Nation

The annual Cree tourism conference hosted non-Indigenous delegates for a first time as it gathered operators and partners in Ouje-Bougoumou September 18-19 to discuss the future of tourism in Eeyou Istchee.

Natalia Fedosieieva

Cree Regional Economic Enterprises Company (Creeco), the parent company of Eeyou Eenou Realty Properties, celebrated the inauguration of Odea, its landmark 26-story mixed-use residential building on Boulevard Robert-Bourassa in Old Montreal on August 22.

Natalia Fedosieieva

The inaugural Cree Nation Business Summit ignited Eeyou Istchee’s entrepreneurial spirit in Chisasibi August 23-25. The event featured several influential guest speakers and an exciting group case study competition. Eeyoupreneur co-founder Samuel McLeod successfully pitched the idea to Anthony MacLeod and Holly Jackson from the CNG’s Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) in February, inspired by a case study experience at Cando’s youth summit for Indigenous economic development in 2020. “Groups had to create a full financial plan, including grants, loans, equity and startup costs, and people really struggled with that,” explained McLeod. “The highlight had to be the teamwork and commitment that these participants had. At the end of the Summit, people had to present their business plan as a group.” While creating a business plan with randomly assigned partners in 48 hours was stressful for many, McLeod suggested it reflected real-life pressures and forced participants to learn on the fly. Neacappo-Pelchat, Wesley, Carrière-Acco and Beaudry served as the judges, evaluating each plan’s feasibility, community economic benefits and positive cultural impact. After each day’s speakers, afternoons were devoted to the case study competition, which continued in the evening at the hotel. Local economic development officers worked long hours as coaches to each team. The $5,000 first prize went to Christa Bobbish, Sehoneh Masty and Hank House for a wellness retreat spa located on an island in Nemaska’s Champion Lake. With a unique brand and financial plan, Bobbish speculated their funding viability put them over the top. “It was like Dragon’s Den,” said Bobbish. “They gave us a list of what they wanted to see. It was such a good business idea. I think we need that in the Cree Nation – everybody’s working hard.” Ahead of projects including a greenhouse business and moose-hide tanning camp, second place went to a proposed Wemindji bakery. The team had reportedly almost given up before changing their entire plan on the final day. Bobbish was particularly impressed by this entry as the catering business she founded with her sister in Whapmagoostui over a decade ago is looking to transition into a bakery. As the sisters meet with potential partners, seek funding resources and a place to build, they’re mindful of the creative solutions necessary in a community without road access. “If there’s not much food at the store we use traditional food,” Bobbish said. “It’s a great alternative. Yesterday we made blueberry muffins harvested from the land. We also do cheesecakes with cloudberries. Whenever we do big caterings, we harvest Labrador tea to serve.” “Partnering with the Department of Commerce opened it up to more speakers outside of the Nation,” said McLeod. “The whole goal was to provide networking opportunities, knowledge sharing and experience to inspire people who want to pursue entrepreneurship.” Invited guest speakers included Carol Anne Hilton, the Vancouver-based founder of the Indigenomics movement; Tyson Wesley, the Kashechewan co-founder of FN Clean Water; and Mya Beaudry, who created Kokom Scrunchies in 2020 at age 9. DCI director MacLeod hosted discussions with Christian Sinclair from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and David Carrière-Acco, the Métis founder of Acosys Consulting. Acco said, “We had phenomenal thought-provoking discussions about ‘the art of the possible’ regarding on-reserve manufacturing in Eeyou Istchee.” Local representation came from Chisasibi’s Darius Neacappo-Pelchat, owner of North Auto Garage, construction entrepreneur Adam Gates, and beauty entrepreneurs Sehoneh Masty and Cassandra Weapenicappo-Stephen. Various banking professionals and other specialists also shared insights. Chisasibi Deputy Chief Mark Wadden was joined by lawyer John Paul Murdoch to discuss economics in procurement, which will be simplified by a new Cree business registry that was introduced by DCI’s Judith Shecapio. She invited participants to join this centralized platform, which will provide a comprehensive list of available goods and services in the territory. Stephane Petawabano talked about funding opportunities offered by Apatisiiwin Skills Development to Cree entrepreneurs, contributing up to $35,000 annually through its self-employment program. There are already plans for improving the event next year. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a promising future for both the Summit and the growing number of Cree entrepreneurs. “Don’t give up on your dream,” said Bobbish. “We face many challenges, but we always overcome. Ten years ago, nobody told us how to start a business, but I believe there are more and more people willing to help with what you want to accomplish.”

Patrick Quinn