Animal-loving teen surges ahead in Indigenous entrepreneur contest – London Free Press
Aug 15, 2022
CHIPPEWAS OF THE THAMES FIRST NATION — Growing up, Zhawanoogbiik Riley was told she wouldn’t be able to start her own business. At 16, she’s already proved her critics wrong.
Riley, from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, southwest of London, was selected as a semifinalist in a pitch competition that recognizes Indigenous entrepreneurs from across North America.
The young entrepreneur runs her own animal food bank and wellness centre at her family’s ranch and is among 10 youths to reach the semifinal stage of the Pow Wow Pitch. She was selected from more than 2,400 applications for a chance to win $25,000.
Riley’s dream, she says, is to convert the ranch into a full-time animal clinic. “A neutral space where everybody can come, judgment-free, to get food supplies for their (pet), training and health checks.”
