SAY Magazine - Business Prosperity - Indigenous Lifestyle

CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 112

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BUSINESS PROSPERITY

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SINCE 2002

10 CONTENTS

Cover Story: The Sage Initiative Empowers Matriarchs and Opens the Door to a Circular Economy

Cover photo by Megan Maundrell

ISSUE 112 BUSINESS PROSPERITY

SAY MAGAZINE Volume 20, Issue 6 SAY Magazine is a bi-monthly publication that publishes six issues a year—one issue every eight weeks.

SAY Magazine is published by Spirit of Youth Enterprises Inc.

Articles, letters, queries, etc. should be sent by email to the editor at editor@saymag.com.

SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for submitted material.

Mailing Address: Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084 Winnipeg, MB Canada R2C 5G7

SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or in submitted material.

E: info@saymag.com www.saymag.com

Graphics, photographs, editorial content and other printed material that are created by SAY Magazine are the property of Spirit of Youth Enterprises Inc. and may not be used without written permission from the publishers.

Publishers: Dominick Blais and Kent Brown Editor-in-Chief: Danielle Vienneau editor@saymag.com Editorial Team: Terra MacPhail terra@saymag.com Cheliza Crawford cheliza@saymag.com Sarah Ritchie sarah@saymag.com Theresa Peters theresa@saymag.com Art Director: Orli Gelfat - Orli G. Design Sales Team: Terra MacPhail terra@saymag.com Megan Henry megan@saymag.com Darrell Boyko darrell@saymag.com Website and Social Media Sphere Media Agency info@spheremediaagency.com Submissions are welcome.

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This project has been made possible [in part] by the Government of Canada

SAY Magazine acknowledges that we publish in Treaty One Territory, at the crossroads of the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Nations, and at the heart of the Métis Nation homeland.

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The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub is Closing the Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship

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28 Digital Storytelling Market Benefits 30 Artisan Community

Vision Quest Conference Career Possibilities in Electricity TRIBAL, Season 2 Opportunities in Construction with MITT

Social Media for 23 Leverage your Business 26 Build a Successful Business

32 Music 36 Money Matters 38 Starting a Side Hustle 42 Advertiser Index

As a diverse team of both Indigenous and ally collaborators, we strive to embrace, embody and live the truth that we are all Treaty people. All our relations!

Connect with us: www.facebook.com/saymagazine www.twitter.com/SAYMagazine www.instagram.com/say_magazine www.pinterest.ca/SAYMagazine www.linkedin.com/company/say-magazine

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Acquiring a Business Reduces Risk

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Law and Justice: The Doctrine of Discovery

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE “The critical role of young people in the [investment] space is to introduce intergenerational healing from the bottom up, rather than asking our old ones to continue to provide for us. We want to provide for them and generate some community wealth for them.”

- Sage Lacerte, Founder and CEO of the Sage Initiative

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elcome to SAY Magazine’s last publication of 2021! As we close out this year, we wanted to send you off with an issue full of positive stories that focus on achieving professional and business prosperity. This means being happy in your career, making a meaningful impact on society and having control over your employment future. With a focus on entrepreneurship, you will find great information regarding succession matching, digital storytelling, finance and more.

In this issue, there is no shortage of role models for youth or anyone considering entrepreneurship.

Featured on the cover is Sage Lacerte, founder and CEO of Sage Initiative, the first and only Indigenous Womxn’s Impact Investing Collective in Canada.

Make sure to read the full story on how Lacerte and the Sage Initiative is accelerating the re-matriation of the Indigenous economy on page 10.

In the new year, SAY Magazine will mark 20 years of publishing stories of Indigenous success and ingenuity, and we want to celebrate it with you. As always, we welcome your submissions as we strive to include a diversity of voices and contemporary Indigenous lifestyles in each issue, and we need your help to ensure accurate and authentic representation.

Our team looks forward to sharing stories of innovation and cultural resurgence, and what that looks like for Indigenous Peoples and communities in the future.

Since its inception, SAY Magazine's mission has been 'HOPE', and we will continue to wave that banner high during this most interesting time in history. We hope you will join us.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season!

Danielle Vienneau, Editor-in-Chief

2022 Upcoming Issues Issue Name

Issue #

Theme

Space Reservation

Material Deadline

Publication Dates

20th Anniversary

113

The Future of Innovation

Jan. 4

Jan. 8

Feb. 15

Spring 2022

114

Sovereignty

Mar. 1

Mar. 8

Apr. 15

Summer 2022

115

Arts & Entertainment

May 1

May 8

Jun. 15

Fall 2022

116

Tourism & Cuisine

Jul. 1

Jul. 8

Aug. 15

Special Edition

117

Education Guide

Sep. 1

Sep. 8

Oct. 15

Winter 2022

118

Wellness & Environment

Nov. 1

Nov. 8

Dec. 15

Advertise with us! Contact: megan@saymag.com or terra@saymag.com. Order your subscription today. Visit saymag.com.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2022 JAN 18-20

FEB 8-10

JAN 24-26, FEB 4 (Bonus Day)

FEB 22-24

19th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum Collaborate and exchange ideas on building and maintaining a resilient natural resource sector.

Prince George, British Columbia, Canada bcnaturalresourcesforum.com Cannexus22: National Career Development Conference A fully virtual Cannexus conference by CERIC. Bringing career development communities together to network, share and learn. Key themes: pandemic recovery, social justice and career development for public good.

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada cannexus.ceric.ca

FEB 2-3

First Nations Educator’s Conference Join educators from Treaties 6, 7 and 8, and contribute to having a positive impact on education for children in these communities. ikwc.org/event/first-nations-educators-conference

FEB 2-3

Forward Summit: Empowering Indigenous Economies Virtual and in-person at the Grey Eagle Event Centre on Tsuut’ina Traditional Territory.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada. forwardsummit.ca

FEB 4-20

Olympic Winter Games Watch and cheer on Indigenous athletes as they compete on ice and snow in the most prominent international multi-sport event of the year.

Beijing, China olympics.com/en/beijing-2022

National Indigenous Tourism Conference Join the industry-focused conversation on how we “Build Back Better” towards a bright future for Indigenous tourism.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada indigenoustourism.ca/upcoming-events 4th Annual Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference In-person and virtual. Explore the range of renewable energy and sustainability opportunities that exist, including project planning and development trends.

Native Learning Center, Hollywood, Florida, USA nativelearningcenter.com

MAR 1-3

SHARE Investor Summit 2022 Join Indigenous investors and asset owners in shifting capital markets towards sustainability, justice, reconciliation and resilience. events.share.ca

MAR 4-13

Paralympic Winter Games Watch and cheer for our paralympic athletes as they compete on ice and snow in the most prominent international multisport event of the year.

Beijing, China olympics.com/en/beijing-2022/paralympics

APR 10-12

Leadership Summit - American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) In-person. STEM students and leaders learn the knowledge, tools and wisdom to pursue their career and academic goals.

Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula, California aises.org

SAY Magazine makes every effort to ensure our calendar of events is up to date; however, we encourage you to check event websites regularly for updates due to interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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DEVELOPMENT

Vision Quest Conference 2021

By Danielle Vienneau

The 2021 Vision Quest Conference took place in October and presented a successful virtual incarnation of the popular annual event. Like many businesses affected by the pandemic, the 2020 event was cancelled, which left those of us who look forward to this networking event feeling like something was missing from our calendar.

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ith a great variety of online presentations and workshops, the 2021 Vision Quest Conference did not disappoint. This year’s program focused on sharing information about the future labour market trends and opportunities, as well as encouraging entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Experts and role models from the arts, entertainment and business sectors shared their experiences and tips for success through inspirational presentations and interactive sessions.

Nearly 700 youth, business people, entrepreneurs and community members participated in this year’s symposium, with the opportunity to continue viewing sessions with the on-demand option until late November.

Brilliant keynotes were presented by award-winning singer/songwriter Susan Aglukark, and entrepreneur and author, Kendal Netmaker, who shared their personal journeys that have helped shape who they are today. On day one, Aglukark’s inspiring opening address set the tone for the conference as she spoke about the importance of teaching Indigenous history in schools. “The more we learn about each other, the more we appreciate each other, and learn to honour and respect each other,” said Aglukark.

On day two, Netmaker spoke honestly about his childhood and the influences in his life, which were primarily the matriarchs in his family including his mother, his kôhkom (grandmother) and other female relatives. Lacking a strong male role model in his life, Netmaker had to learn what it meant to be a husband, father and leader. He shared an important lesson, “My kôhkom said, ‘All of us are chosen to be here in this moment.’” He indicated that each delegate attending the conference was there for a purpose. “Each and every one of us has a gift, a unique

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talent, and over your lifetime you will be presented with challenges, obstacles, opportunities and knowledge in ways that will test your will and grow your gifts,” said Netmaker. “I’ve learned that obstacles come for us, not against us. They come to help us learn and grow, and become who we are meant to be.”

In addition to the 10 virtual workshop sessions focused in the areas of business, community and personal development, and youth, the event welcomed incredible Manitoba talent to entertain the delegates.

Here are the artists who brought light and music to the event:

Ila Barker - Folk singer/songwriter and RBC First Up artist

Mikey Harris of the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers performed the traditional Red River Jig and Hip Hop

Mattmac - Recording artist and producer

Unique and memorable cultural presentations were also provided by:

Andrina Turenne - Award-winning singer/songwriter

Nikki Komaksiutiksak - Tunngasugit Inc./ Inuk Throatsinger

Burnstick - Award-winning husband and wife singing/songwriting duo

Clint and Riley Dutiaume - Father and son band

Walking Wolf Singers and Dancers - Traditional singers and dancers led by Ray Co-Co Stevenson

Honourable mention also goes to all of the Dragon Quest Buisness Plan Competition winners. Congratulations to Andrew Clark from Overtime Fitness, Cara Galka from Bluebird First Bookeeping, Adam Neepon from IKA Healthcare, Season Kirkwood from Sayzoons Play Outside, Celeste Theriault from Red River Bagel and Tressa Beaulieu from Red Horse Connection.

