We Are Indian Business Corproation

We are BUISNINDEIASNSCORPORATION

When you need us most, IBC is there for you.From farmers to entrepreneurs to artists,everybody is important to us. We makedreams come true by helping you achieveyour goals and believing in your potential.

IBC. Helping people succeed since 1987.

ABOUT INDIAN BUSINESS CORPORATION WHO WE ARE We believe access to capital Our Mission for First Nations peoples provides opportunities for To ensure every viable First Nation entrepreneur has access to capital. success and development. IBC Values Established in 1987, the Indian Business Corporation (IBC) provides financing for First Nations peoples in IBC creates economic development through developmental lending and financial Western Canada. services to First Nation’s individuals and businesses. Our Record IBC is proud of our 27 year track record providing access to capital to a variety of business sectors and initiatives helmed by First Nation’s entrepreneurs in Western Canada. We’ve helped fund 2,500 business or expansion ventures, directly and indirectly contributed to the creation of close to 7,000 employment opportunities, and loaned nearly $80 million dollars. We’re proud of the positive impact our partnership with the Aboriginal community has yielded and we seek to further expand our capacity for lending for feasible, operable businesses.4

ABOUT INDIAN BUSINESS CORPORATIONRob Rollingson On behalf of the Trustees, Board of Directors and Staff we are pleased to presentIBC General Manager “We Are – Indian Business Corporation.” At IBC we are often asked “what type of businesses do you finance?” or, “what type of businesses do First Nation people have?” The answer to that question is as diverse as the people themselves. IBC wanted to produce a report to demonstrate what types of businesses we finance and what types of businesses First Nation people are involved in. As we put this booklet together, we realized this was much more than a “report,” it is about “First Nation People.” IBC is so proud to be associated with each of our clients. We are happy to share a little about the 20 clients featured. These people represent a good cross section of what IBC does. IBC is also proud to be associated with AltaGas, who like IBC, have a desire to see First Nation business thrive and succeed. AltaGas has provided IBC with a $500,000 interest free loan to assist us in starting and expanding more First Nation businesses and entrepreneurs. IBC would also like to recognize the partnership we have with the Siksika Nation. The Siksika Nation has created a $2.7M fund to ensure their community members have “access to capital” to start their own businesses. Siksika and IBC have created a unique and innovative partnership that will allow Nation members to have opportunities that largely up to this point have been unavailable. We hope you enjoy reading about “real people” and their businesses.Jack Royal General Manager ChairmanIBC Chairman 5

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ABOUT INDIAN BUSINESS CORPORATIONWHAT WE DOSince 1987, IBC has had the Agriculture & Livestockopportunity to lend over 80million dollars to finance First IBC has a long history of providing financing First Nations farmers, ranchers andNation’s business initiatives. other agricultural businesses with access to capital. In fact it was our founding mandate. In addition to livestock and feed production, IBC is a leader in providingIBC provides development lending and financial financing for agricultural/farming equipment.services to First Nations’ business and individualsacross numerous sectors and disciplines including Heavy Equipment & Machineryagriculture, heavy equipment & transportation, serviceand hospitality industries. We have also funded a Having the right equipment can mean the difference between bidding on thevariety of viable ventures in the mining industry, audio contract and winning the contract. Whether it’s time to upgrade equipment to& visual, oil & gas and hospitality industry. complete the next job or simply to avoid costly maintenance and repairs on older equipment, IBC provides financing solutions to keep the job site moving. Other Viable Business Opportunities IBC also offers opportunities for other viable business opportunities. IBC has helped to finance projects as diverse as mining operations, convenience stores, video productions and even windshield repair. 7

INDIAN BUSINESS CORPORATION - CUSTOMER FEEDBACK CHANGES FOR GOOD 83% 74% IBC clients report of IBC clients reported of survey changes in individual, excellent or very good respondents family and community mental health. This is reported positive well-being, including impacts on significantly higher their family. improved physical than the 2012 finding and mental health, that 62.5% of Alberta life satisfaction and First Nations adults community resilience. were generally happy 58% and free of worry. of clients surveyed reported that IBC has made a difference in their community.8

