Watch the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
Watch the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards to meet and hear the journey and lessons of eight outstanding Indigenous entrepreneurs and watch a special performance by musician Fawn Wood.
Mi’kmaq Coalition wins the Entrepreneurial Icon Award
“When Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses meet at the table 50-50, with benefits for both, it puts reconciliation into action and demonstrates the value of working with Indigenous organizations,” said Membertou Chief and CEO Terrance Paul a respected leader instrumental in creating the deal. “The Clearwater Seafoods acquisition is a transformational and generational deal that is an example of the resilience, value and power of our Mi’kmaq communities.”
Jennifer Harper wins the Entrepreneur Icon Award
“Cheekbone Beauty would like to be a role model for Indigenous youth, leading with love and being courageously curious,” said Jennifer Harper. “We are proud of the innovation we are working on. The steps we are taking will have lasting effects on the beauty industry. We hope to help provide a place where Indigenous youth can also see their potential in STEM, using Indigenous wisdom and teachings to build better.”
Patrick Hunter wins the Entrepreneur Spirit Award
“My vision is for Indigenous iconography to permeate the mainstream culture in a positive way,” said Patrick Hunter. “Not everyone grows up being proud of their culture, or get to it in public buildings. So, evening though entrepreneurship is not easy, it’s all worth it. To wake up every day and decide what to do with the day is one of the best feelings. Being able to support yourself with your gift and to make life better for others is truly special.”
Tara Audibert wins the Entrepreneur Spirit Award
“I am proud of my culture, and I share it with humour, love and a reverence for nature,” said Tara Audibert. “My main goals are to share my Indigenous culture with the rest of the world. I hope my stories will help children bring our lessons into adulthood and make a better world.”
Nicole McLaren wins the Entrepreneur Spirit Award
“I want to show Indigenous girls and women that they can scale multi-million dollar businesses with big impact and big exists,” said Nicole McLaren. “Winning this award is a recognition for the blood (cardboard cuts), sweat, and tears I have invested in this entrepreneurial journey and is an important occasion to celebrate how far we have come.”
Leena Evic wins the Entrepreneur Spirit Award
“I am using entrepreneurship to protect and reclaim Inuit language, culture and identity in the North,” said Leena Evic. “I am proud to employ elder professors to work with a passionate team of people with the trust and support of my community.”
Gerald James Brandon wins the Up and Comer Award
“The best part of the journey is the people,” said Gerry Brandon. “I am proud when I see our team buying their first homes, growing their families, growing as individuals and contributing to their community. This Award is for my spouse, co-workers, and staff in recognition and gratitude for their efforts, patience during the pandemic, for their commitment to the community.”
Destinee Peter wins the Up and Comer Award
“I am proud of who I am and where I come from,” said Destinee Peter. “To be able to use my platform to share and teach my culture is important to me. Winning this award validates my hard work in overcoming obstacles, recognizes my team and their commitment and shows us that we are on the right track.”
Hosted by
Sunshine Tenasco
Founder, Pow Wow Pitch
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, QC
Special Performance by
Fawn Wood
Musician
Plains Cree-Salish Saddle Lake, AB
'Joy' Art by
Christi Belcourt
Metis Visual Artist and Author
Roots from Manitou Sakhigan, AB
CO-PRESENTED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
