Students at One Arrow received their SEIF award on Nov. 19. (Submitted photo/Joe Taylor)

By Nigel Maxwell

Young entrepreneurs

One Arrow youth receive provincial recognition

Dec 7, 2021 | 5:06 PM

Students at One Arrow First Nation are being being recognized for their work and innovation during a pandemic that has tested entrepreneurs everywhere.

The SIEF Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is awarded by the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. (SIEF) and goes to an owner/operator who has been in business at least one year who demonstrates their business is viable and sustainable.

3R Innovative Imaging, the business operated by students of Almightyvoice Education Centre at One Arrow First Nation, has been running for about a year and a half and sells culturally significant artwork. Joe Taylor is the coordinator who works with the 15 students and told paNOW the initiative started with a pile of old cabinet doors, and some culturally significant images

“All of a sudden the light bulb goes off and they get out and sell them and the rest is history,” he said. “It’s just been a wonderful success story.”

Discarded materials are given new life. (Submitted photo/Joe Taylor)

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Taylor explained the foundation for the business really started about five years ago when the community was chosen to be part of a pilot project under the aboriginal youth entrepreneurship program. The goal was to introduce youth in the community to the world of business. When the pandemic struck in early 2020, the program came to an end, but with support from Chief and council, the students were able to carry on.

“Chief and council firmly believed in the concept and vison of the program,” Taylor said.

Taylor went on to explain the business is based on the three R’s, as they use products that would otherwise end up in the landfill. In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, Taylor added the students gain self confidence and learn skills that will help them in the workforce such as public speaking.

“We give them lots of opportunity to get up on the mic and talk about their business and they have tremendous success,” he said.

A student displays their artwork. (Submitted photo/Joe Taylor)

Grade 10 student Ruby Daniels said it was a big shock to win the award, adding she is also happy to put her family’s concerns to rest.

“For a while when we were doing a bunch of work and we didn’t have enough in the bank to pay ourselves, they were kind of worried about how much work I was putting in and not really receiving anything for it, but now it’s not like that anymore,” she said.

In addition to have their work sold at various retail locations across the province, Daniels said it was also a cool feeling seeing her work displayed at the gift shop of the hotel, where the awards ceremony was held.

“I even have the video on my phone,” she said proudly.

Some of the artwork has been used as corporate gifts. (Submitted photo/Joe Taylor)

The business is showing no signs of slowing down, and was also recognized this year by national institutions, including Pow Wow Pitch, a competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs of all ages and types across North America. Out of 1,650 applicants, the students at One Arrow finished fourth.

Jake Sinclair, who owns and operates two Anytime Fitness gyms in Regina, was also names as a SIEF award winner this year.

The winners were announced at SIEF’s annual general meeting on Nov. 19 at Dakota Dunes Resort and Casino at Whitecap, Sask.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell