Discover how Indigenous Financial Institutions are transforming communities through the inspiring success stories of Indigenous businesses across Canada.

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) represents a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). For almost 40 years, our members have worked tirelessly to support Indigenous business development through business loans and related supports to First Nation, Métis, and Inuit business owners. The goal is to help Indigenous entrepreneurs realize their dreams to create and earn as successful business people.

Once established, Indigenous businesses lead by example. Our research shows that Indigenous businesses enhance health, social, and cultural outcomes in their communities, promoting reconciliation.

We’d like to introduce you to just a few successful Indigenous businesses and owners. 

Feast Café Bistro: embracing Indigenous culinary culture

Feast Café Bistro, located in a stunning heritage building in downtown Winnipeg, honours local Indigenous culinary culture. For eight years, this establishment has served regular patrons and supported those in need through a voucher program that accepts donations, in a neighbourhood where the average income is less than $50,000.

Chalets de l’Anse Ste-Hélène: stunning cottage rentals

In 2017, the Mi’gmaqs of Gesgapegiag ventured into tourism by purchasing the Chalets de l’Anse Ste-Hélène, a thriving chalet rental business next to their powwow grounds. Since then, they’ve operated a top-rated accommodation, welcoming tourists from around the world to Gaspésie, Que., and sharing their rich Mi’gmaq culture.

Salish Soils: growing innovation

Another example is Salish Soils on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. For 14 years, the business has used recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfills to produce rich soils used by farms, gardeners, and landscape artists across the Lower Mainland. Its vision is to enable a regenerative, resilient future for a coastal community seeking to strengthen its local food system.

Celebrating Indigenous businesses

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, NACCA salutes these three Indigenous businesses — and the thousands of others that the IFI network has supported over the decades. 

Supporting such businesses is why the IFI network came into being, and why it remains critical in the Indigenous business landscape. Starting in the 1980s, our member institutions were founded by Indigenous leaders to address the unmet capital needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit business owners. Due to factors including the Indian Act’s restrictions on collateral and the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous entrepreneurs are still often perceived as high-risk borrowers and continue to have difficulty getting startup loans from conventional lenders.

An approach that works

Professional, non-partisan, and rooted in their communities, our members are led and governed by all-Indigenous boards. Most of their employees are Indigenous people from the area, and the loans they issue are based on the character and commitment of the loan applicant.

Does this approach work? Absolutely! The results speak for themselves. Since the 1980s, IFIs have extended over 52,000 loans worth more than $3.2 billion, with the network maintaining an average loan loss rate of only about five per cent.

Nationally, IFI network members are represented by NACCA. The vast, diverse network of lenders believes that their members are stronger when they speak with one proud voice. Founded in 1997, under the guidance of our Indigenous board and senior staff, NACCA advocates on behalf of our members and of Indigenous business development more generally. 

Making a difference

This advocacy is needed now more than ever. The pieces are finally in place for Indigenous business development to take off. Whether treaties, settlements of claims, or Indigenous procurement opportunities, Indigenous business development has grown exponentially — for the good of our economies and the Canadian economy as a whole.

Feeding the hungry. Sharing our cultures. Reclaiming the nourishing potential of our lands. In these and countless other ways, Indigenous businesses are making a positive difference in their communities and regions.

Let’s celebrate the excellence and success of Indigenous businesses. We invite you to connect with them in your community by purchasing their goods or services, learning their inspiring stories, and witnessing firsthand the positive impact they’re making locally. With this new perspective, imagine the limitless possibilities for future growth and collaboration. 

Based on our extensive experience supporting Indigenous businesses, we at NACCA can confidently attest to the positive impacts of your commitment — and of successful Indigenous businesses on their communities.  

Learn more at nacca.ca. #IndigenousProsperity

The post Support Indigenous Businesses appeared first on HiveInnovates.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund looks to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada. 

Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) aims to build cultural understanding and create a path towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. 

