Indigenbiz

30/10/2024

Day 2 (well technically day 3) of World Indigenous Business Forum. Some of my key takeaways:

Commissioner Walt Benson spoke about how entrepreneurship can help lift ourselves out of poverty, something I have done for myself, can lead to healthier, happier lives, can help us achieve self-determination with control over our own resources and less reliance upon governments (Chief and Councils).

James Collard spoke about how International Indigenous Economic Trade is not a new concept and its something our people have been doing since time immemorial and we’re simply in the process of reclaiming our place in the global markets that we’ve been excluded from due to colonialism. He continued about the benefits of Indigenous FTZ (Foreign Trade Zones) and a vision of future International trade that includes Indigenous FTZ networks established across the globe, working together.

Alana Kennedy from Australia shared her experiences as an Indigenous entrepreneur and the importance of breaking the economic cycle by promoting entrepreneurship, gaining access to global markets, engagement in international investment and supporting our communities. It was inspiring to hear how she found it important to be an example for her people to show whats possible through entrepreneurship.

Wayne Garnons-Williams, President of IITIO - International Inter-tribal Trade & Investment Organization, threw out some stats about the overall economic contributions of Indigenous economies across the globe:
- $17 Billion in assests for the Maouri people,
- $16.1 billion in GDP in Australia,
- $31 billion in GDP in USA.
He also said the key to developing International Indigenous trade was by capitalizing upon the IPETC (International People’s Economic Trade and Cooperation Agreement) a first of its kind comprehensive trade agreement.

It was great to hear and connect with Dawn Houle, who has done some amazing work in her field. Chi Migweech for signing a copy of your book for me and I am looking forward to connecting further.

Maxine R. Velasquez mentioned that the word “tribes” is mentioned 3 times in the original American constitution which recognizes the sovereignty of Indigenous tribes. She also reiterated that we have always been international entrepreneurs as evident by chocolate beans found locally which only came from South American regions.

“We need to make economic policy, not economic development.” - Richard Luarkie

“We’re moving away from a victim mentality to a victors mentality!” - Hans Paul Bokelund

And the committee for the World Indigenous Business Forum announced that Melbourne, Australia will host the 2025 WIBF!

25/09/2024

When you are met with a closed door, look around and find an open window somewhere instead!

Last week, someone shared with me a link to the OECD - OCDE Conference of Mining Regions and Cities happening in Sudbury October 8th - 11th in City of Greater Sudbury but when I clicked on the link, it said registration was closed.

This is a moment where two types of people emerge.

One type would have simply said, “Oh well, registrations is closed, maybe next year.” and went about their day.

The other type would look at that and say, “I am going to reach out to the organizers and see if there are any extra tickets or cancellations!"

I am definitely the latter of the two personalities.

I grabbed the email address for the event organizers and sent them this email:

"I was just made aware of the OECD conference....from a colleague….I do a lot of work with Indigenous communities and organizations across the country and beyond….and I would love to attend this event. Unfortunately…. it said registration is now closed. If there are any extra tickets put aside or any cancellations, please let me know as I would gladly attend."

I also reached out to a couple of my friends who were on the speakers panel and asked them if they pull some strings and get me in.

Long story short, I will be attending the OECD - OCDE Conference and was also personally invited to participate in an Indigenous pre-conference with Indigenous leaders from across Ontario and beyond which aims to identify common actions supporting Indigenous-centered pathways for sustainable futures in mining regions. The outcome of these discussions will include a call-to-action to be presented during the main conference, along with opportunities for new partnerships among OECD Indigenous communities.

So for all the young ones and up-and-comers out there, doing moves like this will set you apart from the rest of the pack. When you are met with a closed door, look around and find an open window somewhere instead! You might have to jump, crawl or bring a ladder to get in that window, but it’s an opening. And how badly do you want to get in?

If any friends, colleagues or contacts in the mining industry want to send me some information that they would like to be brought up as an issue for this Indigenous pre-conferece, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or (705) 257-1809.

I look forward to contributing, participating, and meeting up with new and old friends in a couple weeks!

