June 2022
Issue. 12 - úpekst ell sesele
Pelltspantsk
"Mid-Summer"
The Secwepemc L.I.F.E. Online Newsletter is a free online newsletter published for Secwepemcúl̓ ucw (Shuswap Nation); connecting, celebrating and bringing more awareness to opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs within our Nation. The Secwepemc L.I.F.E. Newsletter invites stories, comments, photos and any other information relevant to business, entrepreneurship and economic development that would be of interest to our readers. Our goals for this online newsletter are: To share advice/stories/articles from Indigenous Entrepreneurs/Executives with business skills & expertise Share entrepreneur/business education and training programs/opportunities Share stories about Secwepemc life and wellness Assist in development of Nation/Community entrepreneur support/awareness & to create connections and resource sharing in our communities Promote entrepreneur/business events throughout the Nation Share and promote a wide range of entrepreneur/business resources
Secwepemc LIFE Vision & Mission
IN THIS ISSUE
Indigenous Entrepreneur Profile Robyn Tardif
Indigenous Entrepreneur Profile Sunshine Tomma
Upcoming Events in Secwepemcul'ecw
Vision To create a safe space that promotes Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses to be abundant and successful by inspiring and uplifting one another.
Mission Sharing stories, resources, and opportunities by providing free online content that supports our nation to normalize Indigenous wealth
Le Estcwicwéy̓ Memorial
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Julie John believes in connecting and inspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs to build their dreams. As a serial entrepreneur, she dedicates and invests most of her work efforts into Indegineous business and tourism; building on her dream to significantly advance Indigenous entrepreneurship starting in her home Nation - Secwepemc. To do this, Julie uses her academic grounding: Events and Convention Management diploma (TRU), Bachelor of Tourism Management with a Major in Entrepreneurship and Minor in Marketing (TRU) and EMBA - Indigenous Business & Leadership at SFU. As a mother and storyteller, Julie NEVER shys away from sharing her growth and lessons learned, in hopes of inspiring audiences and most importantly her three boys. Right now, Julie is working with Indigenous artisans and youth to help develop their business acumen and access to markets through grounding, culture and community. Julie offers a wide-range of services including: Research and Indigenous Engagement Speaker - Entrepreneurship Small Business Creation and Consultant Project Management Strategic Planning & Individual Action Plans
JULIE JOHN, MBA Event coordinator, Be Inspired! Events & Event Planning
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Indigenous Entrepreneur Profile 2022
Robyn Tardif Arts
Website https://robyntardif.squarespace.com Facebook Robyn Tardif Online Shop Instagram @tardif.robyn.arts
My name is Robyn Tardif; I am from the Shuswap Band (Kenpesq̓ t). I consider myself a multimedia artist and work with various materials such as textiles, antlers, wood, natural materials, ceramics and hot glass. I graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, AB, in 2020. I received a Bachelor of Fine art with a major in Glass. I always had a passion for arts and creating, even when I was young. I, like many other creators, began with drawing and painting. As I got older, I realized my passion was not in two-dimensional artworks but the third-dimensional realm. This interest stems from making pine needle baskets, rattles, drums, etc., when I was a child with my family. I am very dimensional when it comes to my art practice. While attending AU Arts, I focused on the contemporary arts. I focused on topics surrounding my experiences as an Indigenous person in today's world especially living in an urban environment. During that time, I produced a wide array of artworks, some of which can be seen on my website. Post-graduation, I have been switching my focus to more production-style projects. I am fond of making jewellery with the glass beads I create in the studio. In the last few years, I have also been production sewing small projects like hats and bags. My production items can be seen on my Instagram. As an entrepreneur or emerging artist, I think the most challenging part of the process is believing in yourself and the discipline to continue forward even when you have those feelings of defeat. It's so easy to compare yourself to other makers and their journeys and convince yourself that where they are in their journey is where you should be. Everyone's journey goes at a different pace, and it's so hard to trust the process. This early on, I think the most significant success for me is continuing to be creative post-graduation from Art school. I often see that people lose their passion, so they stop creating. It's easy to give up on hard things, but it's gratifying if you can push yourself to continue. Being an entrepreneur or an emerging artist is hard work, and it takes an immense amount of dedication and time. Check out Robyn's art online: https://robyntardif.squarespace.com
Indigenous Entrepreneur Profile 2022
Sgwesgwest&Tribe
Visit FB and IG to follow Sgwesgwest&Tribe’s candlemaking adventures
Facebook Sgwesgwest&Tribe Instagram @sgwesgwest_tribe Email tommasunshine@gmail.com
Sunshine Tomma (Nakota/Secwepemc) is a smallbatch candle crafter, specializing in cruelty-free, nontoxic candles presented in unique holders. Sgwesgwest&Tribe incorporates elements of nature, language, and culture into gorgeous wood, copper, glass, or repurposed candle holders filled with high quality, 100% soy wax and hand-crafted wood wicks! The candle scents are richly fragranted with infused yarrow buds, balsam fir, ganga flower, and sumac premium scents imported from California. Sgwesgwest is sunshine in the Secwepemc language. The namesake - Sgwesgwest&Tribe - came to be because Sunshine’s family supports her business endeavours, lending a hand preparing candles. Integrating Secwepemc culture through infused traditional medicines from the land and the language of this land is essential to Sunshine. Many of the labels incorporate the Secwepemc language to represent and honour her Indigenous identity and the Secwepemc homelands Sunshine and her family reside on. It all started as a hobby, something Sunshine enjoyed, where she could get creative and craft gifts for family and friends. People took notice of her unique style in candle making and suggested she sell the candles. Through trial and error Sunshine finally perfected techniques that resulted in original and creative designs. Setting out in a business has its challenges - from the cost of supplies, pricing appropriately, and accessing steady suppliers that fit with her efforts to provide clean, conscious ingredients. Success for Sunshine is simply people loving her candles, returning customers coming back for refills and new candle designs. The positive feedback in-of-itself brings her joy and the motivation to keep crafting.