Over 24 years ago, the theme “From Vision to Reality” reflected the thoughts formulated by the original Board of Directors, and it is still relevant today. The growing event continues to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Peoples in the areas of business, community and youth development, and

SAY Magazine is honoured to be part of Vision Quest as an on-going media partner.

In 2022, the event will include a new Vision Quest bursary opportunity in celebration of their 25th anniversary conference, and in honour of their long-time Board Chair, Kim Bullard, who passed away earlier this year.

If you missed this year’s event, make sure to mark your calendars for the 25th Anniversary Vision Quest Conference and Trade Show scheduled for May 17-19, 2022, at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.

Photos courtesy of the Vision Quest Conference.

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Discovering Potential Program

Sparks Interest in Electricity Careers Sponsored by Electricity Human Resources Canada

Last winter, sparks flew at Elsipogtog and Sitansisk First Nations! Not just sparks of electricity, but sparks of inspiration and imagination as Indigenous youth participated in an innovative program designed to explore career possibilities in electricity and renewable energy.

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his unique opportunity was facilitated by Workforce Warriors—an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to finding innovative solutions to increase capacity, resilience, leadership and sustainable careers for Indigenous Peoples. In partnership with New Brunswick Community College and Relay Education, Workforce Warriors leveraged the Discovering Potential Youth Internship and Training Program at Electricity Human Resources Canada to bring their Electrical/Renewables Skills-to-Work program to life for ten Indigenous youth.

Through the Discovering Potential program, employers and training organizations can access funding to build workplace skills or specific technical knowledge in young people to help them transition into careers in the industry. The program recognizes that there are many ways someone might gain experience and that the path from education to work isn’t always a straight one.

“Because of Discovering Potential, we were able to put these youth leaders out in front of an emerging sector with varied opportunities,” said Karen Gillam, founder and CEO of Workforce Warriors.

“The classroom learning included fun, hands-on challenges that sparked an interest in renewable energy—this is a great time for young people, particularly Indigenous youth, to get experience in a field that is constantly changing and offers rewarding opportunities.”

Participants first completed technical training related to renewable energy and worked on their leadership development before exploring work placements at the solar project. While each participant came to the program with a different level of knowledge about electricity and renewables, they were united by their interest in being part of an exciting project and developing their workplace skills.

One participant was blown away by the training, noting that they “learned so many things to do with the electrical trade! The dos and don’ts, proper installation of electrical equipment and the Canadian electrical code.” They also remarked that they couldn’t wait to pursue more training through Workforce Warriors and move forward with their career in electricity.

While in the classroom, learners were also given the opportunity to take on special projects. Sierra Brooks, from Sitansisk First Nation, developed and filmed a safety video in collaboration with her mentor, an electrician journeyperson and safety expert.

In Canada’s changing energy landscape, skills needs are changing too. Electricity and renewable energy employers who are looking to build resilience in their companies can make great use of

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programs like Discovering Potential to equip their next-generation workforce with the skills the sector needs now and bridge them into employment through subsidized work placement opportunities.

More than ever, youth voices, perspectives and skills are critical to the future of Canada’s electricity sector. With Discovering Potential, employers can reach youth who may not be aware of the opportunities available to them, and inspire confidence to join a dynamic and highly-skilled industry.

For more information on how employers, training organizations, or universities and colleges can get involved, visit electricityhr.ca/discovering-potential.

Discovering Potential is funded in part by Natural Resources Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP). STIP supports Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy by connecting youth and natural resources sector employers, and providing wage subsidies in order to build a diverse pool of workers qualified to advance positive environmental outcomes.

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is a national non-profit that serves the human resources needs of Canada’s electricity sector.

EHRC works with employers, educators, unions, government and other partners— bringing all parties together to create solutions that work.

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COVER STORY

The SAGE Initiative

Empowering Matriarchs to Become Investors

By Danielle Vienneau

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wenty-four year old Lacerte is a Carrier woman from the Lake Babine Nation and a member of the Bear clan. She calls Victoria home, which is located on the Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱ SÁNEĆ nations. Lacerte comes from a family of self-starters who are highly engaged in activism and entrepreneurship. Her father is Paul Lacerte, one of the founding members of Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, which is the first Indigenous financial intermediary in Canada that facilitates capital to Indigenous-owned social enterprises through the Raven Indigenous Impact Fund (I). Her sister is Raven Lacerte, co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign. “My sister works really hard to end violence against women and children, and bringing attention to MMIWG. Through her work she raises awareness about gender-based violence and harmreduction,” said Lacerte. “My dad asked me, ‘What is your passion? What is your gift that will work to support our people?’”

young people,” she said. “I love the idea of Indigenous youth-led businesses, so I wanted to try to find a way to support that even though I wasn’t trained in commerce or business.” Lacerte graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Gender Studies.

She had worked hard to save up money while attending university and wanted to find a way to use some of the money to support Indigenous innovation.

Lacerte has always had a deep commitment to her community, finding ways to empower her people to take on projects, innovations and entrepreneurial ideas. “My whole life I’ve seen some really cool ideas coming out of my community, especially from

Lacerte dove head first into the “how” and applied for the Indigenous Innovation Initiative (I3) Grant. Out of 250 innovators, she was chosen as one of the top three finalists, with really just a concept phase idea that said she was going to train womxn to become investors.

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“I understand that our culture, from the Carrier territory in central British Columbia, is matriarchal, and the matriarchs are the ones who made major decisions for their families. They determine how the money is spent, where community wealth went, and what services and protocols are most important,” she said. “So I told my family that I am going to train the matriarchs (Indigenous women and gender-diverse persons) in our community and resurface the Indigenous concepts of commerce to use as a tool in our baskets.”

Photos by Megan Maundrell

Sage Lacerte could have taken a gap year after graduating from university amidst a pandemic, but she didn’t. Instead, she decided to start a business where she could put her Western and Indigenous knowledge to use. Why? Because she was tired of seeing innovative Indigenous-owned businesses struggling to obtain enough capital to scale. “I don’t want to see our people having to beg for money to prove their ideas are worthy of being invested in,” she said. “I wanted to make a mechanism across Canada, and eventually across Turtle Island, that supports our Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

SAY Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing this young trailblazer who is breaking down barriers and making space for impact investing.

COVER STORY Fast forward one year to 2019, and the Sage Initiative was founded.

The Sage Initiative is a national network of Indigenous womxn impact investors— the first and only Indigenous Womxn’s Impact Investing Collective in Canada.

It aims to accelerate the re-matriation of the Indigenous economy by building a scalable pathway for Indigenous womxn to become impact investors in Indigenous-owned social purpose businesses. As part of the program, the collective of Indigenous womxn investors commit to invest between $1,000 and $50,000 (either alone or as partners) in these businesses.

Following an application process, the chosen ‘cousins’ become part of a cohort that completes a training curriculum rooted in Indigenous epistemology. Over the course of six months, participants learn about Indigenous concepts of wealth and commerce through a traumainformed lens that addresses colonial relationships with money and overlapping identities, such as Indigeneity, gender, age and sexuality. The curriculum covers five modules that include: Trauma of Money, Personal Budgeting and Colonial Impact Timeline; Historical and Current Landscape in Impact Investment; Public Market Opportunities; Private Market Opportunities; and Evaluating Impact Investing Opportunities, Due Diligence and Pitching.

“Our fifth session wraps with a closing ceremony and some personal development training,” explained Lacerte. “We learn about how to navigate being a womxn, or a gender-diverse person, and also a racialized person in the space because that in itself can be very challenging in the industry.” On their last day of training, Indigenous-owned businesses have a chance to pitch to the investors. This will provide the participants an opportunity to invest capital in an idea they are excited about supporting.

When discussing the development of the curriculum, Lacerte explained the importance of bringing together facilitators from across Canada, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who are currently using decolonial teachings as well as technical investing literacy. “We really had to start from scratch because a lot of the curriculum that currently exists is not really suitable for Indigenous womxn, mostly because it’s filled with misinformation about Canadian colonial history and how our current economy was built.” In order to create a balanced curriculum, the Sage Initiative has facilitators and mentors ranging from social finance experts, academics, as well as individuals from the impact investment space, including Lacerte’s father. “We’ve had a lot of overwhelming support from others who really want to be involved as mentors and sponsors,” said Lacerte.

The Sage Initiative officially launched in October, and they have successfully started their journey with a cohort of 10 womxn investors between the ages of 18-29. Going forward they plan to remove the age bracket because of the overwhelming interest by those over the age of 30. When asked why the Sage Initiative started with this age group, Lacerte said “I felt it was important to launch the program for this age group because I myself am a young investor, and I wanted to bring in others who are at the same stage as I am.”

Furthermore, Lacerte spoke candidly about her own experiences as a young investor and some of the challenges she

faced, especially in relation to the guilt she felt. “This was the most important aspect of the training curriculum for me—the trauma associated with money.”

Lacerte became a private investor when she was just 20. “Being a young investor brought up a lot of feelings for me. It made me remember growing up in poverty, and it made me feel guilty for having investable capital,” she said. “Talking about money makes people uncomfortable; it evokes anxiousness and shame. I felt really proud of myself, but talking about money often made me feel sick, and I wanted to know more about that.” To understand why she was feeling this way, she reached out to Chantel Chapman, co-founder of The Trauma of Money Method. Lacerte explained, “I took Chantel’s course, and it taught me a lot about how our value in our child selves is tied to what we believe our value is as an adult.”

