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ISSUE 93 EC. DEV. 2018
SINCE 2002
BUSINESS
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Fuel Economic Growth Spotlight on Smart Cities Challenge Finalist from Manitoba Cover Sponsored By:
Speakers Bureau Introducing
The International Indigenous Speakers Bureau “Representing Today’s Indigenous Champions” PM 43436539 PRINTED IN CANADA $6.99
“I can see the long-term benefits of having an education and getting your career on track earlier rather than later.” CHELSEA ARNESTAD Hometown: Hagen, SK Nation: Métis Program: Business certificate
CATCH YOUR CAREER DREAM with Saskatchewan Polytechnic!
Sask Polytech supports you in your educational journey. We have reserved seats in all programs and 200+ student awards for Indigenous students. Counsellors and advisors at every campus are available to help you settle into student life and find housing, child care and tutoring. Each campus has an Indigenous students’ centre where students can study, hang out or meet with an Elder. Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/Indigenous.
saskpolytech 2 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
SINCE 2002
8
Cover Story: International Indigenous Speakers Bureau–The First of its Kind
CONTENTS ISSUE 93
14
Economic Development 2018
Business Profile: Meet Inspiring Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Okwaho Equal Source, Shyra Barberstock
SAY MAGAZINE Volume 17, Issue 8 SAY Magazine publishes eight times a year: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, as well as Made in Manitoba, Back2School, Economic Development and Education Guide issues. SAY Magazine is published by Spirit of Aboriginal Youth Inc. Mailing Address: Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084 Winnipeg, MB Canada R2C 5G7 E: info@saymag.com www.saymag.com Publishers Dominick Blais and Kent Brown
SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for submitted material. SAY Magazine assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or in submitted material. Graphics, photographs, editorial content and other printed material are the property of SAY Magazine and may not be used without the written permission of SAY Magazine. ISSN: 1707-3049 All copy copyright 2018 by SAY Magazine GST: 856627534RT0001
Editor-in-Chief/Sales Manager Danielle Vienneau editor@saymag.com
6 13 17
Editor/Writer Sarah Vaage
A 10-Year Dream Becomes Reality for a Thunder Bay Woman Art of Native America: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection Literature – “The Same River”
21
Indigenous Businesses Recognized for Excellence
22
Music
24
Rock Your Mocs
Subscriptions subscriptions@saymag.com Art Director Orli Gelfat - Orli G. Design
Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks.
Printed in Canada Website and Social Media Sphere Media Agency info@spheremediaagency.com Submissions are welcome. Articles, letters, queries etc. should be sent by email to the editor at editor@saymag.com. Connect with us: www.facebook.com/saymagazine https://twitter.com/SAYMagazine www.pinterest.ca/SAYMagazine
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Innovation Brings One Northern Manitoba Community One Step Closer to the 10-Million-Dollar Prize
29
Profile: Meet Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker, Savvy Simon
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 3
PUBLISHERS’ MESSAGE
“Economic Reconciliation is about ensuring that our communities have access to all the business tools and opportunities to grow an economy so that we're managing wealth, rather than managing the poverty that we have been managing for a very long time." - J.P. Gladu, President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Source: CBC News.
Dominick Blais and Kent Brown
A
Co-Publishers, SAY Magazine
s the years go by, we continue to see an increase in Indigenous-owned businesses, both on and off reservation, and we believe this is something to celebrate.
There are so many Indigenous-led endeavours in both the USA and Canada that are bolstering the economy through their valuable contributions. In Canada alone, there’s an estimated 43,000 Indigenous businesses that contribute to the Canadian economy, and we are pleased to showcase some of these inspiring businesses and business
leaders in this Economic Development issue of SAY Magazine. With a special focus this year on business, we are pleased to highlight some of the incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs who inject their blood, sweat and (sometimes) tears into making incredible ideas happen. Innovation can come from one mind, but often it is the incredible by-product of a group of minds working together to solve issues, both big and small. As you explore the various articles within this publication, we’d like to draw your attention to the International Indigenous
Speakers Bureau, featured on the cover; the Smart Cities Challenge and the Manitoba finalist; and some of the best practices and tips shared by Indigenous leaders about their industries. We are also particularly proud to highlight the ingenuity and hard work of several female entrepreneurs, like Shyra Barberstock and Savvy Simon, who are shaking things up and helping create economic opportunities for even more Indigenous peoples.
From all of us at SAY Magazine, we wish you a promising and joyful 2019!
Next Issue: WINTER 2019 - Leadership
Issue Name
Issue Theme #
Space Material Reservation Deadline
Publication Dates
Winter 2019
94
Leadership
Dec. 3, 2018
Dec. 19, 2018
Jan. 14, 2019
Education Guide 2019
95
Education
Jan. 14, 2019
Jan. 30, 2019
Feb. 15, 2019
Spring 2019
96
Career/Skill Development
Feb. 15, 2019
Feb. 22, 2019
Mar. 15, 2019
Global Indigeneity
97
Global Indigenous Success
Mar. 22, 2019
Apr. 1, 2019
Apr. 29, 2019
Summer 2019
98
Made in “TBD”
Apr. 29, 2019
May 6, 2019
June 3, 2019
Back2School 2019
99
Back to School
July 4, 2019
July 15, 2019
Aug. 15, 2019
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 JAN 22-24
2018 BC Natural Resources Forum Prince George, British Columbia, Canada www.bcnaturalresourcesforum.com
JAN 27-29
FEB 15-MAR 3
2019 Canada Winter Games Red Deer, Alberta, Canada www.canadagames.ca/2019
Go International Two-Day Training Seminar American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA www.aianta.org/event/go-international-with-aianta/
FEB 22
JAN 28-30
2nd Annual AFN National Water Symposium and Tradeshow Scotiabank Convention Centre Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada www.afn.ca
Cannexus19: National Career Development Conference Shaw Centre Ottawa, Ontario, Canada www.cannexus.ca
JAN 31-FEB 3
Dakota Nation Winterfest 2019 Keystone Centre Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
FEB 5-7
Indspire Awards Calgary, Alberta, Canada www.indspire.ca/indspire-awards/
FEB 26-28
APR 1-4
National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Indian Gaming and Tradeshow Convention San Diego Convention Center San Diego, California, USA www.indiangamingtradeshow.com
2nd Annual Seminole Tribe of Florida Renewable Energy & Sustainability Conference Native Learning Center Hollywood, Florida, USA
APR 25-27
FEB 14-15
MAY 14-16
2019 Aboriginal Circle of Educators (ACE) Conference and Education Awards Gala Best Western Plus Winnipeg Airport Hotel Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada www.aboriginalcircleofeducators.ca
Gathering of Nations Powwow Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA www.gatheringofnations.com
Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada www.vqconference.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 5
BUSINESS PROFILE
The Haven Hostel A 10-Year Dream Becomes Reality for Holly Watson Holly Watson, member of the Painted Feather Métis Tribe, from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, is the proud owner of the Haven Hostel, and recently won the New Business of the Year award from the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprises.
twenties travelling around the world, experiences that were afforded by becoming submersed in the hostel culture.
