Spotlight on entrepreneurship inspiration

On a given day, Darion Ducharme might present to remote First Nations students: how do you create a budget? How do loans work?

Elsewhere, Rayel Smoke could be dropping off Indigenized lawn games she created, while Emilie McKinney markets clothes and accessories her company manufactured.

The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Manitoba chose the three young entrepreneurs to spotlight during its “Launching Success for Leaders of Tomorrow” luncheon, set for Thursday in Winnipeg.

“Our communities … we’ve been in survival mode for so long,” said Renee Greyeyes, chamber president.

She’s noticed a shift: many Indigenous youth are interested in entrepreneurship; First Nations councils are wanting community members to understand finances and how they can participate in Canada’s economic system.

The country’s number of Indigenous entrepreneurs is expected to grow by 23 per cent over the next decade, a 2024 BDC report reads. The Indigenous population is the fastest growing within Canada. Still, the group is underrepresented in business ownership, the report notes.

It’s time for young Indigenous businesses to ink deals and inspire others, Greyeyes said. Aspiring entrepreneurs, banking institutions and non-Indigenous business owners are expected to attend Thursday’s luncheon. Ducharme, Smoke and McKinney are slated to talk about their companies and experiences during a panel session.

“We want to inspire more and more entrepreneurs,” said Ducharme, 32. “(The) Indigenous people who follow their passions and think big — think bigger than maybe what their parents told them was possible.”

He started Teqare in 2021. Previously, he’d managed cellphone stores for a decade; he wanted more time to help customers with issues they faced.

A tipping point followed the 2019 death of his wife, due to cancer.

“When you’re on your deathbed, you really ask yourself, ‘Hey, did I walk my calling?’” Ducharme said. “(Her death) really set me on a path to … realize what really matters.”

These last four years, Ducharme has grown a company delivering workshops on cybersecurity, scam prevention, financial literacy and city relocation skills. Groups book workshops that include presentations and workbooks.

The company exploded last year after signing a deal with Manitoba First Nations SchoolNet, Ducharme said.

This school year, Teqare staff have travelled to more than 60 First Nations in Manitoba and spoken in front of more than 5,000 students, Ducharme said.

Financial literacy and city life skills — such as getting IDs and navigating public transit — are topics covered. Indigenous identity, culture and empowerment are woven into sessions.

Ducharme said he feels Teqare is making a “massive impact.”

Rayel and Tannis Smoke, ages 31 and 41, respectively, launched Nina Waste Events last year. The sisters wanted to start their own business and began researching rentable wedding items. They found lawn games.

“(We said), ‘Hey, we can do something bigger with this,’” Rayel recalled.

The Smokes built, sanded, painted, and lacquered their own lawn games with an Indigenous spin. The current favourite is Who Dis, a giant spin on classic board game Guess Who?

The Smokes’ games have landed in Winnipeg and First Nations like Sioux Valley, Bloodvein, Fisher River and Dakota Plains (their home community). They won the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow Pitch last weekend and will advance to a grand finale.

Eventually, the sisters aim to add a digital photo booth, tents and cultural wedding décor to their rental options.

“I am just, every day, so excited,” Rayel Smoke said, adding she hopes her story will encourage luncheon attendees thinking about entrepreneurship.

McKinney, founder of Anishinaabe Bimishimo Corp., will also be highlighted Thursday. The 23-year-old began by selling jingle cones (accessories used by some powwow dancers).

She now ships to more than 100 stores. Her company manufactures bags and clothing.

McKinney didn’t respond to an interview request by print deadline; she’ll talk about the impact of tariffs on her business during Thursday’s panel, according to Greyeyes.

“Our young people … on stage are mentors for those that are going to come,” Greyeyes said.

There’s “so much opportunity” for Indigenous people to run their own businesses, especially when it comes to supplying mining projects. Entrepreneurship — the draw of being your own boss, and not needing a university education — can get people involved in the economic system, Greyeyes added.

The chamber is planning for 400 guests, though roughly 100 spots are still available. Seats cost $125 for members and $150 for non-members; tables are priced at $1,200.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com