Building Together: Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Sunshine Tenasco
Founder at Her Braids & Founder & Chair of Pow Wow Pitch & Author of “Nibi’s Water Song” & “Smile So Big”
I want to have a real conversation with you during National Indigenous Peoples Month. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, this is my heartfelt letter to our Indigenous nations and Canada.?
A Message to Indigenous Entrepreneurs
First, to my fellow Indigenous entrepreneurs, I want you to know that you are seen. Our entrepreneurial spirit has been rooted in good trade and continues to today's trailblazing founders, visionaries, and vendors. Our laughter, culture, and resilience are all part of who we are. Through entrepreneurship, we have the power to heal, manifest our uniqueness, and positively impact future generations. So, let’s keep on keeping on. We got this.?
A Recognition to Allies
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to many incredible allies supporting Indigenous-owned businesses. You recognize the deep-rooted challenges faced by Indigenous people in Canada. It's a tangled web of systemic issues that can block our path. A few of them include historical genocide,?inadequate access to clean drinking water, inaccessibility of technologies like Wi-Fi, racism and bias.?Not to mention more business-specific challenges, including lack of access to capital and role models to lead by example. Healing our Indigenous brothers, sisters, and families requires allies at all levels to step up and make a difference. Include us in conversations, support Indigenous-led solutions, and use your voice and purchasing power to uplift our businesses.
Dear "Pretendians"
Just stop. To those who feel connected to Indigenous values and culture, let's have a talk. By claiming this space as your own, you are doing a great disservice to actual Indigenous people from Turtle Island. There are specific programs designed to address underrepresentation and amplify Indigenous voices. You can be an amazing ally without taking up the space meant for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Let's work together in true solidarity and respect.
Confronting Hate and Racism
To those who spread hate and racism, I have a reminder for you. You are on Indigenous land. Canada has a painful history of colonialism and genocide, and we are in a moment of healing. It's hard to face reality and see the pain right in front of you, but we need love, not hate. We need every person in Canada to join us in the urgent work of reconciliation. This includes newcomers, governments, industry leaders, educators, families, and individuals. National Indigenous Peoples Month is the perfect time to reflect, have conversations, and support Indigenous entrepreneurs in every way possible.?Take the time to learn more about Canada’s true history and Indigenous culture and values using the?free training ?available online.
Building Indigenous Entrepreneurship
As an Indigenous entrepreneur myself, I've witnessed the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. Through initiatives like?SOAR , we empower Indigenous entrepreneurs, bring their talents to the forefront, and connect them with major supply chains. However, we have a major gap in Indigenous entrepreneurs' access to these supply chains, undervaluing their businesses and potential. SOAR is here to change that. We're empowering Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada and Turtle Island, recognizing excellence, and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level. Thank you to our partners, including Square , BDC and Futurpreneur , for helping to make this vision a reality.
We must do better collectively. Let's educate ourselves, challenge our perspectives, change our behaviours, and rally others to the cause. When Indigenous people in Canada succeed, it benefits us all.
领英推荐
ReplyForward
Content/Copywriter concentrating on personal improvement health and pet related content. Dedicated to help you improve your bottom line
1 年Well written piece. I love to see this message uplift all natives. I think strong messages like this are important.
Passionate about my people and our stories! Executive Producer, Across The Land / Host & Producer, First Peoples Voices / Founder National Director, I Am Compelled
1 年Great pic!
Transforming Workplace Cultures by Implementing Preventive Mental Health Strategies and Advancing Women Leaders | Workplace Mental Health Speaker | Top 100 Canadian Women | Workforce & Leadership Development Expert
1 年Thank you for writing an honest and forthright message. ?? Words of wisdom ??
CEO at National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
1 年Thank you for sharing this important message Sunshine. Everyone needs to know there is so much to do and we need everyone in order to get to prosperity.
Impact for Social Good & Financial Inclusion | Inclusive Economy Builder
1 年Thank you for sharing such a beautifully articulated post, Sunshine Tenasco, I am so honoured to be tagged! Indigenous entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to use business as a force for good and positively impact future generations. As you said: “We must do better collectively. Let's educate ourselves (thanks for tagging the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training that BDC offers feee of charge), challenge our perspectives, change our behaviours, and rally others to the cause. When Indigenous people in Canada succeed, it benefits us all.” ?? https://catalog.bdc.ca/product?catalog=4-Seasons-of-Reconciliation