Ever since Watson was a little girl, she always wanted to travel. “When I was younger I never really fit in anywhere and always lived vicariously through friends’ and family’s stories of far-away travel,” said Watson. “I fantasized about travelling and finding somewhere I might better fit in and be inspired.”
But it was actually in Canada itself where Watson was first introduced to hostel-style accommodations at 20 years old, when she stayed at the Turtle Hostel in Victoria, British Columbia. “My mind was blown at the communal atmosphere, being surrounded by so many colourful and inspiring individuals,” said Watson. Drawn in particular to the owners and staff of the hostels where she stayed, Watson learned all about the best places to go in each region.
It wasn’t until she was 18 years old that Watson was able to travel outside of Canada, and her passion for traveling the world grew. Watson spent many winters in her
Watson soon began dreaming of opening her own hostel, and spent the next decade planning as she travelled. “I always knew in the back of my mind my beauti-
Left to right: Ann Paterson from MNP (MNP sponsored the New Business of the Year Award), Holly Watson (Owner of Haven Hostel), and Rosalind Lockyer (Executive Director of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise). 6 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
Winner of the PARO New Business of the Year Award ful hometown was the only place where I could find the support and decently priced real estate,” said Watson. “I just had to get the travels out first and find myself.” After the oil and gas industry in British Columbia, where Watson worked for a number of years, began to decline, Watson went overseas to work at a hostel in Scotland for a few months. While in Scotland, she applied for the Starter Program of the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC). When she returned home to Thunder Bay, she began to put her years of planning into action, creating a business plan and looking for the perfect location for her hostel. After a year of searching, she found the perfect spot in downtown Port Arthur,
Photo credit: Flashback Photography, Laura Paxton
BUSINESS PROFILE
but the building, while having dropped in price, was still just out of her range. “I knew I had to find a secondary complementary business for a revenue stream in order to pull it off.” She connected with mentor and friend, Paul Pepe who dreamed of opening a gear rental shop, and shortly after Get Out Gear Rentals began renting paddle boards, bicycles and kayaks three months after the hostel opened. But before this Watson still had to overcome one of the biggest hurdles to open the Haven Hostel: receiving funding to purchase and renovate the building. While she was conditionally approved for two grants from the CEDC and the Aboriginal Business Financing Program through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Program, banks were wary of offering financing to the Haven Hostel due to the lack of historical data on hostels in Canada. This minor setback didn’t stop Watson for long. “I am relentless in fighting for what I believe in, and fought tooth and nail alongside my business partner and a whole team of people rooting for us to prove that a business like this, in an up-and-coming city surrounded by an outdoor mecca, would be worth it.” Finally, after a long fight, they received the funding they needed to purchase 226 Ambrose Street.
asking and willing to help where they can,” said Watson. “We could not have picked a better city to keep our roots growing.”
guest experiences for those who are staying with us and pushing that experience out into the world,” said Watson.
Watson wants to show people the wonderful experiences Thunder Bay has to offer. According to Watson downtown Thunder Bay has over 40 locally-owned restaurants, and multiple shops and galleries that showcase the local art and culture. The outdoors is a large part of what Thunder Bay has to offer, and the Haven Hostel is continuing to collaborate with the outdoor tourism industry to help promote the total guest experience. They currently offer stand-up paddle board lessons, kayak rentals, indoor and outdoor rock-climbing adventures, sailing packages and are working on creating ski-and-stay packages. “We are working hard on creating the best possible
With a range of private suites and dormitory style accommodations, the Haven Hostel is a welcoming environment for all types of travellers, from groups, to families, to solo travelers. You can find the Haven Hostel on Facebook and Instagram @thehavenhostel and on their website www.thehavenhostel.ca. The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise is an organization that seeks to empower women, strengthen small business and promote community economic development in Ontario, Canada.
Watson says she was overwhelmed by the amount of support she received from her city, neighbours, family and friends; over 100 volunteers helped get the Haven Hostel ready in time for their first group of guests. “Around every corner we have someone ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 7
COVER STORY
International Indigenous Speakers Bureau Inspiring. Empowering. Uplifting. Founded in 2016, the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau (IISB) is the first of its kind where Indigenous speakers and Knowledge-Keepers are provided a platform to share their gifts on a global stage and audiences have the opportunity to access the wealth of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
The Demand for Indigenous Speakers
With the present demand for Indigenous speakers, unless you know a friend who has a friend, finding an appropriate one can often be difficult and very time-consuming. With access to a huge range of Indigenous talents through IISB they will help you find the Indigenous speaker you are looking for. IISB takes the mystery out of the process by providing access to a 8 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
large, diverse roster of Indigenous speakers. Another one of the biggest challenges is not just ‘who’ to connect with, but ‘how’. IISB takes special care to provide a welcoming environment for its clients to ask questions and learn. From beginning to end IISB helps clients choose the right speaker, develop a positive speaker-client relationship and do what they can to ensure everyone involved has a successful experience.
Investing in our People
The commitment and support IISB provides to its speakers is unparalleled. Indigenous people come from a world of storytellers and understand the power of the spoken word. Stories can heal, inspire and transform lives. For this reason,
much time and care is taken to develop each speaker’s individual story, empowering them to value their gifts and talents, and find their voice. IISB is dedicated to improving the financial sustainability of Indigenous speakers, ensuring Indigenous speakers are seen, heard and valued around the globe.
Circle of Honouring
One of the most important mandates of IISB is ensuring Indigenous speakers are honoured appropriately. Back in the day, when people came to our Indigenous communities to share their gifts of knowledge, expertise and story, they were honoured to the highest degree. It was an Indigenous way of knowing that when something was given, something
COVER STORY of equal or greater value was given back. This ensures sustainability and growth of a community. Back then that meant that the Knowledge-Keeper was well taken care of; they were fed, clothed, housed and their families were taken care of as well. This was also usually for a season, not a day. Today we cannot go out and shoot a buffalo for someone or invite a family in to live with us, but we can make sure they are able to feed, clothe and shelter their families, and prosper in the process. This means making sure that the gifts the Indigenous speakers are offering are remunerated on par with industry standards and at the same level as non-Indigenous speakers. “When we come from this approach of honouring appropriately, we encourage a process of developing sustainability and growth. We also encourage the development of relationships from a respectful place and avoid coming from the old practice of tokenism,” said Shannon Loutitt, CEO of the IISB.
