- Aug 8, 2023
- 3 min read

Empowering Indigenous Businesses

Unlock Success through Training

On August 30th, Wednesday, the Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake in partnership with Slave Lake Friendship Centre, Region 5 Metis Nation of Alberta and Treaty 8 Urban Child & Family Services is proud to host the Empowering Indigenous Businesses Training event. This event aims to uplift and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by offering practical advice and guidance. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your existing business to new heights, these experts will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.

The event will take place at the Slave Lake Friendship Centre from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Three speakers will share their expertise on these topics:

Bringing Your Business Ideas to Life for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Finding a way forward for your business
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: Mikwam Makwa Ikwe, National Indigenous Hub
Trade Accelerator Program
Indigenous Startup Program

Our Speakers:

Norma Wolf Child- is the Team Lead, Business Strategist at Business Link. Norma Jean Wolf Child has over 10 years of experience assisting and guiding Indigenous entrepreneurs in all stages of entrepreneurship. Norma is a member of the Blood Tribe, which is part of the Treaty 7 territory and Blackfoot Confederacy. In her presentation, she will tap into a wealth of startup resources, help us craft a winning business model that sets you apart from the competition, and assist you to master the skills required to start and run a successful business.

Syrena Courtorielle, Senior Manager of Indigenous Markets, joined CIBC's team in 2021 with in-depth expertise in Banking, including several years of experience in Commercial Markets, Indigenous Banking, and Branch Management. Syrena has a long history of advocating for and serving Indigenous communities, businesses, non-profits, and individuals in various capacities for many decades. She is located in Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta and her mandate is business development and client service in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In her presentation, she will discuss how to integrate digital banking into your business transformation. She will also provide insights on managing your cash flow effectively and navigating financing in today's changing business environment.

Kara Thorvaldson, Kara Thorvaldson (she/her) represents the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub as a Program Manager, co-leading WEKH’s strategy in the Alberta region. She is an Indigenous woman from Treaty 1 territory (MB), relocating to Treaty 7 (AB) in 2021. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Manitoba, Kara has worked on various projects at WEKH, including the Indigenous program, Mikwam Makwa Ikwe.

Kara will share their findings and recommendations from Mikwam Makwa Ikwe reports and WEKH's most recent research and findings from The State of Women's Entrepreneurship in Canada 2023. Other topics covered will include events and opportunities from WEKH's National Indigenous Hub, resources for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Alberta, and the WEKH See It. Be It. Database.

Rochelle Edwards - is the Community Coordinator for the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) at Calgary Economic Development. The Trade Accelerator Program is designed to provide the tools, connections and knowledge needed to take your business into new markets. Their team has experience with the challenges that small and medium-sized businesses face in growing globally, and they are here as a service to support and prepare businesses. In her presentation, she will explain the program details in helping businesses expand and export internationally.

Our Master of Ceremonies:

Selina Noskiye - A local resident of Slave Lake and originally from Peerless Trout First Nation in the Treaty 8 territory. Selina is the founder and passionate public speaker at the Escape Initiative. In her business Escape Initiative, Selina empowers others and teaches her audience not only to identify dysfunctional behaviours in relationships but also to equip them with transformative tools, resources, and strategies to overcome them. Escape Initiative’s mission is to spread awareness on domestic violence. Her presence and dedication to her cause empower others, paving the way toward a future where everyone can thrive. Selina will take the stage as our Master of Ceremonies (Emcee)

Agenda:

11:00 AM- 12:00 PM – Norma Wolf Child – “Bringing your business ideas to life”
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Lunch/ Film showing of Successful Indigenous Entrepreneurs
12:30 PM- 1:00 PM - Lunch/ Rochelle Edwards-"Trade Accelerator Program "
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Syrena Courtereille – "Finding a way forward for your business"
2:00 PM- 2:30 PM – Games/ Networking
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Kara Thorvaldson "Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: Mikwam Makwa Ikwe, National Indigenous Hub"