Celebrating Indigenous Entrepreneurs in British Columbia

Welcome to our Indigenous Entrepreneurship Showcase! In partnership with the I-CEDAR program, we are committed to amplifying the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia. Together, we strive to foster innovation, support business growth, and celebrate the unique contributions of Indigenous businesses to our community. Discover inspiring brands, unique products, and the diverse talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs from across British Columbia.

Explore the Blog Series

Immerse yourself in our comprehensive blog series, where we delve into the journeys, challenges, and successes of these outstanding Indigenous entrepreneurs from BC. Each blog post not only showcases the passion, creativity, and resilience of these entrepreneurs but also highlights the cultural richness they bring to their businesses and the positive change they are driving in their communities.

Discover Indigenous Businesses in BC

Interested in learning more about the businesses we feature? Visit each entrepreneur’s listing in our Indigenous Business Directory, where you can explore a wide range of Indigenous-owned companies from British Columbia. From innovative startups to traditional artisans, freelancers, artists, and more, our directory is a testament to the diversity and dynamism of Indigenous entrepreneurship in BC.

Beadwork Artist: Melissa Benson Designs

Melissa Benson, a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation with roots in Wikwemikoong, Manitoulin Island, is a passionate beadwork artist. She transitioned from a healthcare career to pursue her love for cultural art. Melissa’s beadwork is a vibrant expression of Indigenous culture, featuring intricate designs inspired by generations of tradition. You can find her beautiful beadwork at pow wows and cultural events. Support Melissa Benson, the beadwork artist preserving Indigenous traditions through art. Read more…

A feather and a stone jewellery design

‘a feather and a stone jewellery design’ is a creative expression of the artist Sheena Francis Olito. Her Indigenous jewellery designs aim to inspire a connection with the land, culture, and oneself. Sheena is Southern Tutchone, Tlingit, and Scottish decent. She belongs to the Kwanlin Dun First Nations in the Yukon, yet was raised on Vancouver Island. Her mother was adopted by a Cree family, so she has a strong connection with the cultural teachings and ceremonies. Recently, she connected with her biological family where she discovered that she comes from a long line of matriarchs and belongs to the Wolf clan. Creating Indigenous jewellery designs has become an outlet for her creative expression, which helps ground and center her. Finding herself has been the most rewarding part of the process. Read more…

White Wolf Paw Print

White Wolf Paw Print is dedicated to healing trauma through the power of art. As an Indigenous artist, I’m thrilled to resume teaching crafts to families, students, and elders now that COVID restrictions have eased. With experience in treatment centers, Girl Guides, and NTC Women’s Youth gatherings, I’m committed to bringing the therapeutic benefits of art to diverse communities. Read more…

Nuez Acres™

BEAUTY SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE POWER OF PECANS NUEZ ACRES™ IS THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, WATER FREE ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS. Nuez Acres™ is a female-led, Award Winning indigenous-owned business that spans generations and connects the entire back of ‘Turtle Island.’ We are committed to the conservation of water by offering a completely water free beauty line. By harnessing the power of pure pecan oil to nourish skin, strengthen hair, and help you live a healthier life. We’re proud to offer a “Seed to Skin” product line that is an sustainable alternative to conventional skincare and haircare products. Read more…

Chiraza Foods

Turtle Islands Premier 100% Native and Indigenous Online Grocery Store We are a social enterprise and network of Indigenous women farmers and their families. We work as labourers, culinary farmers, craftspeople, chefs, their allies and supporters to sell and promote the foods and goods of Turtle Island and Mesoamerica. We offer 100% traceable and raw goods produced with minimal packaging and fair trade certification. We reinvest profits back into education, land, and food based projects to promote circular economy and food sovereignty. Read more…

Nunanaalhm Tours

Nunanaalhm Tours is the only women owned tourism company providing captivating indigenous and historical tours in the breathtaking Bella Coola valley Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of this awe-inspiring region as a knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories and insights. Discover the hidden gems, ancient traditions, and diverse ecosystems that make the Bella Coola valley an unforgettable destination. Embark on an enriching journey with Nunanaalhm Tours, combining cultural immersion, historical exploration, and the sheer beauty of the land. We are currently not booking tours! We will update when we start our bookings. Read more…

Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery Inc.