Join DWF in the spirit of connection and reconciliation this Indigenous History Month to Learn Indigenous History | Celebrate Indigenous Cultures. 

Explore cultural celebrations happening in your community through DWF’s events calendar. Follow along with @DownieWenjack on social media for tips on respectful participation in cultural events, historical highlights, and themed days like Trivia Tuesdays. Plus, check out our exclusive new merch collaboration with Anishinaabe artist, Blake Angeconeb. 

Join us as we celebrate the richness, strength, and diversity of traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultures and #DoSomething to move reconciliation forward this Indigenous History Month. 

Throughout the year, DWF provides free resources to more than 8,000 educators from coast to coast to coast to make sure the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples are reflected in classrooms throughout Canada. 

Learn more about DWF and Indigenous History Month at downiewenjack.ca. Text DWF to 2022 to donate.

The post Celebrate Indigenous History Month with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement ensures that Indigenous students are supported and connected throughout their educational journey.

At Humber College, students can choose from over 200 certificate, diploma, or degree programs. With industry-focused curriculums and apprenticeship opportunities, Humber’s programming allows learners to work on real-world challenges, ensuring graduates are career-ready. 

Humber also endeavours to make sure that all students are able to achieve their educational dreams. Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement works in partnership with regional Indigenous communities to ensure Indigenous students are supported and connected to their learning environment — academically, culturally, and socially.

Exploring Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement centre was like discovering a close-knit community where I could embrace my heritage through enriching events and connect with fellow Indigenous students.

“Exploring Humber College’s Indigenous Education and Engagement centre was like discovering a close-knit community where I could embrace my heritage through enriching events and connect with fellow Indigenous students,” says Jacquelyn Assinewe, an Indigenous Humber College alumni who now works on the Indigenous Education and Engagement team. “Amidst this supportive environment, I forged lasting friendships that made my college experience truly unforgettable.” 

Supporting Indigenous learners

As a school that offers students a polytechnic education — teaching theory and adding in practical, hands-on training and work with employers to give students opportunities to learn in real-world settings — Humber is particularly well-suited to offer students a sense of community and belonging. The college is dedicated to fostering culturally safe environments that support Indigenous learners and to braiding Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing into students’ academic experience. 

If you’re looking for a well-rounded and enriching academic experience, consider applying to Humber College. 

To learn more, visit humber.ca or email [email protected].

The post How Humber College Supports and Connects Indigenous Students  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Hope Sanderson

CEO, OLI

Canadian charity Outside Looking In supports Indigenous youth and communities by harnessing the power of dance.

Education is a powerful tool in life, yet graduation rates of Indigenous students fall below the national average. Canada’s foremost Indigenous youth charity, Outside Looking In (OLI) works directly with Inuit, Métis, and First Nations communities using dance to inspire Indigenous youth to continue to pursue education. 

Dance can be truly transformative. It has the power to spark hope, create opportunities, build self-discipline, and foster a sense of connection. “Our founder was a dancer, and she saw the value that dance brought to her life, both from a discipline perspective and the thrill of performing,” says Hope Sanderson, CEO of OLI.  

Empowering Indigenous youth

OLI is an intensive high school accredited dance program for youth between grades 7 and 12. Since 2007, OLI has instilled hope, motivation, and leadership skills that empower Indigenous youth. “Dance is our hook and keeping kids in school is our purpose,” says Sanderson.

“OLI’s impact is profound, supporting education, self-expression, and personal growth,” says Daniel J. Brant, OLI’s Board Chair. “Through OLI, Indigenous students find a place to belong. Onstage, they feel seen and celebrated, and that gets them excited for school and dreaming big for their futures.”

OLI has proved to be indispensable — fostering visibility, driving high school graduations (96 per cent of program participants graduate, compared to the 63 per cent average among Indigenous youth, or 46 per cent for youth who live on reserves), inspiring aspirations, and nurturing untapped potential among Indigenous youth. “Eighty per cent of OLI participants report improved mental health and self-esteem, and 86 per cent achieve better grades,” adds Brant.