INDIAN BUSINESS CORPORATION - WHAT IBC CLIENTS SAYWHAT IBC CLIENTS SAY“Without IBC opening the “It’s easier to deal with 93% door I don’t know where I IBC and they know First of clients surveyed would be. It helped me grow Nations ways.” would use IBC’s as a person. I’ve been able services again in to employ others. I’m a very “IBC is more accessible the future. respected entrepreneur, leader and role model.” than the bank.” 9

“IBC is maonrdemunodreerpsetrasnodnianlg.”10

CLIENT PROFILE Wilton & Trina Day Chief W9 BladingMembers of the Blood Band of southern Alberta, Wiltonand Trina Day Chief initially became IBC clients in 2002, 11when they sought and received a loan to expand theircattle-ranching business. While running his ranch, Wiltonalso learned to operate a grader, eventually acquiring theskill to build roads.With entrepreneurial vision, the Day Chiefs recognizedthat a road-grading business was needed on the reserve,so Wilton soon bought a grader and created W9 Blading,his own road construction company. The business tookoff, and Wilton and Trina eventually sold their cattle toconcentrate fully on the new venture.After acquiring a number of large contracts with variousoil companies on the reserve, Wilton and Trina needed topurchase more equipment in order to accommodate thegrowing demand for W9 Blading’s services. As the DayChiefs had been exceptional clients for 13 years, IBC didnot hesitate to provide them with another loan. With IBC’shelp, Wilton and Trina were able to purchase another twograders, allowing them to attain more contracts. TodayW9 Blading thrives with Wilton and Trina at the helm.

CLIENT PROFILE Andrew & Philip Phypers “Nobody would give us money before we came to WOW Windshields IBC: we were a start-up and the company had no real collateral. It was tough.” Andrew Phypers is a member of the Ktunaxa “I thought there was a really big First Nation of southern British Columbia market in Alberta…and it seemed who currently lives in Red Deer, Alberta. After like a business that could be easily earning a degree in Psychology at Red Deer taught and potentially franchised College, Andrew went on to attain his Bachelor with the right financing partner.” of Law at the University of Alberta. It was “We have a four-year history with while studying there that he became aware Indian Business Corporation and of opportunities in the Alberta glass and the future looks bright!” windshield industry. After reviewing Andrew’s business plan, IBC agreed that the venture had potential and deserved financing. Four years later, with the help of IBC, Andrew and his brother Philip have an established business presence in Red Deer and look to expand to other Alberta cities.12

CLIENT PROFILE Q&A IBC: What made you decide to start Wow Windshields? Andrew: I came across the auto glass industry when I was in law school and IIBC: So first just tell me a bit about yourself–what is your background? researched it a little bit. I started very small, with some rock chip repairs, andAndrew: My name is Andrew. I’m from lower Kootenay Kutenaxa people eventually realized there was a big market in Alberta—there are tons of damagedin southern BC–grew up there near Creston B.C. I dropped out of high windshields here and people pretty much repair them manually or reinstallschool, had kids very young, went back to school when I was 21, finished manually. And it seemed like a business that could be taught and potentiallyhigh school, went to Red Deer College here, got a degree in Psychology, franchised because it doesn’t take a great deal of skill to do the repairs, so inthen law school at the University of Alberta. I finished law school in the long term, we intend on franchising. Auto glass isn’t a passion for me, but2012, and articled with Lightning Law, mostly criminal law, child welfare franchising a business is definitely part of my business intent.defence. Now here I am with Phypers, my own criminal defence law firm.In 2008, while I was in law school, I started Wow Windshields, building The whole idea was to find a service to offer that was fairly teachable, fairlythe company up slowly during my student years. We have a four-year replicable, and then to open the business, treat it as a test model and make ithistory with Indian Business Corporation and the future looks bright!” successful. It’s a tough margin, tight margin business, for sure—once we find the best recipe for success, we’ll franchise.IBC: What difficulties did you experience before coming to IBC?Andrew: Nobody would give us money before we came to IBC: we were It’s a family business—my brother Phil manages it full time and I have input at aa start-up and the company had no real collateral. It was tough. Since higher level.we weren’t buying a machine, we didn’t have anything we could offeras collateral. A lender can put a lien on a machine, if necessary. Withoutthat kind of collateral, it was tough for us. Nobody would give us moneyfor our start-up. 13