“This is particularly significant for Indigenous womxn because there have been so many racist policies, like the Indian Act, which have prevented Indigenous womxn from owning land, or DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 11

COVER STORY for Lacerte. “Our young people need to be having those difficult conversations and developing financial competencies so that they are better equipped for their financial future and well-being.

“My first private investment was in an Indigenous-owned green energy company, and I have made a commitment to invest in Indigenous-owned green energy. It’s incredibly important to me, not to just have social returns on our investments (SROI), but also positive environmental impacts.

It’s important to always keep in mind that caring for Mother Earth is equally as important as caring for and empowering our communities.”

Lacerte expressed her concern regarding the Trust capital from Indigenous nations, when they formed treaties and Indigenous-owned trusts where millions of dollars is being invested in crude oil because it has the highest return.

“My ultimate impact goal is to form this really rad network of Indigenous womxn, who are fiercely trained in financial literacy and who will eventually choose to become investment managers, some of them becoming involved in Indigenousowned trusts. They will then begin to inform policies about where capital from Indigenous Trusts goes and hopefully divert those funds away from crude oil and invest in green energy, because need to stop taking from Mother Earth.”

We are at a time where intergenerationally, a lot of relationships are being healed by the younger generations. The critical role of young people in the [investment] space is to introduce intergenerational healing from the bottom up, rather than asking our old ones to continue to provide for us. We want to provide for them and generate some community wealth for them. losing their right to Indian status among other things.” Lacerte confirmed the importance of not only receiving technical training and investment literacy but also being able to manage what gets brought up from that emotionally and spiritually.

The Sage Initiative aims to integrate the idea of “Money as Medicine” and Indigenous concepts of commerce, not only to provide context for participants, 12 | BUSINESS PROSPERITY l DEC 2021

but also to inform how they might generate and innovate new business models that are more centered around Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

“We are trying to teach people almost the opposite of what you would learn in business school or economics, steering away from the status quo and models of business that are so focused on individualism.” Ensuring that youth feel empowered to invest is also top of mind

Lacerte’s life is not all about rematriating wealth and investment. In addition to launching her business in the last 18 months, she also became a certified birth worker and Doula—helping to bring babies earth-side. She also ran her first half marathon in the fall and intends to complete the Goddess Run Marathon next year. Recently recognized as one of the Young & Relentless: Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 Sustainable Leaders for 2021

by Corporate Knights, Lacerte is just scratching the surface of her potential to instill hope and transform this world.

The spelling "womxn" was used throughout this article to compliment Sage Initiative messaging.

Danielle Vienneau, Editor-in-Chief with SAY Magazine, believes in the power of sharing stories to inspire greatness in others. To submit your story, email editor@saymag.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

TRIBAL: SEASON 2 TRIBAL is a one-hour, character-driven crime drama set in a large North American border-city surrounded by four Reserves.

Season 2 examines Indigenous crime stories based on real-world cases including mistaken identity, police corruption, restorative justice, healing lodges, railroad blockades, and missing and murdered Indigenous women.

the Metis Nation of Alberta. His goal is to tell Indigenous stories through an Indigenous lens. With TRIBAL, he aims to show aspects of the full Indigenous story, not just what is typically shown on-screen. He wants to show how people live on and off the reserve, and he wants people to see successful, in-depth Indigenous characters.

TRIBAL Season 2’s award-winning cast returns, including Jessica Matten (Frontier, Blackstone) and Brian Markinson (Mad Men, Unspeakable).

The season also features the talented Garry Chalk and Julian Black Antelope with new characters played by Marci T. House, Stephen Huszar, Wesley French and Ashley Callingbull.

Scott shares, “Season 2 includes new dimensional, ripped-from-theheadlines stories, including missing and murdered Indigenous People, police corruption and the effects of PTSD. These are important stories that need to be shared with audiences.”

The show is created by Ron E. Scott, an award-winning producer, writer, director and founder of Prairie Dog Film + Television. Scott is a member of

TRIBAL is led by Director and Showrunner Ron E. Scott, CoExecutive Producer Janet Morhart, Co-Executive Producer Adam Frost and Producer Scott Lepp.

TRIBAL airs every Thursday at 9PM ET on APTN Left: Sam (Jessica Matten) and Buke (Brian Markinson) investigate a convicted wildlife poacher found dead on the Dakota Reserve.

Right: Sam (Jessica Matten) deals with the fallout from discovering the tomb of murdered Indigenous bodies under the city.

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TRAINING

A Career in Construction Offers Endless Opportunities for Growth Sponsored by MITT

As the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) continues to build its relationship with Indigenous communities in the province, training opportunities like its Construction Labourer Certificate program are providing Indigenous learners with skills and experiences that lead directly to employment opportunities.

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he program was introduced with a simple objective—to provide a platform for Indigenous youth to learn about tools, construction materials, safety, work procedures and construction site layout, and gain valuable experience in the workplace. Students complete four months of hands-on and in-shop training before starting a practicum in the fifth month.

“Our goal is to ensure our students are confident in their abilities, and this goes a long way once our students understand the construction process and know how to use tools,” said John Einarsson, manager of MITT's Aazhogan Training Initiatives.

“Having baseline construction training is a perfect way to start toward a strong career.”

Einarsson confirmed the abundance of opportunities in construction, particularly with an aging workforce. “This program is a first step,” he continued. “Some of our students will pursue their goals in residential, others in commercial, some are interested in project management, others in safety and health. The possibilities are endless for a committed student with the right attitude!”

Open to Indigenous individuals between the ages of 18 and 30, the Construction Labourer Certificate program provides

students with the fundamentals of construction and also focuses on specific areas, such as framing.

One unique aspect of the program is the Indigenous Focused Trades Math course. Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples use mathematical concepts in a very pragmatic way, MITT tailored the curriculum to bridge Indigenous culture with current mathematical thinking by integrating cultural activities into the math curriculum. Discussed areas include precision measurement while building structures, probability while playing games of chance, and shape and space concepts while making crafts and tools such as birch bark baskets.

Along with the in-class experience, students also take part in a work practicum placement. This paid opportunity gives participants real-world experience with one of the college's industry partners.

“MITT has long prided itself on providing real-world opportunities to our students through work practicums. Across all of our programs, this experience has been the most valuable component for our students,” Einarsson said. “It is more than just an opportunity to apply their knowledge, students get the opportunity to showcase their soft skills. It really is a networking experience, and many of our students end up staying employed with their placement companies. I have heard that luck is when hard work meets opportunity—we just create opportunity.”

As one might expect, student response for the Construction Labourer Certificate program has been extremely positive.

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“So far, my favourite part of the program is coming to the school with a new challenge every day and, at the end of the day, having an answer to that challenge,” said Braydon Stevenson, now a Construction Labourer Certificate alumnus.

“I can take this with me to my future,” added Stacey Campbell, who is also a graduate. “If I wanted to build a house, I could use my skills in the construction industry to build the house. When I first came here, that’s exactly what I was thinking of—framing, construction [and] building a house.”

If you're interested in applying to the Construction Labourer Certificate program, email mainstreetcampus@mitt.ca.

MITT offers 30+ certificate, diploma and postgraduate programs that teach the indemand skills needed at any stage of career development. Start your new career in as little as five months! Visit MITT.ca for more information.

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BUSINESS

The Future of an Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem Sponsored by the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub

In an effort to close the gender gap in entrepreneurial pursuits in Canada, organizations like the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub are working hard to foster inclusive networks that support women entrepreneurs in developing their businesses. The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), funded by the Government of Canada, shares research on and resources for women entrepreneurs in Canada. Made up of 10 regional hubs, WEKH operates in both English and French, and includes a network of over 250 organizations, reaching more than 100,000 women entrepreneurs.

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n August 2020, the WEKH Indigenous team participated in a traditional pipe ceremony, led by Elder Margaret Lavallee of Sagkeeng First Nation.

The ceremony took place in the Circle Room inside of Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge), located at the University of Manitoba on Treaty 1 Territory, the home of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, and the Homeland of the Métis Nation. The University of Manitoba Asper School of Business is also the home of the WEKH National Indigenous Hub, Mikwam Makwa Ikwe.

Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is Anishinaabe for Ice Bear Woman and was gifted to WEKH during the pipe ceremony. This Spirit Name is one that WEKH honours in all aspects of their work. The Ice Bear Woman is the spirit of resilience and strength—it is the spirit that can be found within and alongside Indigenous women’s entrepreneurial journeys.

Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is led by Ashley Richard, a proud Ojibway and Métis woman with family from Pine Creek First Nation and Camperville Manitoba on her paternal side, and Filipina roots on her maternal side. She was gifted the spirit name Forever Woman when she was a newborn, and this gift has served as her beacon throughout life. She knew when she started working with WEKH that the work must also be grounded in traditional ways.

The spirit of the Ice Bear Woman has guided the work of the National Indigenous Hub, which includes

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advancing research on Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship, and establishing and enhancing partnerships across Turtle Island. In early 2020, Mikwam Makwa Ikwe hosted a series of national roundtables on Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship, bringing together over 350 participants in each province and territory to discuss the challenges and barriers that Indigenous women entrepreneurs face, and what the future of an inclusive innovation ecosystem looks like from an Indigenous woman’s perspective.

However, what came across even more powerfully in these roundtable discussions was that Indigenous women are much more than the challenges and barriers they face. Indigenous women want the future of an inclusive innovation ecosystem to be co-created by and for Indigenous women in a meaningful, intentional and relational way. Indigenous women already have the knowledge to make this happen; however, they need to be supported to ensure this is an equitable movement for all Indigenous women across Turtle Island.

