Lisa Perley Dutcher, Kehkimin, wins A Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch

Lisa Perley Dutcher, Kehkimin, wins A Taste of the Atlantic Pow Wow Pitch

Aug 28, 2023 | ,

First-Place Winner, Lisa Perley-Dutcher, Founder and Director of Kehkimin, a non-profit Wolastoqey Language Immersion School, founded her school with the purpose to replenish and revitalize the traditional language and knowledge of the Walostoqey people. “Pow Wow Pitch is supporting something that is so vital to our people and our language,” said Lisa. “[with the funding and in-kind support] we can make sure that our new students are well supported.”

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Let the seven generations guide your strategy

Let the seven generations guide your strategy

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

Donna candidly shares, “One of the most rewarding parts of being an entrepreneur is the independence and flexibility.”However, Tremble doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges, citing uncertainty as the toughest obstacle. “The uncertainty of it all is the most challenging part,” she admits. But, she also praises the pivotal role market research played in guiding her venture’s trajectory.

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Be disciplined and patient

Be disciplined and patient

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

For budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, Skyler’s advice is,”Go for it,” he urges. Amplifying his commitment to fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship, he adds, “We need more of us, I am here for it and will do anything to help support.” A special nod goes to Futurpreneur for their unending support in his journey.

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Be brave enough to follow your heart

Be brave enough to follow your heart

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

On Indigenous approaches to entrepreneurship, Esther feels a sense of pride and empowerment. “It’s been empowering to connect with other Indigenous entrepreneurs. It makes me happy to be showing my children and grandchild what I have been able to do. And hoping this lives on to them with whatever they desire to be.”

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If it keeps you up at night, keep at it

If it keeps you up at night, keep at it

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

Sharon’s entrepreneurial journey is filled with pride and challenges alike. She beams with pride, mentioning, “I am most proud of the impact this program that I created has and can have on the women I support.” However, like all entrepreneurs, she acknowledges the hurdles, stating the most challenging aspect is “getting the word out and finding the funding to enable Indigenous women to take the program.”

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Put community first

Put community first

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

Drawing from her Indigenous heritage, Cherise emphasized the importance of community in entrepreneurship. “It’s super important to have a strong community with our people,” she mused. Even though she’s originally from Northern Alberta, her move helped her connect deeply with the Blackfoot culture. This connection infuses her work, life, and business ethos, fostering hope, especially for those grappling with addiction.

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Find all the resources and use them

Find all the resources and use them

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

For Cindy, “Raising money to start, and raising money to grow” has been the most formidable hurdle. Despite these challenges, her tenacity and unwavering spirit shine through. “Getting up every day with the same energy to succeed, and keep the end goal in mind,” is her mantra.

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Ask questions

Ask questions

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

It’s not just business acumen that steers Clinton’s entrepreneurial ship. The grounding force? “Indigenous approaches,” he states. “Giving thanks to the Creator each day helped me change my life, direct me into helping not only my community but many.” This spiritual rootedness resonates deeply with his Indigenous heritage, infusing his business with a sense of purpose and community upliftment.

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Listen to your customer

Listen to your customer

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

Embracing her Indigenous roots, Kristine’s approach to entrepreneurship is all-encompassing. “My studio, whether virtual or in-person, is a sanctuary. A haven where love and respect reign supreme,” she explains. She believes that while there’s significant progress in accepting Indigenous entrepreneurs, the road is still long.

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Don’t undersell yourself

Don’t undersell yourself

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

When asked about the Indigenous approach to entrepreneurship, Shay’s face lights up, “The essence of Indigenous entrepreneurship is the value of family and community. In HOLO EYES, I ensure that we foster a sense of community. Every product, every photoshoot, and every mobile service is a step towards bringing people together.”

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Remember it’s about the journey

Remember it’s about the journey

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

Drawing from her rich journey, Brooke offers wisdom for budding Indigenous entrepreneurs: “Stay grounded in your purpose.” For her, entrepreneurship is rooted in the lessons learned, challenges surmounted, and personal growth. “One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned,” she reflects, “is that the journey is just as valuable, if not more so, than the end results.”

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Define success your own way

Define success your own way

Aug 24, 2023 | ,

For Persson, entrepreneurship is about creative freedom and carving her own path. “It’s okay to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and dare to do things differently,” she reflects. Her advice to budding Indigenous entrepreneurs is succinct: “Start today!” She emphasizes that every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and it’s essential to trust your instincts and redefine what success means for you.

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Use a two-eyed approach to stay grounded

Use a two-eyed approach to stay grounded

Aug 23, 2023 | ,

Through her entrepreneurial journey, Rebecca’s most vital takeaway has been the essence of financial management and bookkeeping. For budding Indigenous entrepreneurs, her advice is crystal clear: “Start out with small goals to achieve your bigger goals, and making connections is the key to success.” She extends her gratitude to those who’ve aided her journey, saying, “Without a good network, a business cannot stand alone.”

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Use your passion to push through

Use your passion to push through

Aug 23, 2023 | ,

Valleyside Art, as Rachel describes, offers a canvas of fine art paintings, both in their original and print forms. What sets her art apart is the vibrancy of its nature – “I have a unique style of painting colourful animals.” Beyond creating art, Rachel’s business ethos is to grow and give back. “I want to double my business quarterly until market saturation. This will provide more jobs in my community and be able to afford to give back through charitable donations,” she asserts.

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Don’t let fear hold you back

Don’t let fear hold you back

Aug 23, 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.

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