by Renee Greyeyes, President & CEO, Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
This past week marked a significant milestone for the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and our member businesses. We had the profound honour of hosting 19 ambassadors and representatives from the European Union on Treaty One Territory, the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the heart of the Red River Métis homeland.
This wasn’t just a diplomatic visit. It was an opportunity to begin a new chapter rooted in respect, understanding, and shared economic prosperity.
As CEO of the ICC, standing before this international delegation was more than a professional experience. It was deeply personal. I spoke not only as a leader, but as an Anishinaabe woman, representing generations of people who have always understood trade to be about more than goods. For us, commerce has always been relational. A weaving of reciprocity, balance, accountability, and ceremony.
Trade With Us Means Knowing Who We Are
Our message to the EU delegation was clear. Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island have long histories of trade that predate colonization. These lands have always been active economies. Places of exchange, innovation, and stewardship. But true trade, the kind that sustains communities, must begin with understanding.
To the EU, we say: we are learning about you, your histories, your values, your approaches to justice and equity. We are also interested in understanding your relationships with your ancestors, with one another today, and with the newcomers who now live among you. In turn, we invite you to learn about us. Learn our stories, our laws, and the teachings that guide how we live and how we work. This is how meaningful partnerships begin: not through transaction, but through relationship.
Meet Our Indigenous Business Leaders
At this gathering, we introduced an extraordinary group of Indigenous entrepreneurs from Manitoba. All leaders in their sectors and rooted in their Nations. These businesses are not only competitive in the mainstream economy, they are grounded in ancestral knowledge, Nationhood, and a commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability.
Our ICC members who welcomed the delegation included:
- Michelle Cameron, Dreamcatcher Promotions & Indigenous Nation Apparel Company
- Christopher Henry, icMD.ca & WesCan Construction
- Rhonda Sumner, Wyndham Garden Winnipeg (owned by Long Plain First Nation)
- Darrel Brown, Kisik Commercial Furniture
- Marika Schalla, Heartberry Education
- Joshua Hennan, Keya Bedding
Their work spans tourism, construction, health tech, education, wellness, and more. These are not small-scale businesses. They are employers, innovators, and ambassadors of Indigenous excellence.
Our Growing Sectors Match Global Priorities
We also showcased the sectors where Indigenous-led businesses in Manitoba are growing rapidly or already leading.
- Clean and renewable energy
- Traditional foods and food sovereignty
- Digital innovation and tech
- Critical minerals and ethical supply chains
- Experiential and cultural tourism
These are not only priority sectors for our communities. They closely align with the EU’s global priorities: sustainability, circular economies, ethical sourcing, and community investment. This alignment is more than a coincidence. It’s a signal that Indigenous economic resurgence is not only relevant, it’s vital.
We Begin in a Good Way
This gathering was opened in the right way. With spirit and intention.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Elder Norman Meade, from the Métis settlement of Manigotagan, who opened our meeting with prayer and words that grounded us in humility and hope. His presence reminded us that leadership is as much about heart as it is about vision.
And to Roger Greene, member of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, whose drum and voice carried teachings and memory into the room. His song reminded us that every conversation we begin, especially with potential new partners, must first honour who we are and where we come from.
These aren’t just formalities. These moments are how we enter into relationship, and how we set expectations for what we carry forward, together.
An Invitation to Build with Us
At the ICC, we are not only advocating for Indigenous inclusion in trade, we are asserting our rightful place within it. We hold the knowledge, talent, and teachings to build strong economies. But we also carry responsibilities to our lands, our languages, and our Nations.
The path forward is not built on extraction or exploitation. It is built on values. We walk with the 7 Grandfather Teachings: Respect, Honesty, Humility, Wisdom, Truth, Courage, and Love. These are not just cultural ideals. They are governance principles. They are leadership values. They are our framework for doing business.
We extend our hand to those willing to walk alongside us. Not ahead of us or behind us, but in step. Toward a future of shared prosperity.
We look forward to deeper partnerships, thoughtful collaboration, and authentic, lasting friendships.
Miigwech. Thank you.
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