The discussions at these roundtables provided the foundation for the Mikwam Makwa Ikwe’s inaugural report: Mikwam Makwa Ikwe, A National Needs Analysis on Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship.

This report looked at the complex barriers Indigenous women entrepreneurs face, such as access to financing and capital, access to entrepreneurial education and mentorship, and much more. A major finding within this report was that Indigenous women entrepreneurs face many similar barriers that other women entrepreneurs face, but the complexity is deepened by the intersection of Indigeneity and gender.

Re-Indigenized Interconnectivity

Indigenous Peoples have the strength, power and knowledge to recreate and rebuild wealth distribution in a more inclusive, gentler, kinder way to each other and Mother Earth. Collectively, we are stepping away from the deeply intertwined toxic triangle of the past: patriarchy, colonization and capitalism. The colonial business world has excluded Indigenous Peoples, in particular Indigenous women and gender-diverse folks.

In October 2020, WEKH met over Zoom with the National Aboriginal Capital

Being in regular communication with other organizations that share the same goal of supporting Indigenous women to start and grow successful businesses has helped us identify where we need to focus our efforts and has provided us with opportunities for meaningful collaboration.

- Magnolia Perron, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association

BUSINESS

Corporations Association (NACCA), the Indigenous LIFT Collective, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative (13) at Grand Challenges Canada, and Futurpreneur for the first National Collective meeting. At this meeting, all five organizations shared updates with one another and expressed the importance of moving forward as an interconnected ecosystem. The group made a commitment to one another to meet on a monthly basis.

Organizations working together as a collective, with and alongside Indigenous women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, will not only benefit Indigenous Peoples but will benefit the business world at large.

Since that first meeting, the collective group has expanded to include PowHERhouse, SheEO, the Fireweed Fellowship, National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA), the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Native Women Lead. Now, this group of 10 organizations convened

by WEKH is a National Collective that is the first of its kind, bringing together a group of diverse organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that share the commitment and goal of advancing support for Indigenous women entrepreneurs. This is the first collective of organizations and individuals committed to building an entire ecosystem of support designed specifically for supporting Indigenous women and gender-diverse folks in business.

The National Collective recognizes that Indigenous women entrepreneurs need a strong circle of support, from mentorship to financing to navigational support. As a group, they recognize that it will take all of our organizations—weaving together and utilizing our unique strengths—to ensure Indigenous women and genderdiverse entrepreneurs have access to what they need to start and grow successful businesses. There is a mutual understanding that everyone must work together and collaborate with a mindset of abundance and co-create the future of doing business in a good way.

Together, this collective of nationallyfocused organizations are re-matriating partnerships and modelling a way

This kind of convening and relationship building within the ecosystem is key to keep moving the dial forward. The WEKH roundtable has enabled Futurpreneur’s Indigenous unit to have the opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous-led organizations that support Indigenous women entrepreneurs and discuss how we, as ecosystem partners, can further enhance our organizational services to reach those who need it. I am thankful for the role WEKH plays; this collaboration is truly valued.

- Joanne Norris, Futurpreneur

forward for women entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers from coastto-coast-to-coast, setting an elevated standard of excellence in re-Indigenized interconnectivity.

“Decolonizing is shining light on the dominant social, political, economic, and judicial structures and systems that have overshadowed Indigenous ways of knowing and being,” said Teara Fraser of the Indigenous LIFT Collective. “We are working together in circle—decolonizing entrepreneurship while amplifying and uplifting Indigenous business.”

that interconnection is central to our Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing, and reflects an awareness that everything in the universe is connected.

Our movement invites each partner to contribute their unique gifting for the highest good of the collective and the communities we serve. Our goal is to embody decolonizing and Indigenizing business and entrepreneurship practices throughout our organizations, and build on principles of mutual respect, cooperation, reciprocity, and the spirit of inclusion.

Relationships and spirit are at the heart.

An Inclusive Indigenous Economic Ecosystem Collective

By centering collaboration and mutual accountability, we acknowledge and take responsibility for how decisions affect the work of our organizations, our relationships with each other, and the impact we can have on the wider Indigenous community.

Our Inclusive Indigenous Economic Ecosystem Collective (IIEEC) is a network of economic ecosystem leaders working to create a more inclusive and affirming space for Indigenous innovators and entrepreneurs. We acknowledge

In addressing generations of colonial impacts, we are transforming the way organizations work together and are reclaiming matrilineal and sacred teachings to create an economic ecosystem that honours, upholds and reclaims the important role of women, Two Spirit, trans and gender-diverse people.

The following statement was created by all 10 national partners, alongside WEKH: We acknowledge that we are collectively located across Turtle Island, also known as North America.

There are so many moving parts to the sector and so many opportunities, let alone gaps and barriers. We need to meet and stay connected so we can complement each other from a mindset of abundance and not as competition against each other in old-style colonial models of scarcity.

- Sara Wolfe, Indigenous Innovation Initiative (I3)

Our vision for 2030 is for Indigenous businesses across industries and sectors to be visible, successful and thriving in an ecosystem that is relational and circular, walks gently on Mother Earth, and urgently upholds critical approaches grounded in Indigenous ways and worldviews.

In 2030, we will be celebrating an inclusive and diverse group of curious and courageous Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island as they are recognized as leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 17

BUSINESS See It. Be It.

Indigenous women entrepreneurs need to see other successful Indigenous women entrepreneurs in order to realize their own potential. Representation is so important for younger generations to begin to see entrepreneurship as a career path.

WEKH’s See It. Be It. campaign is a national campaign that challenges the stereotypes of entrepreneurship in the media, and in policies and programs throughout the innovation ecosystem. More importantly, this campaign celebrates the successes of Indigenous women entrepreneurs and provides an ever-growing database of role models who can inspire a new generation of Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

Meet just a few of the successful women entrepreneurs who are crushing entrepreneur stereotypes and are featured in the WEKH database.

Joella Hogan

Joella Hogan is the owner and founder of the Yukon Soaps Company in her traditional territory in Mayo, Yukon. When Hogan was presented with the opportunity to purchase a local soap-making business, she saw it as a way to reconnect people to the land. By using local plants, employing local youth, using traditional beadwork and plant knowledge, and using Northern Tutchone language when possible, Hogan has found a way to reconnect with her community, elders, land and language. She aspires for the Yukon Soaps Company to not only be her business but for it to be Mayo’s soap business. Hogan strives to reinvest her profits from the Yukon Soaps Company back into her community and to support other local artists. yukonsoaps.com 18 | BUSINESS PROSPERITY l DEC 2021

Veronica Johnny

Veronica Johnny is an Indigenous two-spirit artist from the Northwest Territories. She is the front woman, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of The Johnnys, a high-energy rock’n’roll band she founded with drummer and husband Dave Johnny. Johnny is of Nehiyaw/Dene heritage and a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Since beginning her musical journey, Johnny has become a dynamic performer as both a solo artist and a member of groups. She has amassed studio experience on either side of the mixing console, and facilitated performances and inspirational workshops for schools, festivals, organizations and individuals. Johnny is the founder of IndigenEd, a 100% Indigenousled, woman-owned arts education business—INDIGENous EDucation for all—creating understanding between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people. thejohnnys.com

BUSINESS Yamila Franco

Yamila Franco was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. As a proud AfroIndigenous entrepreneur, Franco actively works as a financial literacy educator and strategist supporting entrepreneurs in navigating financial systems and establishing healthier financial habits— understanding how to build wealth and save money.

In 2018, she co-founded Nyoka Design Labs, a clean technology social enterprise focused on bringing ecofriendly, clean and innovative products to market. In 2020, she co-founded AfroHub Market, an e-commerce and networking platform that focuses on supporting the local community of entrepreneurs of African

Shannon Pestun

As the co-founder of The Finance Cafe and founder of Pestun Consulting, Shannon Pestun is an experienced entrepreneur and courageous leader who is breaking barriers to advance an inclusive and sustainable economy.

Recognized for creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo, Pestun is a trusted voice on women’s entrepreneurship for educators, government, industry and the media. She was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel.

Her commitment to advancing equality has been widely

descent in British Columbia.

Her role has recently shifted to focusing on strategy, scaling impact initiatives and laying the base foundation to build sustainable social enterprises. Franco enjoys being and learning with the community, advocating for financial literacy and inclusion, and volunteering to create safer and more inclusive spaces for all.

Franco has been honoured as FLIK’s 21 Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021, a 2021 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Nominee and a recipient of the 2020 Representation, Engagement, Participation Youth Award by HERE in Canada. linkedin.com/in/yamilafranco-828322138

recognized. In 2018, she was named a SHEInnovator

by SHEInnovates Alberta—a pilot chapter for UN Women— and in 2019, she was a finalist for the Diversity Ambassador of the Year award by Women in Finance, Canada Edition.

Pestun is a member of the Mount Royal University board of directors and is a member of the President’s advisory committee on equity, diversity and inclusion. A proud Cree Métis woman, Pestun recently created the Gifting circle for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, the first Canadian communityfunded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurial studies. thefinancecafe.ca DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 19

BUSINESS Lynn-Marie Angus In 2021, Lynn-Marie Angus was honoured with the Indigenous Business of the Year Award from BC Achievement.

Lynn-Marie and her sister Melissa-Rae Angus are behind the Indigenous wellness brand Sisters Sage.Their company sells hand-crafted wellness and selfcare products using traditional Indigenous ingredients.

Lynn-Marie and MelissaRae started the business to showcase their culture in a positive way and make a living

Trisha Pitura and Mélanie Bernard Trisha Pitura and Mélanie Bernard are the founders of MINI TIPI, a brand of blankets and accessories for adults and children.

