Notable Indigenous Entrepreneurs – The Canadian Encyclopedia

Indigenous economies thrived long before Europeans arrived in North America and, due to hard work and ingenuity, a growing number of Indigenous entrepreneurs are enjoying success today. Many are demonstrating a blending of traditional values and an Indigenous world view with financial success. The following are but a few of a long list of remarkable Indigenous entrepreneurs running thriving businesses in Canada.

1. Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow (Ojibwe)

In 2018, entrepreneur Marsolais-Nahwegahbow brought his background in Indigenous law, business and education to the founding of the Birch Bark Coffee Company on Birch Island in the District of Manitoulin Island. The company offers organic, fair trade, and small-producers-certified coffee. He is bringing sustainable revenue and a more secure future to his community with a larger goal of improving Indigenous lives across Canada. He has pledged, for instance, to devote a portion of company profits to purchase certified water purifiers for those on every reserve without access to clean drinking water. Through his example and speaking engagements, Mark seeks to inspire young Indigenous people to respect tradition and, possibly through entrepreneurship of their own, build a better future for themselves and their communities.

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