As the CEO of Aunties, my journey has always been about more than business—it's about cultural connection and understanding. This ethos was brought to life at Invest Ottawa's Team Reconciliation Day on October 30th, where I had the unique opportunity to blend my roles as a speaker, caterer, and advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Invest Ottawa's event was an extraordinary platform that united employees with four Indigenous entrepreneurs, including myself. We delved into discussions about reconciliation, sharing our lived experiences and the paths we've navigated as Indigenous business owners. But this wasn't just an event of words; it was also one of sharing culture through culinary trade.
Catering the event, I brought a piece of my heritage and heart to the table with dishes like Bannock Bites with Wabanaki Maple Syrup, Birch Bark Coffee, and the aromatic Cedar Tea, sourced from Tea N Bannock in Toronto.
One of the day's highlights was the power of networking. Engaging with the Invest Ottawa team, I discovered a wealth of opportunities within the Ottawa entrepreneurship community. These interactions underscored the potential for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Sharing the stage with fellow ADAAWE members, we wove a rich tapestry of Indigenous experiences. Our diverse stories, although unique, presented a collective narrative of resilience and hope and showed the strength in unity.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the day was the opportunity to advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship. By presenting our traditional foods, I didn't just offer a culinary experience; I provided a glimpse into our culture and stories. I encouraged the Invest Ottawa team to deepen their engagement with Indigenous businesses, emphasizing that understanding the stories behind our products is a crucial step in true reconciliation.
The journey towards reconciliation involves more than transactions—it's about building relationships.
The overwhelmingly positive response to both the food and the discussions at the event was heartening. Such initiatives by organizations like Invest Ottawa are vital—they provide a platform for learning about Indigenous history directly from Indigenous voices and create safe spaces for collaborative learning, growth and reconciliation through trade.