Their designs reflect their heritage, and are designed and produced in Quebec. MINI TIPI sells goods via e-commerce in addition to craft markets and select retailers in Canada. Collaborating with

Indigenous artists has allowed MINI TIPI to set themselves apart, supporting artists and celebrating culture. It is extremely important to MINI TIPI to give back to the community through donations to local food banks and Indigenous women crisis centers, and by sharing products with those in need. minitipi.ca

To access the full WEKH See It. Be It. database, please visit wekh.ca/seeitbeit.

This article was written by Ashley Richard, Associate Director Indigenous, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) with co-authors Vanessa Lesperance (Indigenous LIFT Collective), Charlene SanJenko (PowHERhouse) and Magnolia Perron (NACCA).

Additional contributions by Kara Thorvaldson (WEKH).

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out of their interest in artisan soaps and self-care products.

One of their core products, a smudge spray, offers a smokefree alternative to traditional cleansing. Sisters Sage won the national Pow Wow Pitch competition in 2020, and the sisters aim to inspire other Indigenous entrepreneurs to help close the economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. sisterssage.com

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 21

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MARKETING

Optimize Social Media for Your Business

By Patrick Mitsuing

In this article, I’m going to share with you eight strategic actions you can take to help leverage social media to your advantage and greatly benefit your business.

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n your local market, you may have a loyal following of people who are highly interested in your products or services. With social media, you can access millions of people who have the same passion for what it is you have to offer.

Here are some tips on how to tap into this market.

1

Understand Algorithms

Each social media platform uses an algorithm—a process that sorts relevant posts in a user's feed. Algorithms sort through large amounts of content, filtering what a user sees based on interest rather than time posted.

point is to be engaging in a way that positively contributes to your audience’s journey while keeping in line with your brand. The remainder of your content should be about the offer.

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Engage and Connect

There’s a reason it’s called “social media”—be social. Be sure to connect with all the followers who regularly like, share and react to your content. Engage in conversations and share content from others you respect. These followers are potential supporters, clients and customers for your business.

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Know Your Audience and Set a Goal

Once you’ve identified who your potential buyers are and how they use social media platforms, identify what you want to accomplish with your business. Is it to get 10,000 subscribers, 1 million views, or your first online sale? Whatever it is, make sure it’s realistic and write it down. Focus on that goal and the steps you need to get there.

Be Consistent

The fastest way to build your audience and following is to post consistently. Posting consistent messaging, and doing it regularly, keeps your audience engaged and helps build credibility while establishing your brand.

Being consistent will also make your business stand out, making it immediately recognizable in a sea of digital marketing.

Provide Value and then Pitch

80% of your posts should provide some type of value, whether that’s entertainment or problem-solving. The

Have a Call to Action

Always have a call to action attached to your content. This could be as simple as saying “like, share or subscribe.” This small call to action is very effective when it comes to visibility.

Platforms tend to highlight posts with these types of traction, helping you reach more people.

Collaborate with Influencers

Consider collaborating with influencers who are not in direct competition but align with your business. Mentions, reviews and shares from these accounts offer a huge boost in followers, potential new clients, and shared marketing for both you and your collaborators.

speaking, you get paid for letting Google put ads on your videos. This allows you to focus more on building content for your users and less time worrying about marketing dollars.

Monetize

After you have a loyal following, you can monetize your social media with sponsorship and ads. For example, YouTube offers AdSense, which is a free and easy way to earn money by leveraging social media. Simply

Patrick Mitsuing is a Cree entrepreneur, world champion Fancy Dancer and artist from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Saskatchewan. He has been featured in SAY Magazine several times, profiled in issue 91 and, most recently, featured on the cover of issue 109.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 23

BUSINESS

Acquiring a Business Reduces Risks Sponsored by Community Futures Manitoba

In 2017, SuccessionMatching worked closely with an Indigenous entrepreneur from Saskatchewan who had a very specific plan for the future of his successful cabinet-making business. He was ready to retire and sell his business, but he wished to sell it to someone within the local Indigenous community. He said that he was fortunate enough to have had many great mentors over the years and he wanted to pass along his knowledge to the next generation of entrepreneurs. His story is not unique.

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usiness succession is a major problem among all communities across Canada. Our population is aging, and many small business owners are interested in retiring and exiting their businesses. Individuals work hard to create and grow a business that is their livelihood, and they don’t want to see that legacy die when it is time for them to move on.

The looming “grey tsunami” of retiring business owners presents a tremendous opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs to become business owners while bypassing the risk and uncertainty associated with start-ups.

Starting a business is inherently risky— approximately 20 per cent of new businesses fail in their first year, and that number balloons to 60 per cent after three years.

“That is why we have made it our mission to change the way people get into business,” said Alison Anderson, CEO and founder of SuccessionMatching. This organization is a two-sided marketplace designed to help buyers find businesses to buy and give business owners a place they can sell their businesses.

“We want entrepreneurs to see the potential that is right in front of them, rather than fall into the high-risk trap of

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starting their own business,” explained Anderson. “We think that buying a business is a great way to flex the entrepreneurial muscle with far less risk.

Additionally, preserving local businesses through changes in ownership helps local economic health.”

In the past, Indigenous entrepreneurs who wished to pass their businesses on in their own communities faced extra challenges due to barriers to asset-based lending on reserve and a lack of potential new entrepreneurs in their communities who could take their place.

But times are changing. Indigenous entrepreneurs have become Canada’s fastestgrowing segment of business owners, with the number of self-employed Indigenous peoples recently increasing at five times the rate of non-Indigenous self-employed.

They have been assisted by organizations like Community Futures (CF) and their Indigenous Business Development Services (IBDS) program. The CF program provides financing exclusively to entrepreneurs in rural, remote, Northern and First Nations communities, while IBDS helps Indigenous entrepreneurs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan access training and supports.

“Indigenous entrepreneurs are becoming a force to be reckoned with in our

economy,” said Raena Baker, IBDS program coordinator with Community Futures Manitoba. “We’re happy to work with SuccessionMatching to provide [people] with another option to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.”

SuccessionMatching can help entrepreneurs build a succession plan, connect with succession planning professionals, and match with the best possible buyer (or seller) for their needs.

To learn more about their services, reach out to hello@successionmatching.com.

If you are an entrepreneur looking to start or purchase a business in rural or Northern Manitoba or Saskatchewan, visit cfmanitoba.ca or cfsask.ca for more information.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 25

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Building a Successful Business needs

Capital, Innovation and Spirit Submitted by Sara Wolfe

Many of us have thought about starting a new business, being our own boss, building something from the ground up so we can support the community and our families. Do you have a great idea for a new product or service that you think could be disruptive, successful and built in ways to give back to your community?

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he journey to becoming a successful business owner can be confusing at best, and more often it is challenging and needs a lot of money that isn’t easily available to get started. While there is a lot that goes into starting a new business, this article aims to demystify some of the basics of “capital”, or money, that you may need at various stages of your business and hopefully give you a place to start planning.

All good start-ups start with a problem and a great idea to solve it, usually something you’ve seen or experienced for yourself, which is where innovation comes in. Many Indigenous-led businesses are trying to create opportunities within the community to support the wellbeing of people, and if it was a thing, you’d buy it! First you must design, build and test this idea, and that can take money.

This is the pre-seed stage and usually investments in this phase will come

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from your personal savings, maybe some money from friends or family, and a whole lot of sweat equity—your time and energy. Other ways you can ask for investment at this stage is with something folks call your social capital; friends, or friends of friends, or even cold calls to experts to ask for advice and support to get started.

From here, you will develop, test and refine your new product or service, and probably evolve your business model, which requires creative space to take risks and make mistakes along with more time and money. This is the seed stage, and access to capital is tricky.

Especially new ideas that haven't been fully tested or have any evidence they will work will find it super tricky (and potentially expensive) to get a loan or investment because of the risk. The more radical your idea, the harder it will be to get money for it. If you’ve run out of personal savings, don’t have the ability

Sara Wolfe

to get a loan for the project, and don’t have friends or family to lend you the money, the next best option is to try to get a grant. There are numerous sources, like government grants, special economic and/ or innovation development programs, like the Indigenous Innovation Initiative, and/or through different accelerator or investment readiness programs. This is sometimes called social finance or research and development. Some newer programs allow for micro-lending, loans of small amounts to help get you started, and they are becoming increasingly available to Indigenous innovators and entrepreneurs.

It may also be worth looking into what tax credits you may be eligible for.

As you continue along this journey you will phase through pre-revenue capital needs to early-stage capital needs to post-revenue capital needs.

Launching your business is important, but it will be a while before you have enough money coming in from customers (pre-revenue). Customer acquisition, marketing, business development and/ or production are things that mark early-stage capital needs. Then, even if you are generating revenue from your business, you will need more capital if you wish for it to scale and grow.

Access to capital here starts getting a bit more dynamic and can take on some additional forms. At pre-revenue, you’ll still be looking for grants and time to do and learn all the other things that are involved with starting up a business. As you start to prove your idea can work, you may be able to start getting some early equity investments and/or convertible debt, when an investor or lender lends you small amounts of money that could choose to convert to an equity stake down the line if your idea works. An equity stake is when you give an investor a proportion of ownership in your business in exchange for them putting up a set amount of capital or money to keep your idea going. If you’ve made it this far, it is a good idea to go back to your network and social capital to get some best advice from a variety of knowledgeable sources on the best structure and balance of equity (you

and/or your partners' ownership stake), equity investments (other investors ownership stake) and debt (loans).

