How inspiring women are giving back to their communities through the arts, social services and entrepreneurship.
In Sunshine Tenasco’s children’s book, Nibi’s Water Song, an Indigenous girl overcomes repeated obstacles to source clean water for her community and becomes a catalyst for change in the wider world.
It’s an inspiring tale for kids, but a lesson for people of all ages about how determination, teamwork and perseverance can spur action, particularly when inaction is no longer an option.
The story stems from Tenasco’s real-life experience of growing up without clean drinking water in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in Quebec.
Like Nibi, Tenasco took action, founding HerBraids, a social enterprise that sells handcrafted beaded pendant necklaces online and conducts workshops to advance conversations about Indigenous clean water issues. A portion of the pendant proceeds go to clean drinking water initiatives for First Nations communities.
The Anishinaabe serial entrepreneur is also behind Quemeez, a baby moccasin company, which attracted investors on the CBC TV series Dragon’s Den . The appearance solidified her passion for Indigenous-led entrepreneurialism and led her to launch Pow Wow Pitch, a Dragon’s Den-style competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs held each year online and in-person during Indigenous festivals.
Pow Wow Pitch creates more opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start and develop their businesses. Finalists work one-on-one with a business mentor to refine their business proposition in the hopes of winning the top cash prize in one of eight categories, two of which are sponsored by RBC.
“What Dragons’ Den did for me, I wanted to do for other people because it’s so empowering,” says Tenasco.
Tenasco is among a growing number of Indigenous women who, despite historical injustices and ongoing systemic challenges, continue to strive and work for the social, economic, and cultural benefit of not only their communities but for everyone. Her organization was mentioned in RBC’s A Chosen Journey report, which shares stories of resilience, artistry and achievement demonstrated by Indigenous people across Canada.
“Indigenous women and girls are, and always have been, the foundation of their communities,” says Phil Fontaine, the former three-term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and a special advisor to RBC Indigenous Financial Services.
“Their stories offer healing and shine a light on what the cultural, social and economic fabric of this land could look like if we all work together to achieve the 94 Calls to Action,” Fontaine says, referring to the calls to action from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which urges governments to work together to repair the cultural genocide of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
“The hardships and challenges Indigenous people face is an undeniable truth of our collective history in Canada,” RBC president and CEO Dave McKay says. To drive economic growth and create positive social change, for decades, RBC has partnered with Indigenous nations for projects focused on growth, sustainability and well-being. “We will continue to act on reconciliation in genuine and meaningful ways,” he adds.
Indigenous wisdom, excellence and opportunity have a role in shaping our future. Forecasts suggest that Canada’s Indigenous economy has the potential to reach $100 billion in the next five years—more than triple its current size.
“Whether it’s environmental, business or social causes, Indigenous women should lean on each other to successfully pursue their passions,” says Brittanee Laverdure, regional vice president of Indigenous Wealth at RBC Wealth Management Canada.
In Indigenous communities, prosperity includes creating safe spaces to heal and grow, which is what Kiyari McNabb and Vicky LaForge did with REDSILIENT, a 2019 exhibit honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Saskatoon.
The exhibit inspired community members to write letters to their missing or murdered loved ones, and install pinned tobacco ties as leaves on a tree to represent a prayer to a woman, girl or family affected by gender-based violence.
“Most organizations and agencies I’ve been to haven’t really accepted troubled youth. But we aren’t really ‘troubled.’ We’re just trying to look for a way to connect with ourselves and our community. Art helps us do that and to heal,” McNab says.
Colleen Lucier, executive director of Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services in Kamloops, B.C., created Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging, a housing development where Indigenous youth receive support to help them learn the skills to be independent and avoid entering the foster system.
“We’re not a housing agency, but we really saw a need to change the outcomes for our youth by creating a culturally safe housing unit where our youth can receive culturally appropriate supports and transition into independence,” Lucier says.
“If you’re a young Indigenous woman, reach out to other Indigenous women you want to talk to. I guarantee you, if you need a mentor, they won’t say no,” says Laverdure, a member of the Wolf Clan of the Kaska Nation.
“It’s a lonely world as a woman, let alone being Indigenous. People will be giving, and building those networks can help ground you in various communities, creating a community for you outside of your home.”
Tracy Antoine, senior director of Indigenous Markets at RBC, recommends women remain curious, while staying true to their identities.
“Stay strong based on your culture and language teachings, and always respect that matriarchal pride,” says Antoine, who was born and raised in Stu’xtews, a community in the central interior of B.C.
“Regardless of career choice, stand proud, let your voice be heard. Seek healthy relationships that support personal growth. Accept challenges, build your confidence, and have the courage to strive at reaching your potential.”