In February 2024, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) team embarked on a journey to Kitigan Zibi First Nation, aiming to immerse in the realities of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Guided by Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch, this initiative represented a significant step towards understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs, particularly in the Kitigan Zibi community.
Purpose and Preparation:
The primary goal of the visit was to listen, learn, and gather insights to inform IPF's programming and support strategies. With a commitment to genuine partnership and respect, the team sought to uncover the daily experiences of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Recognizing the invaluable depth and nuance that firsthand interactions could offer, the IPF team embarked on a deliberate journey to meet entrepreneurs in their own operational environments.
Engagement and Insights:
The IPF team engaged with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including Kathleen Cayer (KC's Black-Ash-Basketary), Pamela Meness (Diamond Phoenix Creations), Anna Coté (Birch Bite Catering), Lise Jacko (Indian Crafts), Tammy Cote (Hide Tanning), Mariah Miigwans (Miigwans Creations) and visited the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre. Through open dialogue and sharing of personal journeys, the team gained invaluable insights into the resilience, creativity, and innovation driving Indigenous entrepreneurship in the community.
Key Insights & Recommendations:
- Community and Entrepreneurial Spaces: The need for accessible, multifunctional spaces catering to business and community needs emerged as a critical insight. Recommendations include advocating for multipurpose community centers and fostering partnerships for space utilization.
- Overcoming Seasonal Economic Challenges: Addressing the seasonal nature of the local economy is vital. Recommendations include developing year-round entrepreneurship programs for youth, promoting cultural shifts to celebrate entrepreneurial success, and fostering community support networks.
- Transformative Funding Models: Access to capital remains a significant barrier for Kitigan Zibi entrepreneurs. Innovative funding models such as microgrants and community-led investment funds are proposed to provide seed funding and support community-led investments.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Limited access to technology hinders digital engagement and access to larger markets. Collaboration to improve Internet infrastructure and offering digital literacy workshops are recommended to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills.
- Tourism Entrepreneurship: Leveraging tourism presents opportunities for economic development. Recommendations include investing in tourism infrastructure and investing in capacity building and marketing efforts.
The insights gained from the visit to Kitigan Zibi are instrumental in shaping IPF's approach to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. By fostering genuine connections and understanding the community's specific needs, IPF is committed to empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs, fostering economic prosperity, and preserving cultural heritage. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, the journey at Kitigan Zibi signifies a step towards meaningful and sustainable change.