The need for expansion capital can vary depending on what stage you are at, whether you have other sources of revenue from different products you offer, what industry you are in, and what risk you and your investors are willing to take.

Helpful hint: consider getting any requests for debt financing in place while you are in the post-revenue stage, or “doing pretty good”, so the financial institution looks upon you favourably. If you wait until you are out of money, they may be more inclined to not approve.

Fundraising can be hard and is often emotional, especially if you’ve poured your heart and soul into it so far. Capital is probably the number one challenge you’ll have to overcome, especially access to capital with as few restrictions to it as possible.

There are a lot of barriers to overcome, including the fact that money is most often controlled by others with access blocked by unfair gendered and racialized biases (sexism and racism). Getting here is hard work, but the rewards for you, your family and your community can be transformative. Sell the dream. Your journey will be worth the effort.

Sara Wolfe (Anishnawbe) is the director of the Indigenous Innovation Initiative at Grand Challenges Canada.

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MEDIA

Digital Storytelling through an Indigenous Lens Submitted by Charlene SanJenko

To shift society, we must shift the narrative, and media is the most powerful trajectory-shifting vehicle of our generation. Charlene SanJenko is innovating a path for impact using brand dollars to tell the stories that can shift behaviours before they become social, environmental and economic problems.

"There are two paths of impact for every sensory experience we have. One is going to bring us up, and one will bring us down. One will either bring us closer to who we really are, or one will distract us away from who we really are."

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- Charlene SanJenko

he narrative that we consume in a day is the most powerful influencer of who we believe we currently are and who we are becoming as a society. Digital storytelling can

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deliberately lift society, one impact media project at a time, one storytelling experience at a time, and one impact champion at a time. We have the most powerful tool ready and waiting to be used for its highest good.

Charlene SanJenko

MEDIA Impact media brings us closer to the full potential of our human experience.

Social impacters and community champions have been “doing good” by delivering needed solutions and have been operating under the radar for years.

It’s time for that to stop. Doing a world of good is great, but unless the world can see it, hear it, feel it, and share it, we’re merely hiding solutions behind our art instead of amplifying them with it. When you’re hiding and doing good, sure you’re creating solutions, no doubt about it, but are you shifting society? Are you shifting the behaviour of society?

Here are five best practices for digital storytelling through an Indigenous lens offered to you from our lived experiences in this space:

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Intention Why are you telling the story? Be clear and concise.

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Digital storytelling through an Indigenous lens allows society to witness people and their changemaking in action. We offer the opportunity for changemakers to be seen, heard and recognized while inspiring others to take action and participate, shifting society with each ripple of the story.

Activation Don’t work alone. Wisdom, depth and diverse perspectives come from gathering in circle. Consult your community (big or small), engage, ask, listen, share.

Co-Creation Humanize your storytelling. Honour people in a meaningful way by celebrating their courage as a positive disruptor, sharing each other's voices. Build a multi-layered, multi-sensory story—we call this an impact media portfolio, and it can be expanded or kept small depending on the intention and purpose.

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Amplification Strategize how best to use cocreated storytelling to serve your priorities. Use a curated blend of audio, visual, quotes and multimedia that match your specific calling for impact.

Acceleration Reach its full potential. We call this making your greatness grid. Make a list of names to intentionally connect the dots to the people who are waiting for your message.

Charlene SanJenko is the founder of PowHERhouse, a house of leaders for global impact. She is an Indigenous impact producer and media visionary who braids for better by brokering impact and building brand value using advertising dollars in a forwardthinking way.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 29

PROFILE

Artisan Market Increases Economic Opportunities

By Cheliza Crawford

Shelly Squire, a member of the Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan, has lived on Grand River territory since birth. She is a proud mother of four beautiful daughters, and in the new year she will celebrate 30 years of marriage.

Two years ago, Squire founded the Grand River Artisan Market in Ontario—a market that brings local crafters together to support one another and share their gifts, something that had been lacking in the community for far too long.

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seasoned crafter and small business owner of Our Medicines~Onónhkwa—a resin art business—Squire has very fond memories of going to flea markets as a child, seeing all the incredible vendors and feeling a sense of community. As an adult, she noticed that type of community connectedness and celebration was missing. In 2020, she decided to do something about it, hence the Grand River Artisan Market. Squire never imagined she would be curating such an event, but her passion for her craft and her community has led her on this journey to build wealth for her people. Find out more about Squire and her venture in this interview with SAY Magazine.

SAY: How did you start crafting and selling your items?

Squire: I suffered from depression and anxiety for a long time, and I used natural medicines as a way of healing. I started dabbling in essential oil bracelets, trying to find tools that I could use to help me.

This is essentially what led me to crafting with essential oils, more specifically with lava bead bracelets, which are pieces of Mother Earth—something I find so powerful. I started selling my creations at house parties and by visiting local businesses here at Six Nations of the Grand River over their lunch hour. It was great to share my knowledge of medicines, not just tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass, but gemstones and lava beads as well. It sort of just took off from there.

SAY: Has your culture influenced your business?

Squire: It’s not about our culture; it’s just a way of life—our way of life. The medicines are there to help us with whatever we may need them for. A big influence for me was just going back to nature, going back to Mother Earth. She heals and offers so much to us—tools for us to use and be thankful and grateful for, like the gemstones I use. It’s not magic. These natural medicines and resources available to us work as long as we are willing to work with them on our healing journey.

SAY: Talk about the success of the Grand River Artisan Market to date.

Squire: We just finished our second season of weekly markets. The first season was launched in the midst of COVID-19, but it still brought that connection as a community, as a people.

We have artists, beaders, sewers and people who work with their hands for massage. We have so many people with all these incredibly diverse gifts. With the pandemic and all the pow wows, vendor shows and other markets shutting

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down, being able to run the market has been very healing. Since we’re located on a reserve, we have a little bit of leeway in what we can do while still following the necessary safety precautions.

Ultimately, the market supports small businesses and helps attract people from outside the community, so it’s really helping boost the local economy.

SAY: What are some of the challenges you experience in running the Artisan Market?

Squire: I’m trying my best to use social media to get the word out there and get people to share, but it’s a little overwhelming—it’s like a full-time job. I think social media is a really good tool, but I’m not very tech-savvy, so my biggest challenge is finding a balance between creating my items and doing marketing. Right now we just have a Facebook page, so our next step is to create an Instagram account, and hopefully by this time next year we will have a larger following and be even more successful.

SAY: What is your dream for the Grand River Artisan Market?

Squire: My dream for the market right now is for it to be a successful seasonal event. Long-term, I’m hoping it becomes a yearround opportunity inside a building where artisans can come share their gifts.

Ideally, the market attracts more tourists who are interested in what we have to offer. Our community is filled with so many great artisans, cooks and bakers—

the Grand River Artisan Market only showcases a handful of the talent that I believe is out there. We need to have a larger presence— more markets or a bigger venue—to showcase more small businesses. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but that’s my dream for the market.

SAY: Do you have any advice for youth who are thinking about starting their own business, or maybe a market in their community?

Squire: Do it while you’re young! Don’t be scared.

If you like something, go with it. You’ve got to start somewhere. As you progress, you’ll likely have to shift gears a few times before you really find your stride.

I had to pivot a few times until I found what I loved to do, so don’t give up. Keep persevering through all the challenges and the obstacles that will come your way, because it’s not easy finding your place or finding work that works for you. Look for and take advantage of free courses or programs offered in the community. They often offer great advice, workshops and access to mentors. If you want to try being a vendor, do little pop-ups in your community or start small in your front yard. Connect with other people who are hosting shows or get a group of friends or family together.

And of course, use social media to your advantage.

Cheliza Crawford is a member of both the Ojibwe of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee. She is completing her internship as a content creator and communications team member at SAY Magazine.

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MUSIC

You Were Chosen to Be Here Collaboration by Isaac Murdoch and Matt Epp You Were Chosen to Be Here is a powerful collaboration between Anishinaabe Ojibway artist and storyteller Isaac Murdoch (Serpent River First Nation) and international touring artist and award-winning songwriter Matt Epp. A true weaving of community, storytelling, art and healing, this album shares messages of hope and love with the world. The brilliance of this work also demonstrates the power of relationships— of allyship—of an Ojibwe man and a Canadian settler working together, using their voices as artists to create awareness, and to celebrate unity and diversity.

Murdoch (Bomgiizhik) is a member of the Fish Clan in Ontario, where he was taught to hunt and gather from the land. A world-renowned visual artist, Murdoch is best known as an engaging storyteller and educator. He shares his craft live and online, recounting the many tales taught to him by his Elders so that we may all reconnect with, and be stewards for, the land. Murdoch currently lives amongst the trees at a cultural revitalization camp called Nimkii Aazhibikoong, an Indigenous community that focuses on traditional language, art and land-based activities.

Hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Epp has lived everywhere, from the Canadian Prairies to lively big cities. He is a welltravelled performer whose reputation and popularity spans the globe. An experienced collaborator and activist, Epp is known as a confessional songwriter with the ability to pull listeners into a song, creating a sense of community. His previous projects earned him the Grand Prize win at the International Songwriting Competition in 2017, and his latest works continue to influence the future landscape of Canadian music.

With a folk-roots feel featuring a variety of talented artists, You Were Chosen to Be Here is a true community collaboration.

In addition to the impactful lyrics, the sounds of cedar flute, chanting, drumming, spoken word and acoustic guitar can be heard throughout the LP. “It honours the spirit of the Creator, the spirit of our ancestors and the spirit of resilience,” said Murdoch. “It’s a calming, tender and hopeful album suitable for all ages and backgrounds.”