Speakers and Knowledge-Keepers it offer a wealth of solutions and insights IISB speakers cover a plethora of topics including education, health and healing, science (such as genetics and engineering), sport, film, economics, and fashion, just to name a few.
Upon visiting their website you may note a few familiar Canadian icons like Michelle Thrush (actress) and Andrea Menard (actress/singer), among other global champions.
The Indigenous Lens
Often when people think about what an Indigenous speaker can do for them, they associate that with learning about Indigenous history, culture, dance or legends. Although this can be true, IISB’s CEO Shannon Loutitt says Indigenous speakers bring something else that is equally valuable: “They bring their Indigenous lens.” Indigenous speakers provide a unique perspective on the world we live in, and with
to many modern-day issues. Science has proven that the Western World tends to see things through a narrow sharp focused lens, which is great for getting a detailed perspective. That lens is very effective at drilling down or focusing like a telescope view, whereas Indigenous people see the world through a wider holistic lens, allowing them to connect the dots on many seemingly unrelated issues. Both lenses are extremely valuable to our world, and we can use both of them to problem solve. Until recently, it’s predominantly been the Western lens that has been used to find solutions to our world’s problems. But times are changing, and the world is recognizing that we need more ideas and perspectives to address our planetary challenges. IISB provides the ideal platform for organizations who want to access that Indigenous lens, through leaders, experts and advisors from around the world. Continued on page 11
MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS
clarencecampeau.com
We are the first stop for Saskatchewan’s Métis entrepreneurs and communities. Shannon Loutitt International Indigenous Speakers Bureau
Our unique ability to provide market intelligence, financing, skills training and ongoing support serve to build a solid foundation vital to your business success.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 9
COVER STORY
The Cure is in our
DNA and to find it genetics needs to be more Native!
Photo by Ryan Lash/TED
The Indigenous Lens is already providing answers and creating incredible advances. One example of this is Hawaiian Geneticist Dr. Keolu Fox’s efforts to bring attention to the fact that genetic research is crippled from a lack of diversity, and he wants to make genetics more Native. “Ninety-six percent of genome studies are based on people of European descent. The rest of the world is virtually unrepresented - and this is dangerous,” said Fox, “because we react to drugs differently based on our genetic makeup.” But that’s not all. What if the cure for a disease also lies in these genetic variances? Questions like these are what prompted
10 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
IISB’s speaker, Dr. Fox, to become the geneticist he is today, and to explore the links between human genetic variation and disease in underrepresented populations. “The issue is that Indigenous people don’t trust western institutions because of a history of exploitation,” said Fox. By working with and advocating for Indigenous populations to be involved in research, Fox is helping put science into the hands of Indigenous communities through a new mobile genome sequencing device. For more information on Dr. Fox and his work visit www.iispeakersbureau.com.
COVER STORY The Importance of Developing and Checks ‘n’ Balances, to our website developers at Route413.com, the passion and Relationships “Success comes from aligning yourself with people and organizations that believe in your dream and want to help get you there,” said Loutitt.
The Clarence Campeau Development Fund (CCDF) has been a fundamental contributor to the success of IISB. They are providing the necessary expertise and support for business planning and start-up in Saskatchewan, Canada. CCDF has assisted in making IISB’s dream a reality. “The most beneficial part of this relationship is that the staff and organization don’t treat us as a number, but as family,” said Loutitt. “They are always there to provide support along the way, whether that is advice, networking opportunities or just a listening ear. They understand that many Métis entrepreneurs feel like ‘they are on an island of their own’ – the CCDF go above and beyond to show their clients that they are not.” As an Indigenous organization, Loutitt says it is extremely important for IISB to continually build bridges in as many areas as they can. “It’s not just the clients and their audiences we want to help educate and connect with, but the organizations we work with on a daily basis.” IISB commits to working with non-Indigenous organizations they feel come with the right heart and intent for working with Indigenous people. “I need to know that there is a real desire and intent to engage positively with Indigenous people and grow forward together,” said Loutitt. “All of our suppliers and partners have that, and go above and beyond to express their commitment to our success and that of Indigenous people. From our accounting professionals at McClelland Debusschere
commitment to contributing to our growth has been there from day one.” Loutitt believes that while it’s important to work with organizations she would consider “Indigenous-friendly”, it’s equally important to let others in our communities know about them and the work they do. “Too often we see only the things that
are going wrong in the world. Our people deserve to also see what is going right.” IISB is committed to also sharing the stories and names of the organizations they work with that exemplify the good needed in our Indigenous world.
Virtual Interactive Presentations (VIP)
Inspired by this belief in education, IISB has been developing a fresh application of technology, designed to bring Indigenous role models and content from around the world directly into the classroom. These VIPs will provide educators with an interactive learning experience that connects to their curriculum and their students. IISB will make finding Indigenous knowledge and perspectives easier and affordable with VIP presentations. Look for more information about these on the IISB website.
Connect with an IISB Speaker
For more information, to book a speaker, nominate a speaker or apply to become a speaker visit https://iispeakersbureau.com.
