Connecting Indigenous entrepreneurship and Truth and Reconciliation

It’s been a challenging time for some local Indigenous-run businesses, but the Arts Council of New Westminster (ACNW) and Shop First Nations are hoping to change that.

Both groups are working together to put together New Westminster’s first Indigenous Craft Market, happening on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with vendors, there will also be entertainment from artists like Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy), Norine Braun, and Francis Baptiste.

Even without the pandemic, Rob Schulz with Shop First Nations says Indigenous artisans have always had challenges. Schulz has had many experiences with Indigenous commerce; he is Métis – his ancestral roots are in the Northwest Territories & Fort Chipewyan.

“The way a lot of Indigenous businesses start is different than a traditional small business,” he explains. “A lot of entrepreneurs will use their house as collateral on a business loan, right?” For an Indigenous person, Schulz goes on to say it can be different. “If you’re a First Nations person living on a reserve, that land is part of the community. It doesn’t belong to you, so there’s different challenges being Indigenous.”

The challenges grow if you’re in a remote community, which were amplified when COVID-19 became a reality.

“It’s a lot more of a challenge for the e-commerce part of it, 100%. That’s why when things are in-person, it gives our artists an opportunity that could be really difficult to have. That’s huge.”

These values are very much in line with the values of ACNW, and Laura Grady – who speaks for ACNW – says she got to know Schulz after he participated in a couple of their artisan market events.

“We thought, ‘why don’t we create an event that can specifically showcase and celebrate the work of Indigenous artists and makers, but also Indigenous entrepreneurs?’ ”

Schulz says what makes the New West market unique is the focus on what he calls economic reconciliation. He feels New West was an ideal choice because he’s seen the efforts people in New Westminster are making to participate.

“Last year was the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation; there was a huge turnout at Pier Park [for the event]. We know New Westminster is interested in reconciliation.” Schulz says the artistic format allows for a more personal interaction between the artists and the consumer. “That kind of interaction is really at the heart of Indigenous business.”

Schulz also points out Qaqayt First Nation does not have a registered land base. The Qaqayt is one of the smallest nations in Canada, and Schulz says because they don’t have reserve land, they don’t have some of the opportunities to be able to grow a business that other First Nations do.

“We just want to give as many opportunities to Indigenous businesses in this area in general, whether they’re part of the Qaqayt First Nation, or not. Any Indigenous business in New West, or in the vicinity, as much as possible,” says Schulz.

Both Schulz and Grady hope the weather will hold, as Grady notes the event will be taking place along the boardwalk of the River Market.

“We’re really excited to see how this grows,” Grady says, “and if we could inspire other craft markets in the area to do the same, I think that’s a step in a really positive direction.”