – Distinguished Alumni Award
Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan Torch Award – Aboriginal Business
2017
StartUp Canada Social Enterprise of the Year Award – Prairies
2016
Published Case Study in the Ivey School of Business
Canadian Business Change Agents – One of Canada’s future business leaders
2015
University of Saskatchewan College of Education Wall of Honour
Saskatchewan RedCross Young Humanitarian of the Year Award
Runner-up – Youth Business International Entrepreneur of the Year
CCAB National Youth Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award Recipient
Indspire Award – Youth First Nation
2014
University of Saskatchewan Alumni of Influence Award Recipient
Selected Entrepreneur to represent Canada at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Moscow, Russia.
Featured Case Study in the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education – Entrepreneurship, The Spirit of Adventure
2013
NCAIED Res Arizona $20,000 Business Plan Competition Winner
Sype Volta Award – Saskatchewan Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Finalist
Better Business Bureau Torch Award – Retail Category
CBC Future 40 Recipient
Mclean’s Magazine Future Leaders 25 Under List
Nominee in the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Sabex Awards
2012
Saskatoon’s Finest Entrepreneur Award Winner
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Abex Award Winner – Community Involvement
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Abex Award Winner – Aboriginal Partnership
2011
$1500 winner in the Progress2Capital Business Plan Competition.
NSBA Young Promising Entrepreneur Finalist
One of thirty entrepreneurs selected to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit
Enactus Canada Saskatchewan Student Entrepreneur Provincial Champion
Wilson Centre i3 Idea Challenge – $10,000 Winner
CANDO Economic Developer of the Year – Aboriginal Private Sector Business Award Winner
Bachelor of Education and Bachelors of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan
2010
1st Place in the Aboriginal Youth Idea Challenge Business Plan Competition
Kendal Netmaker Brand
