Janelle Niles is a force to be reckoned with. A Two-Spirit Black-Mi’kmaq woman from Sipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia, she’s carving out space in the comedy world—one punchline at a time. As the creator of Got Land?, an Indigenous comedy show that has grown into a thriving entertainment business, she’s using humour to uplift, challenge, and bring people together.

We sat down with Janelle to talk about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how ADAAWE has helped her find her footing as an entrepreneur.

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did comedy find you?

Janelle: Comedy found me when I was at a crossroads. In January 2019, I stepped onto the stage for the first time. By April, I had my own open mic at Eddy’s Diner, where my twin sister was the manager. But something felt off—I wasn’t seeing Indigenous comedians being booked regularly, even though I knew so many talented people in the community.

I thought, Why not create a space for us? I reached out to all the Indigenous comedians I knew in Ottawa and floated the idea of a show. When it came time to name it, we went back and forth until I threw out Got Land?—just as a joke. But it stuck. We launched our first show on September 10, 2019, and it was packed, wall-to-wall, mostly Indigenous folks. That night, someone asked me, So when’s the next one? And that’s when I realized this wasn’t a one-time thing. By 2021, Got Land? had grown into its own entertainment business, and today, we have 35 comedians across Turtle Island making people laugh ‘all ugly.’

Q: What pushed you to take that leap into entrepreneurship?

Janelle: Honestly? Age. I was getting older, and I knew if I didn’t chase my dream of being a stand-up comedian, I’d regret it. At the start, I didn’t think of Got Land? as a business. But people kept asking for more. More shows, more comedians, more laughter. So I leaned into it. And having gone to college, I knew enough about independent contracting to make it official.

Q: Every entrepreneur faces challenges. What’s been your biggest one?

Janelle: Grant writing. Comedy isn’t always recognized as an art form, and I’ve been told to embellish my applications. But honesty is a core value for me—I won’t lie to get funding. So, in 2025, I’m determined to crack the code on grants, but in a way that stays true to who I am.

And then, there was a moment when I was “canceled.” I won’t go into details, but it was a painful experience. Instead of giving up, I reevaluated how I run my business. I implemented new policies to support our comedians and audiences. It made me stronger, and honestly, I’m grateful for the lesson.

Q: How has your Indigenous heritage shaped your approach to business?

Janelle: It’s in everything I do. I carry the Seven Sacred Teachings into my work, making sure that every joke, every decision, every interaction is done in a good way. Humour is medicine, and I want people to leave our shows feeling lighter, feeling connected. The teaching of honesty, in particular, keeps me grounded—whether I’m being vulnerable on stage or making business decisions, I make sure it all comes from a good place.

Q: What advice would you give to Indigenous entrepreneurs just starting out?

Janelle:

1. Do the paperwork. Cross all your T’s, dot all your I’s. The business world can be competitive, but there’s room for all of us.

2. Shame doesn’t belong here. Shame is a colonial tool. If your business is built on good intentions, you have nothing to be ashamed of.

3. Promote yourself. If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, why should anyone else? Be fearless about putting yourself out there.

Q: Community seems to be a big part of your success. How do you cultivate it?

Janelle: At first, I struggled. I came out of the gate a little headstrong, and my peers weren’t always receptive. I think they thought I was being cocky. The truth is, I was just hyper-focused on making it. Fast-forward six years, and now those same peers are practicing everything I was saying back then. That’s the power of leading by example.

I also make sure that Got Land? isn’t just about me—it’s about lifting up other comedians. I help them get gigs, and in turn, they raise the bar for all of us. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Q: What’s the dream?

Janelle: Netflix. A tour bus. Following the Pow Wow trail, bringing Indigenous comedy to every corner of Turtle Island. And, most importantly, giving back to my home community. Every time I step on stage, I say where I’m from. One day, I want to be able to do more than just say it—I want to invest in it. Build homes. Support local initiatives. Use my success to create something lasting.

Q: How do you see the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship?

Janelle: I hope we get to build in the industries of our choosing, without barriers, without racism disguised as microaggressions. There’s so much potential. Someone on TikTok asked, Where’s the Indigenous restaurant in Toronto? And I thought—yeah, where is it? We have Beandigen in Ottawa, and it’s doing amazing. There’s space for more. If someone reading this is inspired to start that restaurant, do it. We need it.

Q: What made you join ADAAWE?

Janelle: Imposter syndrome. I have a business license, an HST number, I file taxes, I send invoices… but because my business is entertainment—my voice—it didn’t always feel “real.” ADAAWE changed that. They made me feel like I mattered. Like my business mattered.

Q: What has ADAAWE meant for your journey?

Janelle: Confidence. Support. A reminder that I’m not in this alone. I would have struggled a lot more without them backing me.

Follow Janelle and Got Land? Comedy

https://linktr.ee/janelleniles 

Janelle Niles is proof that laughter is power. That Indigenous entrepreneurs are changing the game. And that, sometimes, the best way to claim space is to make them laugh—all ugly.