The 2024 OECD Conference of Mining Regions and Cities Conference will take place on 8-11 October 2024 in Greater Sudbury, Canada.

03/06/2024

I will be attending and representing myself and my company, Gencity Inc., at the Canadian Mining Expo, 'Where the World Comes to Explore!' this week in The City of Timmins as a participant. ⛏

I look to meeting and greeting with old friends and making new connections in the mining and Indigenous business world while learning anything new. 🤝

👋 Shoot me a DM message if you want to chat new business or catch up on old times! 📱 (705-257-1809)

29/03/2024

From myself, Gencity Inc. and Indigenbiz, here's wishing everyone a happy, safe and healthy Easter weekend.

22/02/2024

he International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WTO MSME Group), with the support of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), are calling for innovative ideas that support international trade by Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples, or the earliest known people from a given geographical area, are present in more than 90 economies, represent 5,000 cultures and speak 40 per cent of the world’s 7,000 languages.

Indigenous Peoples “own, occupy, or use a quarter of the world’s surface area”, conserving 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity according to the World Bank. However, recognition of the rights and interests of indigenous peoples is often insecure, sometimes leading to conflict, environmental degradation, and weak economic and social development. Additionally, although indigenous peoples make up around 6 per cent of the global population, they represent about 19 per cent of the extreme poor.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (WTO MSME Group), with the support of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), are calling for innov...

20/02/2024

Our 3rd Come Trade With Us event for Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals took place on Thursday February 15th at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology Indigenous lounge, the Enji Maawnjiding.

There was great food, inspriring conversations and excellent networking amongst the attendees!

We want to say chi-migweech to our guest speakers, Sault College President, David Orazietti, Dean of Indigenous Studies, Carolyn Hepburn, CEO of Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Rory Ring, Sault College business student, Michelle Nolan, Algoma University student, Elizabeth Nahwegezhic, and CEO of Gencity Inc., Steven McCoy, BBA.

These events would not be possible without the support of local businesses and institutions so we want to also say chi-migweech to the following for their continued sponsorship:
- Indigenous Studies Sault College
- Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce,
- Gencity Inc.
- IndigenBiz

We look forward to having you attend our next Come Trade With Us event. Stay tuned for future dates to be announced.

05/01/2024

OPINION: WHAT'S IN STORE FOR INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES IN 2024

January 5, 2024: Back in 2012 when I started combing the Internet for positive news stories about successful Indigenous entrepreneurs to share on my social media platforms with the intent of inspiring a nation into celebrating and supporting Indigenous people in business, the hunt was as elusive as spotting a sacred white moose while driving through Northern Ontario. Back then, mainstream media wasn’t too interested in publishing news stories about us Indigenous people unless we were murdered, missing or protesting.

Fast forward 12 years later, and my Google Alerts are filled with daily news stories about other successful Indigenous entrepreneurs who are grinding and thriving in the business world. Finding positive stories about Indigenous entrepreneurs on the internet today is about as common as finding an Indian Taco at a powwow!

So, what's in store for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada for 2024 and beyond? Here are my thoughts.

#2024

Back in 2012 when I started combing the Internet for positive news stories about successful Indigenous entrepreneurs to share on my social media platforms, the hunt was as elusive as spotting a sacred white moose while driving through Northern Ontario. Back then, mainstream media wasn’t too intere...

13/12/2023

CREDIT: - The Canadian Press News: ...In the wake of the resignation of Canadian National Railway Co.'s Indigenous advisory council, experts say corporate Canada needs to do some soul-searching and decide if it is serious about reconciliation...
.."What we've experienced to date is check-box engagements," Shannin Metatawabin ICD.D said. "It's the minimum engagement with the Indigenous community — attending a dinner, making a corporate sponsorship to an Indigenous initiative or something. That is as much as corporate Canada has done to date, and that's really not an impact at all."...
..Experts also say corporate Canada needs to move beyond window dressing to real action. It's not enough to put Indigenous art in the lobby or change the name of a building, they say — economic reconciliation means providing ways for Indigenous people to be prosperous...
..Jason Bird said while appointing an Indigenous advisory council will backfire on companies that aren't genuinely willing to implement the advice they receive, it's a good idea for any company that knows it has work to do on reconciliation and is willing to learn.