“The IISB has been pivotal in my emergence as a professional speaker. The support, guidance and mentorship has been both empowering and uplifting. Working with Shannon has been a true joy and I feel her authentic passion to support and raise Indigenous voices has helped me see my worth and find my voice. I am proud and honoured to be in the IISB family.” - Deanna Burgart P.Eng CET, President & Indigeneer of Indigenous Engineering Inclusion Inc.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 11
12 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
ART
Image: © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Bruce Schwarz
Art of Native America:
The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection Art of Native America: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection, a new exhibition on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) runs until October 6, 2019, and features 116 artworks from more than 50 cultures across North America. Dating from the 2nd to the early 20th century, the diverse objects are an accumulation of gifts, donations and loans to The Met from pioneering collectors Charles and Valerie Diker. This collection has long been considered the most significant collection of historical Native American art in private hands. Over the past 45 years, the Dikers have formed a collection that represents the highest artistic achievements of Native American cultures across North America. The exhibit highlights pieces from seven distinct regions: Woodlands, Plains, Plateau, California and Great Basin, Southwest, Northwest Coast and the Arctic. Featured works cover all of the major artistic
forms by both identified and unrecorded Native Americans: paintings, drawings, sculpture, textiles, quill and bead embroidery, basketry and ceramics. Some featured pieces include a circa 1800 shoulder bag made from finely tanned and dyed deerskin hide, embellished with porcupine quills by an Anishinaabe woman, possibly from Ontario, Canada; a striking circa 1895–1900 ceramic jar depicting the Butterfly Maiden spirit being (Palhik Mana) by renowned Hopi-Tewa potter Nampeyo from Hano Village, Arizona, USA; and a monumental 1907 woven basket by Washoe artist Louisa Keyser from Carson City, Nevada, USA. Art of Native America is the first exhibition of Indigenous American art to be presented in The Met’s American Wing since it was established in 1924. “The presentation of the Diker Collection represents a transformative moment for the museum, enabling us to expand and enrich the stories
we tell about American art and culture,” said Daniel H. Weiss, President and CEO of The Met. A range of educational programming has been organized to complement the exhibition, and will be free with museum admission. The exhibition is organized at The Met by Sylvia Yount (Lawrence A. Fleischman Curator in Charge of the American Wing) and guest curated by Gaylord Torrence (Fred and Virginia Merrill Senior Curator of American Indian Art at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art). The installation of Art of Native America was designed by Daniel Kershaw (Exhibition Design Manager) and Ria Roberts (Graphic Designer) of The Met Design Department. The exhibition is made possible by The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation, the Diane W. and James E. Burke Fund, the Enterprise Holdings Endowment, and the Walton Family Foundation. The catalogue that accompanies the exhibit is made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 13
Shyra Barberstock Co-Founder of Okwaho Equal Source
Born in 1979 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Shyra Barberstock was adopted as an infant into a non-Indigenous family. She did not learn of her Algonquin heritage until she was an adult and met her birth mother for the first time. This meeting initiated Barberstock’s journey of self-discovery into her identity as an Indigenous woman. She traced her family roots to Kebaowek First Nation, near Kipawa, Quebec, Canada, and is a proud member of this First Nation. In her 20s Barberstock spent 8 months backpacking across Europe and Japan. Once she returned home, she found herself trying to understand her new-found Indigenous identity. In her 30s she decided to pursue a degree in First Nations Studies and Geography at Western University, and completed her Master’s in Geography at Queen’s University in 2017. Barberstock is now pursuing doctoral studies at Queen’s University. In her research for her Master’s thesis “A New Way Forward: Reconciliation through Indigenous Social Innovation” Barberstock had the opportunity to interview many Indigenous thought leaders who had started businesses to initiate social or environmental change. "The Indigenous entrepreneurs that I interviewed for my research were a great inspiration to me because they are all so passionate about the work that they are doing through their business," said Barberstock. “They are making positive impacts through paradigm-shifting products and services, and they are contributing to reconciliation through improving relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada,” said Barberstock. “I am proud to be an Indigenous business owner and I share the passion to make a difference; that is why my partner and I started our own company – so we could contribute to progressive change in Canada through Indigenous-led innovation and community-building projects.” 14 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
Photo credit for head shot: Karen Martin Photograph
Interview with
BUSINESS PROFILE
BUSINESS PROFILE SAY had the honour of speaking to Barberstock about how Okwaho Equal Source came to be. SAY Magazine: What is Okwaho Equal Source, and where did the idea come from? Barberstock: Our company began in 2014 as a communications company and has since evolved into a global consultancy. My partner Rye Barberstock and I built and launched the Okwaho Network, a social network for Indigenous businesses in Canada. We created the Okwaho Network to help solve the networking barriers faced by First Nations entrepreneurs and business owners. We wanted to create a platform that was easily accessible and offered value to First Nations people who wanted to expand their digital business footprint on a dedicated business network. After its official launch in November 2014, much to our surprise, we started seeing Indigenous peoples joining from around the world, and non-Indigenous businesses signing up that were interested in doing business with Indigenous companies. We quickly realized that these barriers to business were not just a Canadian issue; they existed with other Indigenous groups in a number of countries around the world. In 2015 Rye and I met our future business partner Luke McIlroy-Ranga through our professional network. Luke has an impressive background in the business and financial sectors in Australia, and, like us, has a strong Indigenous social innovation and entrepreneur spirit. Luke is Maori and lives in Australia. Luke founded Equal Source Partners, which specializes in supplier diversity and procurement. As we spoke with Luke we realized that our companies both shared similar visions and values, and two years later we merged our companies to become Okwaho Equal Source. We are proudly 100% Indigenous owned and operated, with headquarters in Canada and Australia. Today we have an impressive cadre of consultants and specialists, and our mission is to “fuel social impact via diverse entrepreneurial empowerment and inclusion.” SAY Magazine: Why do you think hav-
ing an Indigenous-focused network is important? Barberstock: Of the most popular social networks that people use, none of them are Indigenous owned or operated. It is important to have an Indigenous-focused network because it provides an opportunity to create a virtual network of Indigenous peoples worldwide. This is exciting because although all Indigenous peoples and communities are unique, there are shared challenges. Having a virtual network can allow us to network, share knowledge, collaborate and create partnerships.
