Allison Duck Chief has a vision to open a butchery using traditional cutting methods on her home reserve of Siksika Nation.
Now, after being accepted into an upcoming Aboriginal entrepreneurial program, that vision is closer to becoming a reality.
“I do really want to have a business someday,” the 25-year-old said this week. “It just seems like something that will teach me things I don’t really know.”
Next week, Duck Chief and 19 other budding business owners will meet for five days at Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino in Morley for the 19th annual First Nations Youth Entrepreneur Symposium.
Symposium coordinator Ariel Waterchief, who works for Community Futures Treaty Seven, said participants were chosen from a number of people from Treaty Seven who applied.
“We take different levels of people … (that are) interested in opening their own business,” she said. “The main focus is that they can get an all around experience to join the entrepreneur world.”
Over the five days, Waterchief said the group will stay at the hotel and work in teams to develop a full mock business plan. Each team will also be connected with an Aboriginal business professional to guide them through the process.
Finally, participants will learn about business law and market research before presenting their final business plans to a panel of bankers who offer feedback and discussion.
Waterchief said one of last year’s symposium members, who will speak to the group next week as part of a panel, now owns and runs his own successful mobile barber shop.
“It was really cool. He ended up giving a haircut right in front of the bankers’ panel. He spoke, he gave his presentation … and was cutting … hair all at the same time,” she said. “It does create real opportunity.”
