Recap: Spring Into Success Business Mixer

Last Thursday, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was proud to host the Spring Into Success Business Mixer in partnership with Dreamcatcher Promotions and The North West Company.

The event, held at Dreamcatcher Promotions’ headquarters near the city’s outskirts, was filled with attendees from diverse backgrounds and included business leaders, government officials, non-profit leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Attendees were able to celebrate the start of a new season, but also to hear about the incredible work in Indigenous economic development that both Dreamcatcher Promotions and The North West Company have undertaken over the past few years.

Speaking about the importance of supporting Indigenous businesses, keynote speaker Michelle Cameron said that “Indigenous businesses do not operate in isolation,” adding that “our employees have families and communities to uplift through their work.”

Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at The North West Company, Andrew Thunder, outlined the initiatives that the company has been engaged in to promote both economic development and reconciliation. Such as, for instance, community support and disaster relief, cultural awareness training for employees, and Indigenous leadership opportunities within the company’s management.

Most importantly, Thunder emphasized the importance of recognizing the company’s ties to early settler colonialism. At the same time, however, he underscored how awareness about its history was a necessary step in moving forward on their journey to reconciliation.

Toward the end of the session, attendees had the opportunity to purchase their very own Northy, a teddy-bear adorned in Indigenous regalia – jointly developed by Dreamcatcher and North West – whose revenue would go toward supporting The North West Company’s charitable foundation.

Events like these are essential for promoting Indigenous economic development efforts. Participants have the opportunity to hear about the incredible work that is taking place within the community and about future plans. Not to mention, the ability to form meaningful long-term connections. The ICC is proud to host events where leaders and community members from across the city can come together and help support one another and build a more prosperous future.