13/12/2023

CREDIT: - The Canadian Press News: ...In the wake of the resignation of Canadian National Railway Co.'s Indigenous advisory council, experts say corporate Canada needs to do some soul-searching and decide if it is serious about reconciliation...
.."What we've experienced to date is check-box engagements," Shannin Metatawabin ICD.D said. "It's the minimum engagement with the Indigenous community — attending a dinner, making a corporate sponsorship to an Indigenous initiative or something. That is as much as corporate Canada has done to date, and that's really not an impact at all."...
..Experts also say corporate Canada needs to move beyond window dressing to real action. It's not enough to put Indigenous art in the lobby or change the name of a building, they say — economic reconciliation means providing ways for Indigenous people to be prosperous...
..Jason Bird said while appointing an Indigenous advisory council will backfire on companies that aren't genuinely willing to implement the advice they receive, it's a good idea for any company that knows it has work to do on reconciliation and is willing to learn.

In the wake of the resignation of Canadian National Railway Co.'s Indigenous advisory council, experts say corporate Canada needs to do some soul-searchingand decide if it is serious about reconciliation.

23/08/2023

Ricky’s vision for Blackstone Concrete transcends mere profit. His ambition is rooted in his desire to give back. “I am building my business with a vision of providing employment opportunities to our at-risk Indigenous youth," he states.

18/07/2023

Article from Women of Influence:

"Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation,...this Entrepreneur Built a Multi-Million Dollar Business and is Now a Top Employer in Western Canada
Meet Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO of Bouchier and the 2022 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award winner.

“I think it's so important as entrepreneurs and business leaders that anything that you devote your time to, whether it's a community, whether it's a client site or even your own business, you leave it better than when you got there,” Nicole Bourque-Bouchier, CEO & Co-Founder...

13/07/2023

12/07/2023

Article from Saugeen Times:
"According to Vanloffeld, there are three challenges in many Indigenous communities including Saugeen:

- lack of businesses to stimulate the local economy,
- not able to participate in development within the territory
- governments made commitments to reconciliation but how can they be enhanced without economic development."

CommunityEducationFeaturedFeaturesFirst NationsHeritagePoliticsMunicipal Indigenous company lays out procurement concept to Council By Sandy Lindsay - July 11, 2023 Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest WhatsApp Linkedin Email Print Steven Vanloffeld, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eSuppl...

04/07/2023

https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/breaking-news/canada-life-invests-in-mentorship-program-to-support-indigenous-learners-451184.aspx?fbclid=IwAR34HjlH4C6xZPL8WwWSontGd0s9ZXaJfK2nNHxM-rE-cdd54eSITnTcmI

Article from Insurance Business Magazine:

Canada Life has made a $500,000 investment in Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) to support the development of an Indigenous-led student mentorship program.

The initiative aims to foster connections between students and mentors who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences.

To be offered across all RRC Polytech programs and campuses, the program will provide support and guidance to Indigenous learners as they navigate post-secondary education and early employment.

Investment aims to strengthen business relationships with Indigenous communities

27/06/2023

Article from Northern Ontario Business:

"The Toronto company’s new joint venture Indigenous partner, the Three Fires Group, is tentatively prepared to invest $10 million or half as part of a total $20-million arrangement for this venture, according to an Electra spokesperson.

A June 26 news release from Electra said the “commitment for a strategic investment” by Three Fires in this venture will be reviewed by shareholders of Three Fires. Talks are ongoing with the federal and provincial governments and other potential funders to advance progress of the refinery project."

Three Fires Group to take equity stake in Electra Battery Materials

14/06/2023

Article from CBC News:

“Jamie Wilson [the vice-president of Indigenous strategy at Red River College Polytech] said it best this morning … if you don't have Indigenous people on your board or on your executive branch of your company, then you're probably not serious about true reconciliation," Daniels said in an interview.

The economy and reconciliation were the focus of a Tuesday forum organized by the Southern Chiefs' Organization that brought together more than a hundred business owners, government leaders and representatives of business organizations to build relationships and share ideas.