As conservatives, we believe that entrepreneurial spirit is the driving force of the Canadian economy. I recently had the privilege of attending the Manning Centre Networking Conference in Ottawa where I was able to hear JP Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, speak about the importance of supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs.
I left the conference feeling so proud to be both conservative and Métis. I wanted to take the opportunity to shed some light on some fabulous Indigenous entrepreneurs doing fantastic, meaningful work.
Founded by Jenn Harper, a First Nations woman from Ontario, Cheekbone beauty is a cruelty free cosmetic brand whose products are made in Canada. Not only does this brand make incredible cosmetic products from lip kits to highlighters, it seeks to end the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children by donating 10% of its profits to Shannen’s Dream.
Cheekbone currently ships to Canada, the US, and Australia and you can get free shipping on orders over $99.
Committed to “Elevating Indigenous Women,” Devon Fiddler started SheNative, an apparel line that specializes in handmade leather goods. Based in Saskatoon, the company employs Indigenous women and designs their products with input from traditional Indigenous knowledge from Indigenous women in the community.
3. Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp.
In Central Alberta, there is a Cree band of 2500 people called Frog Lake First Nation. Determined to end poverty on the reserve, Frog Lake officially launched Frog Lake Energy Resources Corp. (FLERC) in 2000. At the time, they had no assets, cash, or staff. But Frog Lake had the resliency that is so innate to Indigenous peoples. When Canadian banks denied them loans, they turned to China and found investors who were eager to support FLERC. Fast forward to 2013 and FLERC is producing over 3000 barrels of oil per day and has a cash flow of $30 million.
I had the privilege of listening to Joe Dion, FLERC’s CEO, speak at the Manning Centre. He spoke of the need to treat Indigenous communities owners of energy projects rather than just stakeholders.
Eighteen years since its incorporation, FLERC has shown the power and capability of Indigenous entrepreneurship in the energy sector.
4. NishDish
Located on Bloor Street in Toronto, NishDish features traditional Anishinaabe dishes. It acts as a cafe and a catering service. Some of their menu items include venison stew, Three Sisters soup, roasted buffalo, and (my personal favourite) cedar tea.
They also offer workshops to teach about traditional foods and food sovereignty in addition to providing Indigenous youth with training on how to harvest and prepare traditional foods.
Started in Whitehorse by Aurora Hardy and Teagyn Vallevand, who are aged 19 and 21 respectively, Youth for Lateral Kindness runs workshops to educate groups on the impacts of lateral violence and Canada’s colonial history. These workshops are fantastic opportunities for companies, schools, and other organizations to participate in.
What’s comfier than a pair of handmade, fur-lined moccasins or mukluks? Nothing, that’s what. Rooted in Métis culture, Manitobah Mukluks makes beautiful, handmade footwear designed to withstand urban environments. Through their Storyboots project, elders and artisans collaborate to bring their designs to life. They also help support Indigenous employment and literacy rates by supporting CHARD.
Want to support a local Indigenous business? Find one on a directory here.
Disclaimer: Story of a Tory is in no way affiliated with the Conservative Party of Canada or any other political party, be it federal or provincial. The views of each author are independent of all other authors.
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