You Were Chosen to Be Here kickstarts a grassroots unity-seeking movement as Murdoch and Epp prepare for a Canadian-wide tour set to begin later this year. Fans can look forward to engaging live performances by the duo on the tour named Revolution of the Heart—dates to be announced soon.

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MUSIC

Beatrice Deer SHIFTING is the latest of six studio albums to be released by Canadian Indigenous Music Award-winning artist Beatrice Deer. Deer, who is half-Inuk and half-Mohawk, is a singer-songwriter who was raised in Quaqtaq, a northern village in Nunavik, Quebec. She currently resides in Montreal, Quebec, and refers to herself as an “Inuindie” pop star.

Deer’s music is heavily influenced by her personal experiences, and she masterfully merges indie rock with modern folk and traditional Inuit flare.

A 2021 Prism Prize recipient, Deer not only weaves Inuit stories into her work but also performs her songs in Inuktitut, English and French. This multi-talented artist’s music often contains much more than just musical harmonies. Her music cuts to the core of life and explores hard-hitting themes, many of which are emotional, spiritual and even sometimes physical.

A highly regarded figure in her community, Deer has a passionate mindset when it comes to mental health. She believes in the power we each have to change our lives. None of what Deer believes is founded in falsehood but instead in first-hand experience. “You can’t be a change-maker if you haven’t gone through it yourself,” she said. “You can’t help without healing yourself first. You can’t change what happened; you can only change how you deal with it.”

Photos by Alexi Hobbs

Music is much more than just a career for Deer; it’s a tool that she has the honour of using to grab the attention of listeners, exposing them to love, survival

and the realities of grief. Her debut single “THE STORM’’, which premiered on CBC Radio’s Reclaimed, is the first of many songs that parallel the difficulties of navigating life, like trying to find your way in a northern snowstorm. Through song, Deer guides us to the light and reminds us to never stop following it. “That’s the way.

You go for it and you don’t stop. You just go toward that light. That’s when you know that you’re shifting onto your path.”

Deer’s unique style, including her ability to incorporate throat-singing, has earned her several accolades over the years, including the 2019 Indigenous Music Award for Best Folk Album and the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award for Pushing the Boundaries. Both of these honours came from the success of her previous full-length album, My All To You. Deer looks forward to continuing to push boundaries, using her platform to impact the lives of others through her music and as a motivational speaker.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 33

MUSIC

Aocelyn

Lovely is the debut album from up-andcoming Inuk artist Aocelyn (aw-slin).

Born in Nunavut, Canada, Aocelyn has a strong connection to music and its healing powers, and is just starting to hone in on the potential of her talents.

Aocelyn wrote her very first song at just 14 years old. As a teenager, she turned to music as a form of healing and expression in an effort to deal with the harassment of bullies. Aocelyn continues to write her own songs as well as freestyle rap. Her outlet has become a way of life, and has opened many doors for the young artist.

Her first professional experience in the music industry came in 2018 when her original song “Adventure Awaits” was featured on the popular Nunavut-wide music collective based album Ajungi, which was produced

by Nunavut-based record label Hitmakerz. Just last year, Aocelyn released a music video for “Adventure Awaits”, which is now available online.

With her innovative style, Aocelyn has big aspirations for her career.

Driven by the intense desire to encourage and root for the underdog in us all, Aocelyn’s music carries a passion for outcasts rivaled by few.

She has an insatiable need to show the world that the ones most people give up on are in fact the heroes of our not-so-distant future.

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Mental health is something the multifaceted young artist holds close to her heart. Aocelyn hopes to dismantle the concrete stigma surrounding mental health using her music as a proverbial pickaxe. If given the opportunity to achieve fame and fortune, Aocelyn would keep her dreams humble and close to home. One of her goals is to one day be able to provide help to those in need. One of the battles Aocelyn has chosen as her first opponent is food insecurity in her northern home of Nunavut—something that is all too common in Canada’s northern communities.

Cover art from single "I Wish I Was King"

Often described as a fiercely authentic, kind-hearted person, Aocelyn seeks to be a role model to her fellow Nunavummiut, uplifting those around her. She is a trailblazer and an extremely bright star who infects all who are lucky enough to bask in her light.

Aocelyn’s personality and her “larger than life” goals can all be felt through her music.

On her latest EP Lovely, she gives a little bit of everything in a big way. Listeners can look forward to more from Aocelyn as she carves out her path to a better world with catchy and impactful beats.

MUSIC

Northbound 51 recently released their long anticipated self-titled debut album.

The name of the group and the EP speaks to life in the North—the Northbound train that brings people to their home of Moose Factory and specifically the community’s coordinates of 51.2625 N, 80.5930 W—Mushkegowuk territory (Peoples of the Muskeg).

Described by band member Stan Louttit as a little “North Americana”, their sound blends country and folk with rock influences. Their songs reflect Cree culture, traditions and beliefs, and tell the story of Cree identity past and present.

In a recent press release, Louttit said, “We write about our identities, such as our fathers’ and mothers’ time when they lived a very hunting, land-based lifestyle.

Many of our Cree people’s grandparents lived a traditional lifestyle and, in many ways, that is becoming the past. So, we find it important to sing about not only the stories our parents told us of their lives and hardships, but also about the beauty of the land.”

Darrell McLeod and Marilyn GunnerMcLeod join Louttit to make up this talented trio. Hailing from northern Ontario and performing together since 2015, each band member’s unique skills blend perfectly to bring a sense of connectivity for listeners.

Gunner-McLeod, Northbound 51’s lead singer and acoustic guitarist, has been passionate about music since childhood and started playing guitar at just nine years old. She has a gospel and country background, and can also play drums.

McLeod has been immersed in music since his teens. He is the band’s main guitarist. He graduated from the Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Toronto and has played in a number of local bands in Moose Factory.

Louttit is the bassist of this group, but he also provides background vocals, and plays keyboard, mandolin and acoustic guitar at many shows. Louttit is a bass and jazz performance graduate of the Humber College Music Program in Toronto, Ontario.

Album artwork by Roberta Landreth

Northbound 51

“The album’s major theme is longing for our home, which is Moosonee and Moose Factory,” said Louttit. “We sing about how many of us travelled south to schools and hospitals, or have been taken away to such places as residential schools. The northbound train takes us back home to our parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones.”

With their home as inspiration, this trio hopes that their messages will resonate with listeners across the country. Northbound 51 is now available for streaming.

Moose River. Photo credit: Stan Louttit

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Isaac Murdoch and Matt Epp Aocelyn Northbound 51 Beatrice Deer

VisitDEC us2021 at IndigenousinMusic.com l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 35

MONEY MATTERS

The Importance of Accounting for New Business Owners Submitted by Flannery May and Mallory Yawnghwe

Bookkeeping isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of your own business, but it’s an important step in getting your business on the right path. Working with a professional bookkeeper and accountant can help you better manage cash, know when you can afford to hire employees, and even get your business ready for funding or investors.

With an accurate set of books, you’ll have the information you need to grow your business in a sustainable way.

M

allory Yawnghwe is a nehiyaw iskwew from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in North Eastern Alberta.

She is the founder of Indigenous Box, a subscription, gift and custom box service featuring products created by Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Canada. Yawnghwe started Indigenous Box in March 2021, and the boxes have consistently sold out since the beginning.

When it comes to running a successful business, money matters. Once Yawnghwe

36 | BUSINESS PROSPERITY l DEC 2021

started Indigenous Box, she knew it was in her best interest to follow this advice: “What gets measured, gets managed.” If she was planning on growing her company, she would need to outsource experts right away, and that is when she met Flannery May. May is an accountant who provides operational and financial expertise to businesses, and is the partnerships lead at MOD Accounting & Tax. SAY Magazine is pleased to share an informative dialogue between May and Yawnghwe, which shares Yawnghwe’s

Flannery May and Mallory Yawnghwe

perspective on the importance of bookkeeping as an important step on the journey to prosperity.

May: How did you decide on the company that was right for you?

Yawnghwe: I did research on pricing, services and requirements for corporations specifically. I had just recently connected with you on LinkedIn, and immediately had a light bulb moment thinking that you could probably point me in the right direction.

MONEY MATTERS I took your advice and looked around to find out what other firms had to offer before I settled on any one. I didn’t find any other firms that I felt I could trust completely. You came to the table with the intention to help me however you could, and we didn’t even talk about pricing before chatting about allyship and supporting one another. This is the Indigenous way, to speak of how you can help others before chatting about business. I knew it was your team I wanted to work with.

May: Why did you decide to outsource bookkeeping in the first place?

Yawnghwe: To allow me to focus on strategy and growing the company rather than doing my own bookkeeping. The accounting team we have is phenomenal, so I knew that I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I weighed out the cost of outsourcing bookkeeping services. I knew that the opportunity cost of taking on this task would mean taking away

time from strategizing and finding ways to increase revenue.

May: How do you stay organized?

Yawnghwe: The bookkeeping software we have set up helps us do things like track and upload documents, create and manage invoices and track mileage. Our regular financial check-ins help me understand our finances and ensure we are taking care of what we need to do on our side.

May: What has been an unexpected benefit of hiring an accountant?

Yawnghwe: The amount of support we receive from the accounting team is incredible. Our relationship is not just financial advice and bookkeeping services but we also consider the team our friends and supporters. We get peace of mind knowing our books are being managed by trustworthy people.

May: Any tips for new entrepreneurs?

Yawnghwe: Examine your strengths in the beginning and know what you can

bring to your business. If accounting is not your forte, then outsource. No one person can do it all. Also, listen to your accountants and follow their advice!

In the coming year, Yawnghwe plans to continue growing Indigenous Box and hopes to expand the company internationally. Working with the right accountant will help Indigenous Box get there.