June 2022
Secwepemctsin Tree Words
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Seqwlut t'e tsrep
n Secwepemctsin, we call a tree tsrep and a bunch of trees sts'el. An interesting feature of the Secwepemc language are the different suffixes (word endings).
The suffix -éllp, indicates a tree, bush, or plant. In this word art of tree names, you will see many of the words ending in the -éllp suffix. Go to atahm.info to discover tree words in Secwepemctsin.
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SheEO: A Global Community that Helps Women Entrepreneurs Build Businesses Without Risking their Personal Credit SheEO was launched in Canada in 2015. The organization describes themselves as “a radically generous community supporting women + non-binary people with 1 million Activators helping women working on the World's To-Do List.” This is a collective project that provides resources to female and non-binary entrepreneurs through crowd-funding style business model. They offer zero interest loans without risking one’s personal credit . Companies must have at least $50,000 (local currency) in revenue, have a female (cis* or trans) or non-binary CEO, and be 51% female (cis* or trans) owned and led to apply for funding. Along with financial support, SheEO offers coaching with SheEO Development Guides and access to a global community of women and non-binary folks who support you as customers, advisors, and connectors. SheEO supported Patrice Mousseau (Ojibway), founder of Satya Organic, to grow her business nationally.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events Indigenous Voices in Fashion & Resurgence Market The Indigenous Voices in Fashion Show and the Resurgence Market (June 4) have relocated to Moccasin Square Gardens in Kamloops (345 Chief Alex Thomas Way) due to the fire at Quaaout Lodge
Re-Awakening Concert and Resurgence Market at TRU Join the Indigenous Resurgence Project (IRP) in celebrating the end of Indigenous History Month with a concert with Merritt-based guitarist, Willard Wallace, and the Lil’wat band - The Spiritual Warriors. There will be an allday artisan Market hosted at Thompson Rivers University on June 25th featuring hand-made crafts, local businesses, and interactive booths.
The Spiritual Warriors
Photo: Billie Jean Gabriel Photography
A Secwepemc Play Echoes of the Homesick Heart is the work of Secwepemc playwright Laura Michel. A world premiere exploring Secwepemc language reclamation and revitalization Kamloops, BC
Le Estcwicwéy̓ "The Missing" Photos by Katelynn Kenoras
Tk̓ emlúps te Secwépemc held a memorial May 23, 2022 for Le Estcwicwéy̓ (The Missing) near the Kamloops Indian Residential School. It has been one year since the discovery of Le Estcwicwéy̓ . Kukpi7 of Tk̓ emlúps te Secwépemc, Rosanne Casimir, stated in a press release: “..it is Secwépemc cultural protocol to observe a one-year mourning period after the loss of family. This is how we see Le Estcwicwéý, as our family; a family that we have a responsibility to care for”. It has been a year of mourning for our children, our grief will continue but to honour those children and the many children across North America who went missing, is step toward healing.
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In the News... Echoes, reconnecting community and culture "A theatre project seven years in the making will soon hit the stage, showcasing local Indigenous talent through a story based on real local experiences" - Kamloops This Week
Indigenous boutique opens on Secwépemc homelands "Red Hummingbird Boutique carries one-of-a-kind handmade items. Miranda Dick, artist, crafter, quilter, Mother, and Secwépemc Matriarch, opens the doors to the Red Hummingbird Boutique, where she and her sister sell everything from house decor to ribbon skirts" - Indiginews Photo by Kelsie Kilawna
Glohaven Community Hub Announces Partnership with The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Glohaven Community Hub, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). - Accelerate Okanagan
Celebrate our cultures
Honour our Histories
June is National Indigenous History Month
and communties
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
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STATISTICS
400+ A Chosen Journey RBC's partnership report celebrates Indigenous successes and affirms RBC Royal Bank’s commitment to the Indigenous community. https://www.rbc.com/indigenous/a-chosen-journey.html
Email Subscribed
750+ Social Media Followers
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New Businesses at Be Inspired Centre 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC Mon - Fri 9am-4pm
Be Inspired Centre is an Indigenous entrepreneur hub in the heart of Chase, BC. We are creating and providing much needed space for entrepreneurs to conduct business in a physical space. Currently, we have the Be Inspired Gift Shop, Lounge Space for rent, Red Hummingbird Boutique, Christina McMurray Massage and Pedicures, and an upcoming Indigenous counselling space with Natalie Clark and Jolene Anderson. Be Inspired is creating space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to address the lack of Indigenous diversification in business. With the Indigenous economy contributing $31 billion to Canada’s GDP, it is time for more Indigenous-owned businesses to take up space and be present in small towns around BC!
