Scholarships and awards were pivotal to Keenan Beavis’ (BBA ’18) success at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Now, seven years after graduating, Keenan is making sure today’s UFV students have similar opportunities.  

A graduate of UFV’s Bachelor of Business Administration program, Keenan has turned his gift for entrepreneurship into a thriving business while championing initiatives that support emerging leaders in his community. Keenan, who was named UFV’s Young Distinguished Alumni recipient in 2024, is known for his success as the founder of Longhouse Branding & Marketing (formerly known as Longhouse Media), an award-winning Indigenous-owned agency. Keenan himself has earned accolades for his work, recognized by the BC Achievement Foundation as 2020’s BC Young Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, and named to BC Business magazine’s 30 under 30 in 2023. 

During Keenan’s time at UFV, he was named a Ch’nook Scholar – a national program for Indigenous and Metis business students – which laid the foundation for his business. “Not only was I able to start Longhouse,” Keenan recalls, “but by the time I graduated, it had become my full-time focus.”  

Wanting to give others that kind of boost, Keenan has established the Longhouse Business Award. 

“This award is meaningful to me in so many ways,” he says. Remembering his late aunt Pattie Scott, a special education teacher, Keenan talks about the values of curiosity and personal growth that she instilled in him: “I’ve learned that there’s so much opportunity to live a fulfilling life when you take a chance on yourself, and I hope this award helps others to do that.” 

The $10,000 annual award includes five $2,000 scholarships, as well as branding and digital marketing workshops at Longhouse headquarters led by Keenan and his team, many of whom are UFV alumni. Workshop topics range from storytelling in business to SEO strategies, providing award recipients with both financial support and real-world skills.  

“The biggest value are the workshops,” says Austin Mallar (BCIS ’20), Longhouse chief technology officer and a UFV alumnus. “Students get insight into modern marketing trends, bridging the gap between theory and practice.” 

The Longhouse Business Award evolved from the Longhouse Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Award, which initially focused on one scholarship. As Longhouse enters what Keenan calls its “impact era,” he envisions growing the program further, providing even more opportunities for aspiring business leaders. Recipients will be selected based on vision, impact, initiative, communication, and a demonstrated commitment to self-growth. This year, the program expanded to include all promising entrepreneurs while prioritizing Indigenous applicants for three of the five awards.  

Keenan remains tightly connected to UFV, continuously drawing upon and adding to our alumni network’s strength. His leadership exemplifies the impact of UFV’s education on shaping successful, community-driven leaders. Through the Longhouse Business Award, Keenan and his team are empowering the next generation to pursue their visions, build communities, and make their mark on the world.