CLIENT PROFILE “The Nation began to start a lot of new housing projects, and since there were few other companies on the14 reserve that were able to complete the projects, I knew it was a good time to start my own company.” A member of the Tsuu Tina Nation located “The road grader was the first thing adjacent to Calgary’s southwest city limits, I purchased—with that, I was Curtis Big Plume has extensive experience finally able to start working in the construction industry, having operated independently and complete a heavy machinery for over 15 years. After number of road-building projects.” working with a variety of construction companies in Calgary, Curtis became a foreman with the Tsuu Tina Nation’s roads department. Later promoted to department manager, Curtis was ready for a change after a few years in the role. With financing from IBC, he was able to start his own business, Big Plume Enterprises. His strong work ethic and the pride he takes in his work enabled Curtis to grow a thriving business. When Big Plume Enterprises needed to expand, IBC was there again, helping finance the purchase of additional heavy machinery and enabling Curtis to acquire more contracts.

Curtis Big PlumeBig Plume Enterprises 15

Curtis Clarke Ozada Flats Bottle Depot16

CLIENT PROFILE“Before, the nearest bottle depot was in Eight years ago, Curtis Clarke from the Stony Nation ofCochrane. People ended up paying more for southern Alberta recognized the opportunity to creategas than they would receive in returning a business when he identified a need on the Morleytheir bottles—it made no sense.” Reserve. With the nearest bottle depot over thirty kilometres away in Cochrane, Curtis believed his community would be better served by having a depot of its own. Curtis also understood this depot would benefit campers travelling the Trans-Canada Highway. After receiving approval for his business from the Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) in 2011, Curtis then sought and received financing from IBC, opening the Ozada Flats Bottle Depot only a year later. Today, Curtis manages a thriving depot staffed by volunteers, and expects the business to continue to grow. “People in our community are very happy about having the depot right on our land; it was something we really needed.” 17

CLIENT PROFILE “When I was younger I knew I’d always want to try freight hauling. In addition to farming and starting my own ranching operation, I’ve been in the transportation industry since I was eighteen.” Dallas Medicine Shield of the Siksika Nation After receiving this financing and establishing his has been a client of IBC for only two years but ranch, Dallas came back to IBC a year later, looking to during that short time he has initiated two focus on freight-hauling, his other line of work. successful business ventures. Having grown up Now Dallas has seventeen years of experience in on a grain farm, Dallas began his early business the transportation industry, hauling oil, grain, and career with a self-financed farming operation. oversized construction loads from Alberta to various Later, he wished to expand his agricultural destinations in the United States. Given Dallas’ track operation to include a ranching component. record, the decision to help him with his next business When he approached IBC they recognized the venture and finance his Freightliner truck was an easy value of his background knowledge and agreed one for IBC. Since purchasing the truck, Dallas has to finance the purchase of cattle and a bale truck been able to earn a higher profit for himself and now in order to get his ranch started. has the freedom to work independently.18

Dallas Medicine ShieldTransportation Industry 19

Adrian Dion Currently a resident of the Frog Lake First After gaining experience with other trucking companies, AGD Trucking Nation community located 250 km east of Adrian elected to start his own business. In 2011, he Edmonton, Alberta, Adrian Dion is a member turned to IBC to help finance his first work truck, a of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. After years of purchase that enabled him to establish AGD Trucking. working as a welder’s helper and performing Having received help from IBC for the past four years, other diverse oilfield jobs, Adrian was looking to AGD now owns three trucks, hauling loads of water embark on a new career path. Recognizing the and oil in Frog Lake and surrounding areas. Adrian success of other truck drivers working in the oil finds his business rewarding, enjoying the increased and gas sector in the area, Adrian undertook a income and taking pride in his ability to offer course of training, eventually receiving his Class employment to other First Nations’ members. One License from the Alberta government.20