ibly supportive. Other entrepreneurs also make up one of our largest support systems. It is usually other business owners that best understand the struggles and are there to celebrate the successes. SAY Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects that you can share with us? Barberstock: I am excited to announce that in 2019 Okwaho Equal Source will be launching an Indigenous design thinking lab in Kingston, Ontario. As far as we are aware, this is the first (or one of the first)
I am proud to be an Indigenous business owner and I share the passion to make a difference through Indigenous-led innovation and community-building projects. Digital social networks provide a conduit for sharing knowledge and for sharing the great stories of the work that Indigenous entrepreneurs are doing today. Through social media I learn a lot about the initiatives, challenges and triumphs of Indigenous entrepreneurs in my network. Digital social networks provide the opportunity for us to share our stories, in our own words. This is very empowering. SAY Magazine: Do you believe community is an important part to a person’s success? Barberstock: I think that community is incredibly important for a person’s success. I think that “community” can mean different things to different people. For some people it may be the First Nations community they grew up in. For me community goes beyond culture; it is the people that support me in my life. One of the reasons that I believe I have succeeded in business is because of the network and supportive people around me. My partner is Mohawk from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and we have supported one another through the start-up and growth of our business. We’ve been described as the “power duo.” Both his parents and my parents have been incred-
Indigenous design thinking labs in Canada. Rye and I were first introduced to the concept of design thinking when we were the Indigenous Innovators in Residence at the former ISED Lab (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). Design thinking is a human-centric, creative process for problem solving. After learning about design thinking, Rye and I realized how complementary it was to Indigenous ways of being and knowing because it is democratic, creative and because all voices matter in design thinking. The process of design thinking works well with Indigenous community engagement and community building. Since our days at the ISED Lab I received formal training in design thinking at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto (Ontario), and our company has facilitated design thinking workshops for First Nations communities, the federal government, academic institutions and the private sector. We are very excited to have the opportunity to launch an Indigenous design thinking lab in Kingston, and we look forward to launching “design challenges” that bring people together to solve some of the world’s biggest issues, such as those outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 15
time for my interests time for my learning
Our world-class accredited programs offer you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
open. flexible. everywhere. go.athabascau.ca/indigenous
16 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
LITERATURE
The Same River Photo credit: Lara Grauer Photography
by Lisa Reddick
Lisa Reddick released her first novel The Same River on October 9th, 2018. Raised in Oregon, USA, Reddick has lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of her life, and that region has become a main focus and inspiration for her writing. The Same River is a meandering tale of two women living on the Nesika River in central Oregon—Jess, a feisty, sexy, biologist who fights fiercely to save the river she loves, and Piah, a young Native American woman battling the invisible intrusion of disease and invasive danger on the same river 200 years earlier. Throughout the novel, each woman learns important lessons from the other about how to love, and to rekindle their faith in the future―even in the face of tragic loss and uncertainty. The Same River teaches us that wisdom comes from the recovery of wildness. “Reddick offers us a fierce, yet heart-based response to the questions so many of us are burning to answer: How can we protect and save the animals, waters, and land we love so dearly? How do we keep going when the grief for all that we’ve lost threatens to overpower us?” — Gail Hudson, New York Times bestselling co-author with Jane Goodall of Seeds of Hope, Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants The Same River was inspired by childhood events. In the spring of 1974, Reddick’s sister drowned in a river boating accident, and that same event is where this novel begins. The Same River was based off a nonfiction essay Reddick published in 2002 titled The River, which she wrote as part of her Master’s program at Antioch University Seattle, where she taught for over 15 years. Reddick describes this novel as activist fiction, blended with the non-linear magical creativity of Native American writers Joy Harjo and Leslie Marmon Silko. Reddick is currently working on a sequel to The Same River, as well as another book that explores the unique relationships humans have with their dogs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 17
SPOTLIGHT
Manitoba Smart Farm Increases Economic Growth and Food Security in the North
I
magine you are on social assistance and you only get $155.50 bi-weekly to house, clothe and feed yourself. What are you more likely to buy at the grocery store? Will you purchase the $0.48 noodles that will last, the $8.98 cauliflower that must be eaten almost immediately or the $69.12 for less than 1 pound of steak? These are the types of questions and concerns regarding food security that prompted major action in a Northern Manitoba community. The Town of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey in Manitoba, Canada, have joined forces as a Tri-Council to create an innovative project that will significantly improve food security and reverse the rising rate of diabetes in northern Manitoba by 2023. This past summer it was announced that this Tri-Council project qualified as a top 20 finalist in the Smart Cities Challenge in the $10 million prize category. An initiative of Infrastructure Canada and funded by the Government of Canada, the Smart Cities Challenge, a competition open to all cities, towns and municipalities across Canada, empowers communities to address local issues their residents face through new partnerships, using a smart cities approach, achieving meaningful outcomes for residents through the use of data and connected technology – an approach that can be adopted by any community, big or small. As a finalist, the Tri-Council now enters the second round of the competition with $250,000 to further develop their business plan and Smart Cities Challenge proposal with the opportunity to be awarded one of two 10-million-dollar prizes to fully implement their project. 18 | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018
The Project
With a combined population of 10,827 the Tri-Community will utilize LED Smart Farm technology to support local nutritious food growth and promote food security, create a smart phone distribution system and integrate wearable technology to achieve a 40% reduction in the number of imported vegetables and a 20% reduction in community diabetes rates by 2023.
The Challenge
The Tri-Council Smart Cities project is a major initiative that contains four key components:
1
Smart Farm:
The Tri-Community challenge centres on food security and reversing the escalation of disease, specifically the occurrence rate of diabetes, by leveraging the local LED Smart Farm technology which was first developed in OCN in 2015 following a meeting with a group of Korean businessmen who happened to be in the region on other business and accidentally became stuck in the snow. Glen Ross, a former OCN Chief and now the Executive Director of Opaskwayak
SPOTLIGHT
Health Authority, came across the trapped vehicle occupied by the businessmen and an immediate connection was made. The rescue turned into a conversation regarding business relationships that could be fostered between the community and South Korean businesses. Ross said access to fresh produce through the Korean Smart Farm technology became the clear answer. Since that interesting meeting, OCN started a pilot project called the Plant Factory, now known as the Smart Farm, which uses the Korean LED technology to grow a va-
riety of fresh plants all year long and can be controlled electronically, where nutrients, moisture and carbon dioxide are adjusted accordingly. “Just as Hippocrates once said, food can be used as medicine. Good quality food contains vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for human health. These are best found in fresh fruits and vegetables. In the Smart Farm, it is possible to adjust the nutrient content of the food grown to best meet the needs of the population,” said Smart City Challenge Team Lead,
Rose Neufeld. Neufeld says that people often question whether the food coming from the Smart Farm is as good as sunlight-grown food. The answer is yes. It is pesticide and chemical free and is grown based on demand. It is also harvestable more quickly than sunlight-grown food – about every 3 weeks the community is able to harvest up to 75 varieties of plants (fruits and veggies). “The food is delicious and beautiful,” said Neufeld who visits the community often ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 19
SPOTLIGHT and has had the privilege of tasting the many varieties of foods. “It also lasts a long time in the refrigerator because it is picked fresh and requires no transportation time to reach local consumers.” The Smart Farm offers low impact on land resources and presents a stable, nutritious local food supply with a concurrent reduction in the requirement for long distance transportation, resulting in fresher food, reduced food waste and a reduced carbon footprint due to fewer long-distance truck deliveries.
2
Smart Distribution:
Between now and March 2019, the Tri-Council will determine the best way to transport food locally, reducing the overall carbon footprint that is required to bring food to the community. Current ideas include the use of electric vehicles and drone delivery technology. Presently, food is distributed to the schools and local health centre and people from the community stop by to pick up their food. The potential to expand the Smart Farm to the required size of the distribution centre is possible.