Welcome to Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery where we nurture culture and artistry by “Finding your story on the Land.” Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery predicts a future where culture, language, trust, reconciliation, healing, and honest relationships that returns to the core of our sqilx’w “of the land” way of being and knowing in the world. Through sharing tasks on the land with Embodied Story Practice, we believe we can create a just and equitable society that values and promotes the well-being of all. Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery, an artist-run centre owned by Mariel Belanger MFA and PHD candidate in Cultural Studies at Queens university, functions as a small distribution and creation space for artists and clients wanting to learn ethical engagement and situational awareness with Syilx guest protocols insitu. Through workshops and one or two-week artist residencies, clients will access to amenities and use of a prospector tent to work in and host a pop-up exhibition. Artists will be provided access to a small workshop situated on the beach of Okanagan Lake with select natural materials and opportunities to learn ethical harvesting practices of local materials with mentorship in guest protocols. Using otherwise wasted natural material, such as tule reeds, has high environmental impact and cultural experiential value as harvesting actively assists in cleaning the water systems by reducing material decay as our ancestors did before contact. Artists and visitors to Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery will have opportunities to strengthen and develop their practices as they learn to: Apply for grants Operate their own small business Connect with their audience Promote and circulate their work Additionally, the space will provide opportunities for inter-community artist networking. Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery is a unique endeavour that supports the learning, growth, and stabilization of the artist collective while facilitating the creation and showcasing of new artwork and projects. Artists can also sell residency-made products at exhibitions, paying a commission amount to Studio sísp̓l̓k̓ Gallery. * Hours are by appointment except pop up exhibition which will have set hours once event is finalized. Read more…

Shining Bear Designs

Shining Bear Designs is the only Indigenous clothing business in Canada shining light on Indigenous culture through the artistic creations of wearable teachings. Each piece of apparel is hand designed in small batches creating one of a kind pieces unique to each law. The Seven Sacred Teachings are a set of laws followed by the Indigenous people that help guide us and contribute to the collaboration towards the restoration of our cultural beliefs that were taken from us. Available on high quality, locally sourced materials, Shining Bear Designs stands out in Indigenous clothing design and customer service. At Shining Bear Designs, we are forging our own path within the Canadian apparel industry, one that celebrates and preserves Indigenous traditions. Read more…

Botanacine

Creating healthy products that actually help At Botanacine, a fusion of botany and medicine, we are dedicated to crafting high-quality, wildcrafted essential oils, terpene-specific nasal inhalers, and freeze-dried microgreen powders on our 20-acre farm in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Our commitment to authenticity, health benefits, and environmental stewardship drives everything we do. Wildcrafted Essential Oils The Art of Wildcrafting A new standard in the essential oil industry, one where innovation meets tradition, and quality. By wildcrafting, we aim to lead the way in providing the purest essential oils that are effective for natural wellness. We meticulously extract essential oils from local botanicals found on our farm. Currently, we offer Western Red Cedar and Pacific Douglas Fir, with additional botanicals under cultivation for future extraction. Our wildcrafted approach ensures that our products retain their natural potency and therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapy On-the-Go Experience the power of nature wherever you are with our terpene-specific nasal inhalers. Designed for convenience, these inhalers provide targeted aromatherapy benefits, whether you need a burst of energy, a moment of calm, or a way to clear your mind. Each inhaler is crafted using our pure, wildcrafted essential oils, ensuring you receive the highest quality aromatherapy experience. Perfect for busy professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking natural wellness solutions on-the-go. Nutrient-Dense Microgreens Our vertical gardens produce microgreens that are up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts, ready for harvest in just 8-9 days. We grow these greens without pesticides or herbicides, using only water for nourishment. The surplus microgreens are freeze-dried, preserving 90% of their nutritional value and ensuring a shelf life of over 20 years. These freeze-dried microgreens are then ground into a powder, perfect for adding to smoothies, sauces, and more, ensuring you receive your full daily intake of vitamins and nutrients. Sustainability and Quality Assurance At Botanacine, we are passionate about promoting health and well-being through our innovative, eco-friendly farming practices and high-quality products. Our dedication to sustainability ensures that our farming methods are not only kind to the environment but also produce the purest, most potent products possible. We rigorously test all our products to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy. Join us on our journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future, and discover the natural power of Botanacine’s products. Read more…

Beading by Shelby Crowchild

My name is Shelby Crowchild, I am a beadwork artist from the Tsuu T’ina Nation outside of Calgary, Alberta. More recently, I found my way out to the beautiful Vancouver Island about 4 years ago. At the age of 17, as a young mother, I discovered the art of beading. This past year, it has become my full-time business. As a result, I’m happily proving to my girls that you can do anything… big or small! My journey into beading continued during the Covid pandemic. While I initially began with earrings, I found my true passion in crafting keychains. These versatile accessories are suitable for anyone, regardless of age or gender. I’ve heard people use them for keys, backpacks, suitcases, and the list can go on! I also offer custom orders and welcome wholesale inquiries or business event requests. My goal is to ensure that the keychain you carry with you every day is something you LOVE. I always keep a wide selection on hand, ready for you to discover and enjoy! Read more…

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Coast Salish totem pole, Victoria, BC

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