Indigenous entrepreneurs in Toronto are currently encountering a variety of obstacles, ranging from a lack of affordable real estate to misunderstandings regarding cultural appropriation. Chelsee-Marie Pettit, the founder of a streetwear company, is just one of numerous individuals who are navigating the difficulties of establishing and sustaining Indigenous-owned enterprises.
Pettit’s venture, aaniin retail inc., can be likened to a miniature department store for Indigenous-owned brands. She is steadfastly working towards the realization of her aspiration to inaugurate Canada’s premier Indigenous-owned department store, despite contending with substantial personal debt. Countless other Indigenous entrepreneurs in Toronto are experiencing similar challenges and are constantly operating in a state of “survival mode” due to a scarcity of capital and exorbitant overhead costs.
Nevertheless, in the midst of these impediments, an entrepreneurial skills training program at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is delivering a significant impact. The program, known as the Aboriginal BEST program, has aided over 150 entrepreneurs in launching new businesses in diverse sectors, such as jewellery making and information technology.
Joseph Sagaj, an Anishinaabe artist, attributes a portion of his success to the BEST program, which has facilitated the development of indispensable business skills. The backing from the Indigenous community, coupled with the capacity to adapt and devise innovative solutions, has been critical for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Raven Sutherland, the marketing and events coordinator for aaniin retail inc., underscores the significance of maintaining authority over Indigenous businesses and equity, without depending on external financing from non-Indigenous investors. Indigenous entrepreneurs are striving to ensure that profits remain within the Indigenous community, and that their ownership of businesses is given precedence.
Despite the myriad challenges facing Indigenous enterprises in Toronto, the future holds promise. With more than 250 individuals having participated in the BEST program since 2018, the landscape of Indigenous entrepreneurship is gradually evolving. Indigenous businesses, many of which operate from residential premises, are gaining visibility and momentum.
The increasing prevalence of Indigenous-owned businesses in Toronto presents an opportunity for individuals to endorse and honour Indigenous entrepreneurship. Pettit encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take the plunge, affirming, “If you think you have a good idea, you definitely do, just get started. You are the only one who’s ever going to make it happen.”
It is imperative for Indigenous individuals to have the opportunity to flourish in the realm of commerce. Genuine reconciliation entails the support and upliftment of Indigenous-owned enterprises, and initiatives such as the Aboriginal BEST program are pivotal in materializing this vision.
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