Photo Credit: AOB Studios
By Sarah Jacknife
As a third-generation Indigenous entrepreneur, being a business owner is more than a career; it is a return to tradition, a reclamation of autonomy and a way to reinvest in my community. I am the founder and principal of Jacknife Consulting, an Indigenous woman-owned boutique consulting firm specializing in Indigenous research, policy, curriculum development and writing.
I was born and raised in Elizabeth Métis Settlement, and my grandmother was from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6. My family’s company was based in our community, and from an early age, I saw the power of community-driven businesses and how they could strengthen local economies and open doors for future generations.
My ancestors, the Plains Cree and Métis, were the original entrepreneurs. Before European contact, Indigenous Nations developed sophisticated economics that sustained their communities. Entrepreneurship served as the catalyst for exchanging products, building trade routes and forming diplomatic relationships. Indigenous women played crucial roles, serving as political leaders, decision-makers and caretakers of the land, ensuring the economic and political systems thrived.
However, colonial policies profoundly disrupted Indigenous entrepreneurship. The Indian Act made it challenging for First Nations entrepreneurs to access capital, operate businesses on reserves or own land as collateral. The Métis settlements faced similar obstacles, including geographical isolation, limited access to technology and systematic racism, which made it challenging to launch and grow companies.
Despite historical and systemic barriers, Indigenous entrepreneurship is thriving. Across Canada, there is a surge of new Indigenous businesses, with many led by young entrepreneurs operating small to medium-sized companies. Indigenous women, in particular, are starting businesses at twice the rate of non-Indigenous women, reclaiming their traditional roles in economic leadership. Their resilience is a testament to the strength and potential of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Indigenous businesses span various industries, including technology, resource management, the arts and consulting. They are also expanding into international markets and exporting products worldwide. Our presence in the economy is undeniable. The colonial structures that once sought to suppress Indigenous entrepreneurship are being challenged, and our voices are growing louder. We are redefining success on our terms, creating businesses that integrate our values, principles and economic practices while remaining profitable and competitive in today’s market.
At Jacknife Consulting, we are proud to be one of many Indigenous businesses shaping a future where Indigenous entrepreneurship is not the exception but the norm.