5 Inspiring Leaders of Indigenous Businesses to Know
Avneet Takhar
It's National Indigenous History Month; a time to reflect upon the history, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Indigenous peoples.
To commemorate this significant month, we spotlight 5 Indigenous change makers who are making a profound impact on Indigenous excellence with the important work that they do for communities.
But, first prize giveaways
Really, we make any excuse to give away prezzies 😉, and especially so when it's a celebration dedicated to honouring Indigenous folks!
We have a bunch to give away, so here's what to do ➡️ bit.ly/giveway-ig.
![It's many giveaways!](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/hzw28nbp/production/7acd37e6446221a738b084e7280a44dc07f51908-2160x2160.png?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
And now, it's time to dive in to discover all about our visionaries - we guarantee you'll leave blown away 🤩 reading about their innovative Indigenous-driven initiatives!
Bobbie Racette | Virtual Gurus
@Bobbie_Racette
Racette is actually been nationally recognized as a change maker, by none other than the Globe & Mail winning an award in 2021! Her founding company Virtual Gurus, an innovative tech platform that harnesses the power of machine learning to match assistants with clients has created a thriving community of over 800 talented professionals from diverse backgrounds and is recognized as the top 100 of 425 on the 2023 Report on Business ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/hzw28nbp/production/f5af824b5b0723d01c030a273e441c533025d7cc-2170x2170.png?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Jenn Harper | Cheekbone Beauty
@Cheekbonejenn
It's no secret the Cheekbone Beauty has reached monumental heights of success, the sustainable beauty products one of the first Indigenous-owned made available on the shelves of Sephora Canada. And Harper is steadfast on her mission in supporting Indigenous communities, donating more than $200k to organizations such as Shannen’s Dream, FNCFCS and the Navajo Water Project.
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Erik Brodt and Amanda Bruegl | Ginew
@Ginew_usa
Ethical denim brand owners, Brodt and Bruegl are fuelled by their Ojibwe and Oneida heritages respectively in creating Native American clothing with a purpose. They collaborate with other Native artisans who receive a percentage of each sale, and have even had their tees featured in Marvel Studios' TV series She-Hulk!
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/hzw28nbp/production/1231b068af07e54a1347e819b7cd345eb4398de0-2170x2170.png?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Keith McIntosh | PLATO
@PLATOtesting
PLATO is a recipient of the Startup Canada Social Enterprise Award 2018- and for good reason. The company trains Indigenous Canadians for jobs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and to date 347 students have been trained with 102 communities impacted. McIntosh has also been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 by the Atlantic Program, for building an Indigenous workforce.
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/hzw28nbp/production/87dce8013f0944d81fd42ef7b5a516d6bada4d90-2170x2170.png?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Aaron Joe | Salish Soils
@Salishsoils
With values deep rooted in healing the land and environment, recycling and disposal group Salish Soils turns waste into high quality organics. Regenerating everything they receive, the materials turn into compost, soil or energy efficient materials for power. Joe, a member of Shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation is passionate about revolutionizing and reclaiming territories in a more holistic way.
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