Getting your finances in order is a key step to building a successful business.

Having accurate financial reports will help you make better business decisions: understanding the past, managing the present, and planning for the future.

Even if your business is already up and running, it’s not too late to engage an accountant. They can advise on your short- and long-term plans, and even help with cleaning up your books if things have fallen behind. Make sure that you find someone who understands you and your business.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 37

BUSINESS

So You Want to Start a Side Hustle

By Cheliza Crawford

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. A side hustle is a small moneymaking gig you do alongside your main job or career. Side hustles are good for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have a hobby like painting. Why not take a chance at selling your art on the side? It’s a great way to make money doing what you love. Or, maybe you would like to own your own business. A side hustle is a great way to get experience managing business affairs on a smaller scale.

H

ere are some key points to consider when starting a side hustle. We have gathered some suggestions to get you started on your path to greater professional prosperity.

What are you going to hustle?

This is a personal choice and an important one. The answer to this question determines multiple factors about your side hustle. Are you going to sell a product or provide a service?

And who is your target market? If you’re not sure where to start, consider your expertise and skills. Maybe your side hustle is selling something you create, or maybe it’s selling a service with the expertise you have, like flower arranging or lawn care. There are a plethora of possibilities depending on your talents.

First and foremost, it is very important to research the avenue you choose to ensure you are aware of what you are getting into. For example, if you love painting or drawing, you have a couple of options, like selling your finished art or perhaps selling your time by doing a custom painting for a client. You could choose to upload your artwork to an online print-on-demand website that can print onto a variety of products. Some may even ship items directly to customers for you. Whichever method you choose, remember, research is key.

How much of a commitment do you want to make?

For some, a side hustle is a temporary means of making a few extra bucks, but to others, a side hustle is the start of a whole new career. You need to have a clear objective in mind because that will help determine the level of work you will have to put into being a boss of the side hustle game. If you are looking for 38 | BUSINESS PROSPERITY l DEC 2021

a more feasible, and possibly temporary, way of making extra money with little work commitment, then perhaps selling through social media is a more viable option as compared to building yourself a website. If you want to be small, think small. If you want to be big, think big. If you want to start small with the goal of scaling up, then a side hustle is a great way to start, especially as a way to test the market. Building a business slowly on the side is a lot less stressful and daunting than diving in headfirst.

What is your budget?

Another thing to consider is the investment(s) that may be required to make your side hustle profitable. The investments you make may come in the form of time and money, but here we are talking about finances, and creating a budget is a great way to control the financial input and output of your side hustle. Hold on to receipts and make sure to keep a record of all purchases made for your side hustle.

It is crucial to understand the financial requirements, and risks, you will encounter. One thing to consider is the possible consequences of your side gig. For example, if you have taken up a part-time delivery job, it could lead to extra wear and tear on your vehicle, and an unexpected expense if you’re not prepared. Or maybe you require extra storage for materials. Either way, both scenarios can lead to hefty expenses if not considered in the beginning. It never hurts to plan ahead by creating a budget, and if you need guidance, there are plenty of free online courses to equip you with the knowledge of budgeting.

What does the law say?

Depending on where you operate your side hustle, the laws for small businesses

could conflict. Always make sure you research and fully understand what is expected of you by your government as far as taxes and regulations go. If you are using your side business to build your own career, you should consider speaking with an accountant. Asking an accountant or a small business bookkeeper for advice on your side hustle can only improve your understanding of money matters.

Additionally, make sure you do your research and take the necessary steps to protect yourself as a provider.

Are you ready to start?

Once you’ve identified what you are selling, how big you want your side hustle to be, and researched the other important items on your checklist, it might be time to officially start your side business.

Something everyone needs to know and remember is that as your business grows—if that is your goal—then your knowledge will need to grow as well.

Also, starting a side hustle may add extra stress to your life, so when you begin this journey, remember to take care of your business needs in addition to your mental and emotional needs. Above all else, be patient with yourself, your business, and your growth. And, most importantly, take a risk and try! How else are you going to learn to hustle?

Cheliza Crawford is a member of both the Ojibwe of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee.

She is completing her internship as a content creator and communications team member at SAY Magazine.

MARKETPLACE

@mod.accounting.tax

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 39

LAW & JUSTICE

Residential Schools and Reconciliation:

A Canada Day Proposal

By Bruce McIvor

News of 215 Indigenous children buried on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School has shocked Canada and the world. Canadians are calling for real change in the country’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Apologies are not enough. The federal government must take a meaningful step toward dismantling the existing structures of systemic racism that led to the death of the 215 children and hundreds of other Indigenous children across the country. One such step would be for the federal government to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery.

The Doctrine of Discovery

The Doctrine of Discovery is the Western legal principle that European countries extinguished Indigenous sovereignty and acquired the underlying title to Indigenous Peoples’ lands upon “discovering” them. The principle derives from an 1820s decision of the US Supreme Court. An early champion of the principle was US President Andrew Jackson, infamous for signing into law the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

The Doctrine of Discovery entered Canadian law in the 1880s through the St. Catherine’s Milling decision, the first major court decision to address the nature of Indigenous land rights in Canada. When the Supreme Court of Canada began its modern consideration of Indigenous rights in the late twentieth century, it relied on the doctrine to explain how colonizing European countries gained the underlying title to Indigenous lands.

Despite the appeals of intervenors in the 2014 Tsilhqot’in decision, the Supreme Court refused to abandon the Doctrine of Discovery. Instead, the court perpetuated and reinforced the racist, dehumanizing and indefensible principle that with a sleight of hand the British Crown acquired the underlying title to Indigenous lands through a simple assertion of sovereignty.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission denounced the Doctrine of Discovery.

Four of the commission’s calls to action (45, 46, 47 and 49) urge governments and religious denominations to publicly disavow it—Canadian governments have responded with silence.

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A Long Shadow

The doctrine is not simply a historical or legal curiosity—it informs every aspect of federal and provincial governments’ relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly stated that at its heart reconciliation is about reconciling the pre-existing rights of Indigenous Peoples with the assertion of Crown sovereignty. The phrase “assertion of Crown sovereignty” is a Canadian euphemism for the Doctrine of Discovery. Every time Canadians read in the news about “reconciliation”, they are entering a national conversation based on the racist residential schools and reconciliation dehumanizing Doctrine of Discovery.

When Canadian governments consider making a decision with the potential to affect Indigenous rights protected under section 35 of the constitution, they must consult and accommodate Indigenous Peoples. The duty to consult is based on Canadian governments’ claim to the underlying title to Indigenous lands. Every time governments across the country engage in consultation with First Nations, they invoke the Doctrine of Discovery.

Even when Indigenous Peoples succeed in establishing Aboriginal title to their lands, they cannot escape the Doctrine of Discovery. In Canadian law, Indigenous rights protected under section 35 of the constitution, including Aboriginal title, are not absolute.

Where justified, provincial and federal

governments can infringe Aboriginal title in the name of reconciliation.

The Supreme Court has suggested that Aboriginal title might be infringed for a wide range of purposes, including the development of agriculture, forestry, mining and hydroelectric power, as well as the building of infrastructure and the settlement of foreign populations. The Doctrine of Discovery is the back door through which Canadian governments can override Aboriginal title.

The long, insidious reach of the Doctrine of Discovery extends beyond the courts and government interactions with Indigenous Peoples. Canadian private property rights are based on the Doctrine of Discovery. Every time Canadians sell a house and rub their hands with glee at the wealth their property has generated, they are complicit in perpetuating the Doctrine of Discovery.

LAW & JUSTICE

Much has been made of the federal government’s proposed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). I have my doubts about its likely impact. Even if the legislation is passed into law, it will not change Canadian law’s reliance on the Doctrine of Discovery.

It has become clear that Canadians cannot expect Canadian courts to rectify this injustice. Rather than denounce the Doctrine of Discovery, the Supreme Court of Canada has relied on it to build the framework for its interpretation of Indigenous rights protected under the constitution. It has done so because acknowledging the legal and moral illegitimacy of the Doctrine of Discovery would raise questions about the court’s authority over Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous lands.

There is a direct correlation between the death of the 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School and the Doctrine of Discovery. The residential school system was founded on denial—the denial of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights, the denial of Indigenous sovereignty, the denial of Indigenous land rights. Even in death, the 215 children could not escape the Doctrine of Discovery—the Canadian state took their lives and claimed the very land they were buried in.

Reconciliation has become a four-letter word for many Indigenous Peoples, not simply because of a continuous stream of empty and broken promises.

Reconciliation fails Indigenous Peoples, and all of Canada, because it rests on a legal house of cards—the morally reprehensible Doctrine of Discovery. By finally and officially rejecting the doctrine, Canada will be able to enter a relationship of respect and coexistence with Indigenous Peoples—respect for Indigenous Peoples’

inherent rights, and right to protect their land and their children.

With the Supreme Court of Canada unwilling to act, the responsibility rests on the Canadian Parliament. To honour the 215 children and to set the country on a path to true reconciliation, on Canada Day, July 1, 2021, the Prime Minister should have announced that his government would introduce legislation to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery.

Excerpted from Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It by Bruce McIvor with permission from Nightwood Editions.

Photo credit: Kathryn Langsford

Repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery

Dr. Bruce McIvor is a partner at First Peoples Law LLP. He is recognized globally as a leading practitioner of Aboriginal law in Canada. He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

DEC 2021 l BUSINESS PROSPERITY | 41

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Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and your family a safe and joyous holiday season and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

From all of us, Cheliza, Danielle, Darrell, Dominick, Katherine, Kent, Megan, Orli, Sarah, Terra & Theresa

44 | BUSINESS PROSPERITY l DEC 2021