Authentic Storytelling for Indigenous Prosperity with Jay Gould

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Gould, founder of Story Foundry. Jay shares his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and how it influences his work in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope within Indigenous communities and the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in Indigenous filmmaking, the responsibility of truth-telling, and advice for aspiring Indigenous creatives. Jay's passion for championing Indigenous stories shines through as he expresses his desire to mentor the next generation of filmmakers.

Key Takeaways:

• Jay Gould's journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage is inspiring.
• Storytelling is a vital part of Indigenous culture and identity.
• Resilience and hope are common themes in Indigenous communities.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial for representation.
• There is an obligation to act justly on behalf of Indigenous people.
• Connecting through stories can break down cultural barriers.
• Indigenous filmmakers face unique challenges in the industry.
• Finding one's skill set is essential for success in the creative field.
• Mentorship for young Indigenous filmmakers is important for the future.
• The importance of sharing the truth about Indigenous history is paramount. 

 Featured Guest: Jay Gould

Jay Gould is the founder and owner of The Story Foundry, an award-winning video storytelling company based in Calgary, Alberta—located on Treaty 7 territory. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, Jay brings both personal heritage and professional expertise to his mission of connecting people through stories to "make the world better" through inspiring video and digital content. The Story Foundry serves clients across Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, specializing in purpose-driven video production that helps organizations create authentic brand recognition, establish thought leadership, and invite meaningful audience participation into their stories. 

Jay's journey to understanding his Indigenous roots adds a profound dimension to his storytelling work. His approach to video production is deeply rooted in purpose and impact, working with "clients that believe in making things better for all of us"—a philosophy that naturally flows from Indigenous values of community wellbeing and collective prosperity. His company operates on the understanding that "connecting people through stories opens unlimited possibilities," which directly connects to his own Indigenous heritage and the powerful tradition of oral storytelling and knowledge sharing that runs through Indigenous cultures. 

The Story Foundry has produced diverse content ranging from original documentary series to community-focused projects, including work that amplifies underrepresented voices and creates space for authentic cultural narratives. Jay has developed an innovative subscription-based business model that makes professional video content accessible to businesses of all sizes, including Indigenous-owned enterprises and organizations working toward reconciliation. 

Host:

Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.

Resources & Links:

Learn more about Forward Summit → https://forwardsummit.ca/
Follow Foward Summit on Social Media: LinkedIn
Read the Forward Magazine → Magazine Link

The Story Foundry: www.storyfoundry.ca