Becoming an Indigenous Entrepreneur
Journey 1: Self

Self

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IN THIS LESSON

Who am I?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

“Who am I?” We can spend our whole lives repeatedly addressing this question. Who we are isn’t fixed, but evolving and changing with every new day. 

Naming yourself is a way of getting in-touch with yourself – the strengths and passions that will help you to build a business.

Why? Because what you see, notice, and care about are coloured by who you are.

The greatest business stories are those that start with a personal connection. When you bring your whole self to work life, you make a unique and valuable contribution that no one else can. As we progress through time, we have the opportunity to continually name ourselves as a method of recentering

It was in the self that Aboriginal people discovered great resources for coming to grips with life’s mysteries.

Ermine W., Elder 1995

Spotlight on Indigenous Entrepreneurs


  • Owners of Wookey Films

    Metis siblings and owners of a production company called, Wookey Films. Their passion began with the obsession of a camcorde


  • Cree speaker and performer


    “I could have went and sold drugs. Instead, I took what I learned and turned it into music. Now I sell products that are helping people.”


  • A professor of Indigenous Education at First Nations University of Canada.

    “From early life, as Nehiyawak (Cree people) we were taught the importance of knowing ourselves in relation to family, and community. Nehiyaw iskwew oma niya (I am a Cree woman). Nakawacihk ohci niya (I am from the Sweetgrass First Nation). I am the daughter of Joseph Weenie, Nakawacihk ohci (Sweetgrass First Nation), and Georgianna Favel, Kisihkomanahk ohci (Poundmaker First Nation). I am from Treaty Six territory in present day Saskatchewan, Canada.”