Donald Morton is a member of the Impressed both by Don’s military service and Donald MortonThunder Bay First Nation in Northern his business plan, IBC concluded his proposal Transportation IndustryOntario but now lives in Airdrie, Alberta. met their loan criteria. Now Don makes twoAfter serving in the Canadian military trips a day in his own truck, transportingfor twenty years, Donald worked as cement from Airdrie to Canmore for Tri-Linea corrections officer at the Bow River Carriers, and training their new drivers. DonCorrectional Centre, as well as in the enjoys his business and has no plans to retiretransportation industry. Recognizing that in the foreseeable future.working as an independent freight haulerwould allow him to triple his income, Donapproached IBC with a plan to purchasehis own truck. 21

CLIENT PROFILE “fIrto’smgrveaaritosuoscwiaalilzkisngofalnifdem. DeoentianngdnIehwavpeeompelet tourists from every country.” Don and Val Johnson are the owners of As residents of Drumheller Despite having been operational for only a short time, Wild West Badlands Tours operating out for forty years, Val and Don the Wild West Badlands Tour has become TripAdvisor’s of Drumheller, Alberta. Benefiting from have a deep understanding number one ranked tour in the area. The new bus Val their location near a world-renowned and appreciation of the and Don obtained with IBC’s help has contributed to this palaeontological research centre, Don and history in the area, which success, enhancing the tour experience for clients and Val offer guided tours of a variety of sites they are delighted to share improving the Johnson’s profit margins. around Drumheller, including the Royal with their clients from both Tyrrel Museum, Horsethief Canyon and the an Aboriginal and a non- spectacular Drumheller hoodoo rock formations. Aboriginal perspective. Previously employed as a physio assistant and In 2014, Val and Don an electrician respectively, neither Val nor Don approached IBC with a had experience in the tourism industry. proposal to upgrade their For Val, a member of southern Saskatchewan’s touring bus. Recognizing Salteaux Nation, one of the most significant that such an upgrade would benefits of being an independent business owner enhance the Johnsons’ is that, in her own words, “It’s great socializing and business, IBC took them meeting new people from various walks of life. on as clients and approved Don and I have met tourists from every country.” them for financing.22

Don and Val JohnsonWild West Badlands Tours 23

CLIENT PROFILE Derek Jagodzinsky is a talented fashion With his modern Native-inspired designer from White Fish Lake First Nation women’s clothing, Derek is making Derek Jagodzinsky whose enterprises reflects the variety and a name for himself in the fashion Luxx Ready to Wear uniqueness of businesses funded by IBC. After industry. His collections have graced graduating with a bachelor’s degree in design the runway at Western Canada24 from the University of Alberta, Derek was Fashion Week and elsewhere. As looking to develop his vision of an Alberta- well, he is dressing an elite clientele based clothing company. He is quick to that includes model Linsay Willier, acknowledge IBC’s assistance in executing singer Quanteisha Benjamin and his business plan: celebrity Kim Kardashian. Currently engaged in fulfilling client “Right out of school, IBC was the first place I orders, Derek continues to study at came for my start-up.” the University of Alberta, pursuing a Master’s degree in design. He After meeting with Derek, IBC recognized the hopes to eventually expand into business potential behind his passion, and accessories and to carry on creating offered the designer funding for his clothing his fashion-forward line of Native- company, Luxx Ready to Wear. inspired clothing. “IBC has been awesome–their financing allowed me to buy all of my machines and get all my fabrics. They really helped to get the ball rolling.”

Q&AIBC: Tell me about yourself.Derek: I’m from the Whitefish First Nation, with aBachelor of Design from the University of Alberta,going into my Master’s program. I’m a fashiondesigner who’s done Native-inspired collectionsfor the last few seasons.IBC: What made you pursue a career in thefashion industry?Derek: I’ve always loved fashion ... I just like dressingpeople, making people feel amazing. Right now I’mpretty fine where I am but in the next few years Ireally want to expand, go into accessories and moremodern Native-inspired clothing that can be soldacross the country, in Jasper and Banff and all thoseplaces.IBC: How has your business influenced your family,community, etc.?Derek: A lot of people see me as a role model now,doing my own business and all that.IBC: How has IBC influenced your business?Derek: They’ve been awesome. They gave me start-up funding to actually buy all my machines and getall my fabrics and all that kind of stuff. They reallyhelped get the ball rolling. It was awesome.IBC: Did you experience any difficulties beforecoming to IBC?Derek: No, not really. Right out of school, IBCwas the first place I went for my start-up. 25