3
Smart Marketing:
Similar to smart distribution, the subject of accessibility and ease of use is equally important. The development and use of a smart phone app with an ordering and payment platform is in the works. Additionally, because many people have not had access to the large variety of fresh foods available through the smart farm, many people may not realize how best to cook with them. As an incentive to consume and cook healthier foods, there will be a focus on social media engagement and sharing of recipes to increase involvement. The goal is to develop local pride where people are proud of their town, of their community and of being Northerners. Engagement through smart phone technology will generate interest and involvement, and “before people know it, they will be eating more organically until it’s a way of life again,” said Neufeld.
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4
Smart Monitoring and Evaluation:
The health benefits realized from increased consumption of healthy foods can be monitored through data collection via wearable technology if an individual should wish to follow the changes in their health in this manner. Biometric data, including heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels can be used to collect individual feedback, and the data gathered will inform ongoing education and incentives to encourage healthy lifestyle changes among those in the community. “If people are able to see the positive results of eating this way, like their blood sugar staying in a healthy range for example, they are more likely to continue this way of living,” said Neufeld. Food security in Canada is a huge issue overall and is something we often take for granted. All it takes is some incident to prevent trucks from crossing the border and just like that, we may not have access to the food we need. As a country we need to ensure food security, and the way we do that is to find ways to grow our own food. “The Tri-Council initiative is a prime example of an innovative project and technology that can be picked up and duplicated anywhere in Canada,” said Neufeld. “It’s also about finding all the ways to be smart around the edges of the economy – to save money that can be spent in other social and economic development projects.” There is an incredible team behind the scenes of the development of this project, the business plan and the Smart Cities Challenge proposal, all of which highlights what is possible when groups of people work together to solve issues for a better quality of life. To find out more about the Tri-Council Smart Cities Challenge application, visit https://impact.canada.ca/en/challenges/ smart-cities/results Congratulations to the town of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey on your innovation and on being one step closer to the 10-million-dollar prize.
SHORT TAKE
Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Resort Lobby and Stunning View. Photography by Jamie Out
The ITAC honours Indigenous Businesses
O
ver the past three years the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has provided grants to a number of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses who are developing authentic and enriching Indigenous cultural experiences for their guests. This year 63 Indigenous businesses across Canada received ITAC grants, which totalled an amount of $317,000. These grants are intended to spur the growth of the companies, to help them provide more employment opportunities, enrich the culture and revitalize economic opportunities. To date the ITAC Product Development Grant program has provided over $850,000 to 140 well-deserving Indigenous tourism businesses.
In November ITAC also presented an award to the Indigenous tourism business they believed demonstrated the highest commitment to the development, promotion and delivery of an authentic, innovative and enriching Indigenous cultural experience. The 2018 ITAC Indigenous Cultural Tourism Award was bestowed upon the Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Resort from British Columbia, Canada, at the Canadian Tourism Awards (hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada). The Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Resort was a community-driven initiative developed by the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band and offers the opportunity for band members to learn trades and crafts, while also introducing travellers to their culture. The Lodge offers unique cultural
excursions, such as interpretive tours of kekuli (traditional underground housing) and berry picking. Other finalists for the ITAC National Indigenous Cultural Tourism Award included Howard Augustine of Metepenagiag Heritage Park in Red Bank, New Brunswick, and Unama’ki Tourism Association in Eskasoni, Nova Scotia.
For more information on the ITAC and their list of programs, visit https://indigenoustourism.ca Download the 2018/19 Guide to Indigenous Tourism in Canada at https://indigenoustourism.ca/corporate/indigenous-tourism-experience-guide. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 21
MUSIC
CHANCES Chloé Lacasse, Geneviéve Toupin and Vincent Carré form the musical trio CHANCES. Hailing from Montréal, Québec, Canada, the group began in late 2016 when the three musicians decided to get together to sketch out a few songs, and CHANCES was where their brainstorming led.
Their music blends multiple influences and cultures to create their indie-pop, electronic and world music sound. Lead vocalists Lacasse and Toupin sing in English, French and Ojibwe, weaving intricate harmonies, while Carré accompanies them on the drums, paying rhythmic homage to ancient rhythms in a contemporary club culture style. When they perform, CHANCES provides a visually unique and compelling performance. Singers Lacasse and Toupin mirror one another with their synth/ keyboard set-ups, with Carré and his drums situated in
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between the two of them, forming a circle with the audience. The group members believe that every person is connected, and they use their music as a way to connect with others around them. Their use of synths, drums and interwoven harmonies stands out in their new album Traveler. Released in April 2018, this album features all original songs written by the group. The album also features special guest performances by musicians François Lafontaine, Gabriel Gratton, Pietro Amato, and Julie Vachon and Lorrie Potvin.
MUSIC
ELECTRIC RELIGIOUS Electric Religious is the musical venture of Métis singer, songwriter and guitarist Brandon Baker. Joined by Olivia Street (guitar and vocals), Paul Bergeron (bass and vocals) and Jay Der (drums and vocals), Electric Religious explores powerful themes through their music, such as leaving and being left, drugs, dreams, desires and love. Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, Baker was nominated for Aboriginal Artist of the Year at the 2009 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards before moving to Edmonton, Alberta, to pursue his musical education and starting Electric Religious in 2010.
In 2015 Baker was named Artist to Watch at the Edmonton Music Awards, and was a top finalist in the 2017 Canadian Songwriting Competition, with two of his songs placing in the Aboriginal category. In 2013 the band released their self-titled EP Electric Religious, and released their second album Yeah, Yeah, No independently through funding by the Radio 10K20 grant in 2016. Their single “Revolution” reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown, and they currently have several singles in rotation on Canadian Indigenous Peoples Radio. The group says their music is influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Electric Religious is known for their energizing live performances and for a unique sound that’s instantly engaging.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 23
MUSIC
Frank Waln Frank Waln (Sicangu Lakota) is a Rapper/ Hip Hop artist, music producer and activist from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Growing up in one of the poorest counties of the nation, Waln beat the odds and turned passion into success through the art of music and rap. This young entrepreneur produced, wrote and recorded his first song at just 16 years old and now travels the world telling his story through performance and music, and delivers workshops which focus on healing, self-empowerment and expression of truth. Waln is an award-winning musician and role model whose work reveals his personal stories of struggle and hope, and his passion for Indigenous resilience, which resounds with a large audience of Indigenous and non-Indigenous fans. His awards include three Native American Music Awards among other accolades, in-
cluding being named a recipient of the 2014 Native American 40 Under 40 award presented by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, the 2014 Chicago Mayor’s Award for Civic Engagement and the 2016 3Arts Grant for Chicago Artists. Most recently Waln was granted the 2018 National Artist Fellowship for Artistic Innovation by the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. A recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Waln pursued his education at Columbia College Chicago where he received a BA in Audio Arts and Acoustics. His creative gifts have afforded him the opportunity to write for various publications including Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education, and Society and The Guardian and he has been featured in Buzzfeed, The Fader, Vibe, NPR, ESPN, and MTV’s Rebel Music Native America.