And OLI is expanding, with rising demand Canada-wide. Fourteen communities took part this year and over 30 communities are on the waitlist.

OLI is grateful for the support provided by so many generous funding partners and welcomes donations to further fuel its vital work. 

Learn more and get involved at olishow.com.

The post A Catalyst for IndigenousYouth to Pursue Education appeared first on HiveInnovates.

With the support of a flexible Made-in-BC negotiations process, four First Nations are forging new agreements and sharing their hopes for an equitable and prosperous future.

Reconciliation is a process. And a key part of that process is that each First Nation has their own path to recognition of their title, rights, and self-governance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. With the support of a Made-in-BC negotiations framework that upholds the original intent and spirit of the BC Claims Task Force Report — while integrating the latest advancements, including the BC’s Rights Recognition Policy and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — four British Columbia First Nations have embarked on historic new agreements with their partner provincial and federal governments. Each of these agreements — and the process through which they are reached — is unique to the needs, goals, and historic context of the First Nation involved.

“After a long history of rights denial and reluctance, we are undoubtedly in an era of rights recognition, grounded in self-determination and nation-to-nation relationships,” says Celeste Haldane, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. “These four unique agreements pave the way for reconciliation.”

Reconciliation is the essential foundation of a stronger Canada and a brighter future for all Canadians. When time and effort is committed to forging new agreements that respect the rights and sovereignty of First Nations, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities thrive, bringing social and economic prosperity to all, across British Columbia and across Canada. 

Chief Glenn Bennett of Kitselas First Nation

We are Kitselas First Nation – Gitselasu ‘People of the Canyon’. Our vision is to be a self-sufficient self-governing Nation, upholding our culture and our people into the future. The Kitselas Treaty is the foundation and tool to recognize Kitselas self-governance and title, protect our inherent rights, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities. It is time to realize our Ancestors’ vision and solidify our nation-to-nation relationship with Canada and BC. Under treaty we are protecting our people and giving up nothing but the shackles of the Indian Act.

---

Chief Don T Roberts of Kitsumkalum First Nation

Kitsumkalum Treaty, with over 30 years of negotiations has been crafted to fulfill the memories of our Elders and Ancestors, but more importantly, to create opportunity and protect intrinsic rights as a tribe of the Tsimshian Nation and place for our children’s children to grow and prosper. Kitsumkalum will have land, access to vital natural resources, provisions for better social systems, law-making ability, economic opportunities and our own governance authority.

---

Chief Ken Price of K’ómoks First Nation

Modern-day treaties challenge the perseverance of any Nation. Understanding the challenges, this council took office to reach the milestone of treaty, for those before us and after. The process has been long, but we set forward on our own journey, our own way. Exercising our rights and title throughout our territory, honouring our people, lands, waters, cultures and languages – K’ómoks self-governance is our mandate. This is for our people!

---

President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop of the Haida Nation

The leadership of Indigenous Nations has created space for proper Crown recognition of our title and rights over our territories. By building relationships and constantly challenging the status quo, we have found innovative ways to take care of our lands and waters, ensuring that we lead in shaping our collective future. Each path is unique. For the Haida Nation, negotiations support the expression of our deeply rooted history, culture, and connections to our ancestors and homelands in responding to our modern challenges peacefully.

Find out more about the Made-in-BC negotiation process at bctreaty.ca

The post Negotiations forging New Roads to Reconciliation appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Anna Lambe discusses empowering Indigenous voices, environmental advocacy, and the importance of accurate representation in media.

You’re a prominent voice for Inuit culture in Canadian media. How do you see your work inspiring a new generation of Inuit actors and storytellers?

Many Inuit communities face challenges like climate change and resource development. How can your platform as an actress be used to bring awareness to these issues?

Why do you believe it is important to push Indigenous voices forward?

Follow Anna Lambe!

The post How Anna Lambe is Inspiring a New Generation of Inuit Storytellers appeared first on HiveInnovates.