Beth & Tracy Day Chief Buffalo Rock Mining26

CLIENT PROFILE Found only at depths from sixty to ninety feet, grade A Ammonite fossils are rare, occurring only along the Eastern side of the Rockies. Once excavated,Beth and Tracy Day Chief hail from the Kainai Nation and the rough stone is treated in one of several ways. Polished, it is sold as ahave been IBC clients since 2008. After success with their finished Ammonite fossil, for prices reaching as much as $45,000. Cut andtrucking and excavating business, Beth and Tracy ventured processed differently, the stone becomes Ammolite, an increasingly popularinto the mining business, starting Buffalo Rock Mining, the gem that is crafted into jewellery sold around the world.first Aboriginal-owned Ammonite mine. With the success of their business, Beth and Tracy Day Chief have createdThis successful enterprise excavates high-quality Ammonite new job opportunities for heavy equipment operators, and employ roughlyfossils from a mine that stretches over 1.5 acres of land in the twenty other members of the Kainai Nation. One of the largest ventures IBCsoutheast quadrant of the Blood Reserve and descends to has undertaken, the Buffalo Rock Mine exemplifies the diversity of IBC’sdepths of 90 feet. financing projects. 27

CLIENT PROFILE Jason Fox “Working across North America has allowed us to Tailfeathers Environmental thoroughly understand the hazardous material industry and provide to our clients a product and service we believe to be unequalled.” Now residing in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Jason When Jason approached IBC in 2014, he was Fox is a member of the Blood Tribe. With in start-up mode and looking to purchase a over 16 years of experience in the hazardous trailer for equipment transport. With IBC’s help, material industry, Jason has fulfilled contracts Jason acquired the trailer, which allowed him across Canada and the U.S. Highly trained, to advertise his company and discharge his Jason has received certification in a number of contracts more efficiently. As business ramped U.S. jurisdictions, most notably Washington up, Jason approached the Kainai First Nation, and Oregon, both known for their stringent convincing their Council to sponsor other standards for environmental compliance members of the Blood Reserve to receive the and certifications. certifications in hazardous waste removal. Currently, Jason focuses on hazardous waste These sponsorships have created jobs for removal for commercial and residential members on the Blood Reserve and provided buildings in and around southern Alberta. His Jason with a skilled workforce. Tailfeathers business, Tailfeathers Environmental, performs Environmental is busy and getting busier, with disaster clean-ups, as well as removal of such its reputation growing across Southern Alberta. hazardous materials as mould, hantavirus and asbestos.28

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Lou Ann Soloway CLIENT PROFILE Ranching Industry “oOuutrdwoohrosl–ewfaem’reilyallwovaeyss to be30 tending to cattle, riding horses, building shelter. It’s what we love to do.” Lou Ann Soloway comes from a large family of ranchers from the Siksika Nation located near Gleichen, Alberta. With her dad and brothers already in the ranching industry, it was a natural decision for Lou Ann to launch her own ranching operation. Having been born and raised on the very land she ranches today gives Lou Ann an edge—the depth of her knowledge and her passion for her business are remarkable and keenly evident in conversation with the rancher. When Lou Ann came to IBC seeking funding for her operation, IBC was happy to get involved. Her meticulous planning made the decision an easy one, and IBC helped Lou Ann purchase livestock and finance her farming operation.

CLIENT PROFILE Rodney Funk Chinook’s Moving LTD.Rodney Funk is an IBC client and a member of theMuskowekwan First Nation. A journeyman sheetmetal 31worker in his home province of Saskatchewan, Rodneybegan taking on moving jobs in his spare time, a decisionthat prompted him to consider making the movingbusiness a career.Realizing that Alberta’s booming economy would offer manyopportunities to a fledgling business, Rodney elected torelocate to Edmonton. Initially without capital, Rodney wasunable to start his business, instead taking on employmentwith another moving company. A little online research soonled him to IBC, however.A solid business plan and an infectious level of enthusiasmeasily convinced IBC to loan Rodney the money for his firsttruck. Fifteen years later, Rodney completes two jobs aday, six days a week, and his robust family business has anestablished client base. IBC looks forward to working withRodney again, on his planned purchase of another truck andhis expansion into the storage business.