Rock
Your Mocs Rock Your Mocs is a world-wide social media movement that celebrates Indigenous culture and individuality. Hosted annually in November to coincide with Native American Heritage Month in the United States, the movement encourages people of all Indigenous backgrounds to wear their moccasins to school, work or wherever else life takes them. Those who don’t own or don’t wear moccasins can support the movement by wearing a turquoise awareness ribbon or RYM t-shirt. Rock Your Mocs was founded in 2011 by Jessica “Jaylyn” Atsye from Laguna, New Mexico, USA. Atsye had
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always been proud to wear her moccasins and wondered why it was not more commonplace for Indigenous peoples to wear them throughout the year. “Moccasins identify who I am. They have a lot of culture in them,” she said. So, Atsye decided to start a day where people could share and celebrate their culture by wearing their moccasins. What started out as a fun day celebrated by 10 of Atsye’s friends is now celebrated by over 1,000 people all over the world. In 2013 Atsye partnered with Emergence Productions, a Native American owned event production company, and since then Rock Your Mocs has grown from a single-day event hosted on November 15th to a week-long world-wide cultural empowerment initiative that unites Indigenous peoples while celebrating tribal individuality, and honouring ancestors and Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Participants are encouraged to share their photos and stories on social media with the hashtag #Rock YourMocs. However, the celebration has moved past just sharing photos on social media, with many individuals, organizations, businesses, schools, museums and tribes taking the initiative to create their own events, such as moccasin-making workshops, round dances, group photos and awareness events to celebrate their culture. This year Rock Your Mocs was celebrated from November 12 to 17. Participation and social media posts came from all over the United States and Canada, and from countries around the world, like Russia, Hungary, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
Mocs Rock Your Mocs will be celebrated in 2019 from November 9 to 16.
MUSIC
ROBERT
“FREIGHTRAIN” PARKER
American songwriter and recording artist Robert “Freightrain” Parker is a multiple award-winning, Hall of Fame inductee, whose Indigenous heritage (Seneca) infuses sensibility and intense passion into the messages he delivers through his masterful musical landscapes. Since winning the Indigenous Music Award for his debut CD Freightrain Live in 2018, Parker and his band Freightrain’s second album Outside Ourselves have been nominated for three categories at the Native American Music Awards (NAMA): New or Debut Artist of the Year, Best Blues Recording and Best Music Video Recording.
In a recent press release, the new album Outside Ourselves is described as a mellow form of classic blues-rock, with smooth and silky tracks, and “plainly the rockin’ sound of Freightrain”.
Best Blues Album of the Year, 2018 Indigenous Music Awards
Parker is an internationally recognized performer−arguably one of the finest bassists in western New York State−who was inducted into the Buffalo, New York, Music Hall of Fame in 2015; he was the first Indigenous inductee since the inception of the hall in 1983. Parker finds himself in good company alongside other inductees, including The Goo Goo Dolls, Three Dog Night, Rick James and many more. Parker’s compelling live performances are legendary across the USA and globally, from Canada, to the Bahamas and throughout Europe. The super-tight Freightrain band consists of Grace Lougen, an accomplished and sought-after guitarist from Kenmore, New York; Damone A-Miracle Jackson, named the best blues drummer at the Buffalo Music Awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and one of the few semi-finalists at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee; Greg Leech on keyboards–his Jazz and Blues roots have been influencing
his style since the age of four; and rounding out this incredible line-up is Simone Appleby and Leslie Gardner, known as “The Union”. Their signature harmonic sound transcends the listener’s earthbound reality to a heavenly place. Together, these musicians create a signature sound that is captivating and undeniably infectious. As a bass player extraordinaire, Parker is known as one of the best in the business. He is also a soulful lead vocalist and harmony expert who has been hired as a session player throughout his musical career by many accomplished touring acts, which is a testament to his skill, stage presence and personable character traits. A 2019 USA Tour that is being booked will see the band crisscrossing its way across the nation, furthering the growth of its legion of fans. Freightrain will also be performing at select music industry conferences across North America, Asia and the European Union, as well as performing festivals in Canada.
Jan 14 | Chances Jan 28 | Frank Waln Feb 4
| Freightrain
Feb 11 | Electric Religious ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 25
WISDOM SHARED BY OUR INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS
What advice do you have for new business owners and those considering entrepreneurship? “Remember self-care is important. Don’t push yourself beyond what is physically healthy. In the first few years of my business journey I juggled university and business at the same time, and it took a toll on my health. Although I don’t regret the decision to pursue both, I realize now that I could have been a bit easier on myself. It is important to take time each week to reconnect with how you’re feeling and also to do the things you enjoy outside of business.” – Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder of Okwaho Equal Source
“Be honest and humble when dealing with your customers and staff. Respect the environment, your customers and people you deal with. Have the wisdom to ask for help and support from people that have more expertise and experience than you, and have the courage to make difficult decisions. Above all, be proud of your heritage.” - Andréanne Dandeneau, Winnipeg Fashion Designer and Owner of VOILÀ
“Stick with it. I’ve started several new ventures only to have them fizzle out. Sometimes you have to be willing to accept the current idea isn’t going to work so you can get started on the next one.” Christopher Henry, CEO & Founder of IcMD.ca
“Future generations will be communicating using tools that have not yet been developed, on networks that have not yet been designed, using technology that has not yet been invented. Be up for that challenge.” - Darrick Baxter, President & CEO of Ogoki Learning Inc.
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REMINDER
2002 SINCEsince 2002
Calling all Canadian & American Post-Secondary Educational Institutions If you have not yet updated your listing in SAY’s Education Guide for 2019, please complete the short survey on the SAY home page at www.saymag.com. Check last year’s guide on the same page to view your current listing.