Red Hummingbird Boutique
New and upcycled clothing with Indigenous designs, jewelry, accessories, home decor, and more. One of a kind, handmade items 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC Open Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Christina McMurray Hot stone massage, full body massage, spa pedicure, clip & shape, waxing By Appointment only Call/text 250-299-5890 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC
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INDIGENOUS BUSINESS LISTINGS Delicious Business Catering
Jessica Johnny Beaded Jewelry
deliciousbusinesscatering@gmail.com FB: @deliciousbusinesscatering
778.694.9127 Facebook IG: @jessicajohnny01
Touching Souls Healing Arts
Wolf Pack Contracting
Website grayfawn51@yahoo.com 204.804.3632 FB: @touchingsouls51
Website benjamin.cardinal@hotmail.com 780.240.0351 FB: Wolf Pack Contracting
4 Generations Creations
Chief Technology
Website IG @4generationscreations FB @4generationscreations TikTok 4generationscreations
Video Production & Editing Email duckchief4403@gmail.com 250.320.6682 chieftechnology.ca
LIVN & GIVN Design Company
In My Defense
Website info@livn-givn.com IG @wearlivngivn FB: Livn & Givn Design Company Ltd.
Fashion Speaks International fsimodels@gmail.com FB @fsimodelsandtalent
Website inmydefenseofficial@gmail.com IG @official.inmydefense FB: In My Defense Keychains
Fireweed Wellness Products Email fireweed4u@pm.me Products sold at 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC
Support Indigenous Businesses in Secwepemcúl̓ ecw The Secwepemc L.I.F.E. Newsletter is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.
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CURRENT EVENTS, PROGRAMS & RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS Applications Now Open for 2022 Pow Wow Pitch Calling All Indigenous Entrepreneurs, Artists, Vendors and Businesses. Pitch for the spotlight, $200,000 in cash prizes and a community rallying for your success. Before June 21st, Indigenous entrepreneurs can submit a 1-minute video business pitch. $25,000 grand prize
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a micro-finance program open to Indigenous women-owned businesses who may lack access to conventional financing.
How to Create a Strong Mindset to Deal with Business Challenges "It’s easy to feel self-confident and mentally strong when everything is going great in your small business. However, when disaster strikes unexpectedly and you hit a challenge, that’s when your true strength is tested. In this month's tip, Aisha Tejani shares four tips to strengthen your mindset."
Shop First Nations Guide to Social Media Advertsing A guide on social media advertising for Indigenous business needs featufing information on setting advertising budget, social media platforms, reaching new Indigenous consumers, campaign strategy and objectives and more.
Closing the Gap: Meeting the Unique Borrowing Needs of BC’s Women Business Owners Women business owners who receive support fare much better in business, says We BC's research. 291 women business owners were surveyed culminating this report that offers recommendations to funders and support organizations on how to develop varied funding pathways for women business owners and transform women’s experiences with the lending ecosystem
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Program NACCA and AFIs Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Launch of the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship (IWE) Program
RBC Financial Literacy for Indigenous People The RBC Financial Literacy for Indigenous Peoples Course was created in response to calls from residential school survivors and First Nations youth who recommended financial training as a means to maximizing the benefits of financial compensation. Course content will share the information you need to make informed decisions and help you achieve lasting financial well-being.
Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneur Program Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program offer loans to self-identified woman or non-binary individual. Whether you are just starting out or trying to grow your business, you can tailor your support program to meet your unique needs with access to a resource library and opportunities for networking and advice from experienced mentors.
The Secwepemc L.I.F.E. Newsletter is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.
BE INSPIRED Indigenous Gift Shop 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC Mon - Fri 9-4pm
Be Inspired! Gift Shop is an Indigenous owned and operated business. We offer gifts from local Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous designed items. Consider our gift ship for gift giving, events, conventions and gatherings.
Totes | Blankets Reusable Bags Puzzles | Masks Stationary | Decals Magnets | Lotions Smudge Sprays Herbal Products
LINK
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Lounge Space for rent Be Inspired Centre 632 Shuswap Ave, Chase, BC Contact 250-679-1156
info.secwepemc@gmail.com
$40/hour Rental fee