SYDNEY, N.S. — In.Business, a mentorship program for Indigenous high school students at Cape Breton University, pairs Mi’kmaw high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 with seasoned Indigenous business mentors.
The program aims to provide an experience that equips students with essential skills, boosts their confidence and encourages them to explore business as a viable career path.
What sets In.Business apart is its focus on inclusivity and its commitment to Indigenous perspectives. Andrea Curley, the Atlantic regional manager for In.Business and a member of the Haudenosaunee, Onondaga Nation, Beaver Clan from Grand River Territory, is deeply passionate about the program’s mission.
She says In.Business is about fostering Indigenous inclusion.
“In.Business is looking at the aspects of business and Indigenous people through a lens that includes everybody,” Curley said. “I’m trying to show them the power is in their hands. They don’t need permission to start something. Just do it.”
Across Mi’kma’ki
Previously only available to Mi’kmaw students in Nova Scotia, the program is expanding its reach this year. Curley says this year’s cohort of In.Business participants included Mi’kmaw students from five provinces in Mi’kma’ki.
“We opened this cohort up to everybody. Newfoundland, P.E.I., New Brunswick, people from Quebec, and Nova Scotia all came. We had five provinces of Mi’kmaw students represented at this event,” she said.
Carla Benoit of Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland was one of the Mi’kmaw high school students attending the In.Business program. She says interacting with like-minded students at the conference boosted her confidence.
“Before coming, I thought it was going to be a more serious conference. I didn’t think I was going have fun and learn and be able to meet a lot of other students like me,” Benoit said. “I could express my interest in business and this improved my confidence. With all the hands-on learning, we were able to do stuff that could help us develop more emotional, logical and spiritual thinking.”
Kylie Wilmot of Listiguj First Nation in eastern Quebec also attended the In.Business opening conference. They say the highlight of their experience was seeing a play at the Highland Arts Theatre in Sydney.
“I’m glad I got to experience everything I did, and I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to experience this; my favourite part was the play and getting to talk to the elders,” said Wilmot.
‘Sky is the limit’
Curley says it is all part of the plan to inspire these young people.
“When they go home and see that there isn’t a theatre and are interested in bringing that to their communities, they can start small and create new ventures. The sky is the limit when passion is true,” said Curley. “Shout out to the HAT Theatre for opening eyes to business in the arts industry.”
For these students, the program was a transformative experience. The program encourages students to embrace their creative potential and gives them the tools to turn their ideas into reality. Curley says many of them had never considered a future in business until they immersed themselves in the In.Business program.
“One said, ‘I never thought about business until we got in the groups and made up mock businesses,'” said Curley. “I’m trying to get them to understand the beginning of the idea. You can have ideas, you can think, you can use your imagination. Then they saw how they could do that and put words to it, create it, and present it.”
The program’s impact on these young minds is tangible, and Curley says she’s thrilled when she sees the spark of excitement in their eyes.
“It was such a fun experience to listen to their excitement and enthusiasm,” she said. “Having discussions about, ‘What do you think Indigenous business is?’ To see those sparks go off in the minds or the eyes of the youth.”
Visionary thinkers
One of the program’s key objectives is introducing Indigenous youth to successful Indigenous entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. Actor Eric Schweig was the keynote speaker, and local elders and Indigenous business owners also shared stories of their journeys. Curley says these stories provide invaluable insights into the academic and life paths that have shaped these entrepreneurs into visionary thinkers.
“In.Business is about planting the seeds with Indigenous youth about business, bringing to their attention successful Indigenous entrepreneurs and letting them hear their stories,” she said. “What was the life story that made them and moulded them to be entrepreneurial thinkers? Why are they doing what they’re doing, and how did they get there?”
Learning doesn’t end with the initial mentorship period. Curley continues to guide the students through biweekly Zoom meetings, during which she introduces them to Indigenous entrepreneurs who share their experiences. The program culminates in a celebratory closing conference, planned for May, at which students will graduate.
In.Business aims to empower Indigenous youth by instilling the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to seize opportunities and shape their futures. The message Curley wants to convey to the students is clear:
“It’s just showing students that the whole world is an opportunity. If they have an idea, they can make it happen.”
Mitchell Ferguson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Cape Breton Post covering Indigenous Affairs.