2019
SURVEY
Education Guide for Indigenous Students
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 27
2019 EDUCATION GUIDE SURVEY SAY’s Annual Education Guide for Indigenous students will be available in February 2019. To allow for the inclusion of very important information in this Guide, SAY is asking all Educators from Canadian and American Post-Secondary Institutions who offer Indigenous studies, programs and/or scholarships to complete and submit the form below.
Mail your completed form to: SAY Magazine, Kildonan Place, RPO Box 43084, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R2C 5G7 OR scan and email your form to info@saymag.com. Complete and submit your form electronically by going to www.saymag.com.
10. Our institution provides emergency financial aid to students for housing and food. qYes qNo 11. Our institution offers dedicated units for Indigenous/Native students in residence. qYes qNo
To reference the 2018 Education Guide Directory, kindly contact SAY at info@saymag.com and a copy of last year’s guide will be forwarded to you.
12. Our institution hires a dedicated number of Indigenous/Native students for summer employment. qYes qNo
Institution Name: _______________________________________________________
13. Our institution offers Job Search Assistance for Indigenous/Native students. qYes qNo
Submitted by (name): ___________________________________________________ Title:__________________________________________________________________ Faculty:_______________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________ Institution Address:______________________________________________________ 1. Our institution offers an Indigenous/Native degree course. If yes, indicate the name of the program below. qYes qNo 2. Our institution accepts Indigenous/Native program credits from other educational institutions. qYes qNo 3. Our institution offers a transition program to assist students with upgrading their skills. qYes qNo 4. Our institution has a dedicated Indigenous/Native Student Center. qYes qNo 5. Our institution employs an Indigenous/Native Student Counsellor. qYes qNo 6. Our institution has an independent Indigenous/Native Student Association. qYes qNo 7. Our institution offers a scholarship/bursary for Indigenous/Native students. qYes qNo 8. Our institution has dedicated spots for Indigenous/Native children in our onsite daycare facility. qYes qNo 9. Our institution provides information to students on local community services. qYes qNo
14. Our institution has a formal agreement with tribes/bands regarding their students attending our institution. qYes qNo 15. If yes to #14, does this agreement include a section stating that our institution prepares its students for employment by providing training in the following areas (please select all that apply): qAcademia qSocial/interpersonal skills qCareer exploration qThe importance of culture/environment of different workplaces qThe culture/environment of our institution. 16. Our institution employs Indigenous/Native faculty. qYes qNo 17. Our institution offers Indigenous/Native content in regular (non-Indigenous specific) programs. qYes qNo qSome 18. Our institution tracks employment statistics for graduates from Indigenous/Native programs. qYes qNo If yes, how long after graduation is this done: qNo q3 Months q6 Months q12 Months 19. Our institution tracks employment statistics for graduates from Indigenous/Native programs from their field of study. qYes qNo If yes, how long after graduation is this done: q3 Months q6 Months q12 Months 20. Our institution offers dedicated spots in high demand programs for Indigenous/ Native students. qYes qNo
SAVVY
T
PROFILE
SIMON
he StarMetro Halifax recently published an article highlighting the success of Indigenous businesses throughout Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Québec). The article revealed that Indigenous entrepreneurs have been injecting millions of dollars annually into Atlantic Canada’s economy, with ninety-four percent of their earnings going back into the same regional economy through the purchase of a variety of goods and services sourced in the provinces.
Over 300 Indigenous-owned enterprises are operating in the Atlantic region, and this number is expected to double over the next decade with the population of Indigenous peoples expected to rise in the region in the coming years.
Part of the Mi’kmaq tribe of Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, Savvy never imagined she would be an entrepreneur. She earned a degree in Business Marketing, but soon realized that her passion for her people was greater than what she could achieve working in an office. After navigating her way out of a public service job and volunteering much of her time delivering dancing and cultural workshops, she decided to follow her heart and offer workshops full-time. She stepped out of her comfort zone and created her own company: Savvy UnLtd–which stands for “unlimited love to give”. Although she was confident in her passion, the move from public servant to entrepreneur was not a seamless transition. “As Indigenous people we can experience quite a bit of lateral violence especially when we’re becoming successful. I’ve overcome a lot of bullying,” said Savvy. “To get to where I
Photography by Kymber Rae Photography
One of the entrepreneurs mentioned in the article is Savvy Simon, a motivational speaker, activist and essential oil educator who has made a name for herself in Canada.
am today has not been an easy road. In fact when you’re an entrepreneur it can feel like a very lonely road, but it’s worth it because the more we rise, the more we meet those like-minded people that we never knew existed. I also keep my ‘why’ and my vision at the heart of my work and that helps to keep me on track.”
A mother and a wife, Savvy currently lives and operates her business from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through Savvy UnLtd, she spreads greater health and happiness as an essential oil educator. By working with her Mother Earth Medicine team and in consultation with doctors and nurses, she helps Indigenous people take charge of their ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2018 | 29
PROFILE health and guides them on their healing journey. Savvy wears many different hats and is also a rising public figure and motivational speaker for all ages. From elementary children to government officials, Savvy breaks down barriers and changes perspectives the moment she walks into a room. In 2014 Savvy was listed as one of the Top 40 Female Changemakers in Canada by Canadian Living Magazine, and in 2015 she was the only First Nations person to speak at WE DAY Halifax in front of an audience of 12,000. Savvy is also a proud member of the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau (see SAY’s cover story on page 8), alongside many other accomplished speakers from around the world. Her love for life and bountiful energy captivate her audience, leaving them energized and motivated. “As a Mompreneur/business owner I am continuously working on my own self-care and personal growth,” said Savvy. “I do walk the red road and that helps to keep me strong on this journey.” Savvy has embraced social media as a tool for the launch of her Mi’kmaq Language Revolution #SpeakMikmaq, a movement that promotes pride and visibility into her tribe’s native language. Encouraged by her work, the language hashtag movement has been adopted and emulated by an increasing number of tribes throughout North America, where Savvy is often asked to teach her ‘savvy’ ways of using social media to help indigenize language online.
Photography by Kymber Rae Photography
Photography by Kymber Rae Photography
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In her mission to spread love around the world, Savvy has worked alongside many other motivational figures like Dolly Parton, National Chief Shawn Alteo, Don Burnstick and the iconic Buffy Sainte-Marie. Savvy says she has been deeply inspired over the years by the many Indigenous women she has heard teach at conferences, but most of all by her Migi (her 93-year-old grandmother). You can follow Savvy Simon on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @SavvyUnLtd, or on her website at http://www.savvyunltd.com. (Economic Information based on a 2016 study supported by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs and conducted by ATN Consulting; Source from the Halifax Star)
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