By Cole Kennedy
Corey Janvier, originally from Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, now calls West Vancouver home. Together with his wife, who is from Heiltsuk Nation, they are raising three children—Clea, Kai, and Parker—and have one grandchild, Xawi. While his roots remain deeply tied to Northern Alberta, where he grew up, Corey’s entrepreneurial journey has brought him across the country, merging tradition with modern business acumen.
Early Entrepreneurship: The Seed of a Vision
Corey’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. Growing up in Fort McMurray, surrounded by Indigenous entrepreneurs carving out spaces in the oil sands industry, he was inspired to create his own path. His first “business” venture at just eight years old involved collecting rocks from a neighbour’s gravel driveway, cleaning and polishing them, and selling them for 25 cents apiece. These small yet formative experiences laid the foundation for his later ventures.
As a teenager, Corey ran a highly successful lawn care and snow shovelling business. With many neighbours working shift work at the oil sites, his services became indispensable. He recalls his mother proudly sharing how even then, his entrepreneurial mindset was about more than just profit—it was about providing a necessary service to his community.
Founding Cedar Brush: A Leap of Faith
Fast forward to August 2021, Corey decided to channel his background in social work and entrepreneurial drive into something bigger. While pursuing an Indigenous MBA from Thompson Rivers University, he founded Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial. The name “Cedar Brush” reflects the Indigenous West Coast tradition of using cedar branches in river dips for cleansing and protection—a symbol of purity, resilience and care.
Cedar Brush started modestly, offering back-to-office cleaning and disinfection services to Indigenous organizations. This was during a critical time when workplaces were cautiously reopening amidst the pandemic. Corey’s goal was clear: Provide clean and safe environments for Indigenous communities.
Fast-Rising Success: Expanding Services and Impact
What began as a small janitorial service quickly grew into a multifaceted enterprise. Today, Cedar Brush operates four divisions, each tailored to meet unique community needs:
- Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial: From office cleaning to specialized disinfection, Cedar Brush ensures safe and hygienic spaces for Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations.
- Home Care: This division provides culturally safe and compassionate care for elders and families needing day-to-day support. By addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations, Cedar Brush’s Home Care services have become an essential resource in many communities.
- Site Services: From junk removal to biohazard cleaning and support for hoarding situations, this division addresses some of the most challenging and sensitive tasks. Cedar Brush’s dedication to safety and respect in these scenarios has earned the trust of clients across various sectors.
- Indigenous Staffing: Recognizing the growing demand for reliable staff, this division provides trained Indigenous professionals for roles in janitorial, administrative, general labour, and more. It’s a win-win: Organizations receive quality support, and individuals gain meaningful employment.
Building on this momentum, Corey launched Cedar Brush Hygen, an all-in-one solution providing cleaning products, office supplies, PPE, and safety equipment, especially for remote Indigenous communities. This venture bridges a critical gap, ensuring communities have access to essential supplies without logistical hurdles.
Recognition and Future Plans: Eyes on 2025
In 2023, Corey appeared on Bears’ Lair, a competitive TV show spotlighting Indigenous entrepreneurs. The experience further solidified his reputation as a leader who blends innovation with cultural integrity. His time on the show not only showcased Cedar Brush’s impressive growth but also opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a year of continued expansion. Corey is preparing to launch Copper Security, a new venture aimed at providing meaningful employment in the security sector. This service will cater to Indigenous organizations, housing societies, and large events, addressing a pressing need for culturally sensitive and professional security personnel.
Another exciting project on the horizon is SoNoDe, an Indigenous playscape solution company. This venture will focus on designing and building culturally significant playgrounds and furniture for Indigenous communities, Head Start programs, and schools. By integrating traditional elements and storytelling into the designs, Corey aims to provide children with play environments that celebrate their heritage and foster community pride.
Building Capacity and Strength
Corey’s mission remains rooted in his commitment to “building capacity and strength within our Indigenous communities through employment and training.” Cedar Brush has grown to employ 40 individuals, all of whom are Indigenous, with plans to increase that number monthly. His goal is not only to provide jobs but to create pathways for long-term personal and professional development.
Corey’s journey from polishing rocks in Fort McMurray to running a million-dollar enterprise is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and community. He looks forward to expanding Cedar Brush’s services throughout British Columbia and beyond, always with the goal of uplifting Indigenous communities through meaningful work, training, and cultural pride.
As Corey reflects on his journey, he’s grateful for the lessons learned and excited for the road ahead. “This isn’t just about business,” he says. “It’s about creating opportunities, honouring our traditions and building a better future for our communities.”