Winston & Renee Day Chief CLIENT PROFILE Energy Industry Members of the Blood Band in Standoff, Alberta, Winston and Renee Day Chief have been IBC clients since 2008, when they obtained a loan to finance their cattle ranch, located on the east side of the Blood Reserve. Subsequent to launching their cattle operation, Winston and Renee returned to IBC with another proposal. Wanting to capitalize on Winston’s background in mechanics, administration and project management, the Day Chiefs sought financing to launch a business leasing light standards, power stations and fuel tanks to various companies operating on the reserve. With help from IBC, Winston was able to purchase the equipment necessary to create his niche business, and currently leases equipment year-round to Kainai Energy for use on various oil drilling sites.32

Mario Water Chief Mario Water Chief is a member of the Siksika Nation Wanting to branch out, Mario approachedSchool Bus Service in Treaty Seven Territory. He began his career thirty IBC in 2004 with a plan to start a ranching years ago as a school bus driver for the Blackfoot Bus operation on land he owned near Gleichan, Co-op. After acquiring industry experience, Mario Alberta. Recognizing Mario’s strong work purchased his own vehicles and set up his own busing ethic along with the value of his busing operation, eventually securing contracts with the business and the security it provided, IBC Siksika Board of Education. He has served the Siksika was happy to get involved. Nation ever since. With IBC’s help, Mario was able to purchase cattle to get his ranching operation off the ground. For over ten years now, IBC has played an integral role in Mario’s business ventures, assisting with the purchase of both cattle and buses. 33

“It’s an underutilized method for ranching–it’s a little more work in the beginning but if you have the passion for it, these practices and technologies can bring value to ranching operations.”34

CLIENT PROFILEMike & Crystal Day ChiefIronpipe Angus One of the first Aboriginal-owned Using his background in animal science, ranches to use seedstock cattle and Mike considers the varying EPDs, market artificial insemination to raise certified trends and consumer demands when Angus beef, Ironpipe Angus is owned determining which bull will produce the and operated by Mike and Crystal Day greatest genetic improvement amongst his Chief, both from the Kainai Nation. The cattle. “We want to raise the best animals ranch is located on the Blood Reserve in we can, he says with obvious pride in the Standoff, Alberta. business he and his wife created. Breeding animals that are typically Despite his lack of experience with this kind registered with a breed association, of ranching, Mike presented IBC with an seedstock cattle have documented intriguing business proposal and secured pedigrees and estimates of genetic merit financing to help with the purchase of such as expected progeny differences equipment and cattle. (EPDs). This increasingly popular While Mike and Crystal acknowledge they method of ranching allows the rancher have faced difficulties starting up their to select the most desirable traits from business, they feel the rewards of producing hundreds of bulls through examination natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef of their pedigrees and EPDs, which far outstrip the rewards of commercial indicate traits such as marbling scores ranching. They look forward to producing for the meat and calf birth weights, high-quality product for years to come. amongst other factors. 35

CLIENT PROFILE Shawn Metchewais “Large companies used to sponsor major rodeo Reita Creek Scoreboards events, providing the scoreboards and other needed equipment for free. However, these companies36 eventually stopped providing these services, which created a huge demand for this type of work.” Once a full-time school teacher, Shawn IBC was impressed with Shawn’s Metchawais was also the owner of a small business and approved him sideline business, Reita Creek Scoreboards, for financing. which he operated during his summers off Shawn’s hard work and ambition from teaching. paid off. His business has grown In 2009, this member of the Cold Lake Cree and today he is a recognized Nation in Treaty 6 Territory decided to focus name in the industry, travelling his energies exclusively on Reita Creek across North America installing Scoreboards. As he explains, “Large companies scoreboards and replay & timing used to sponsor major rodeo events, providing systems for many rodeos shows. the scoreboards and other needed equipment While he occasionally substitute for free. However, these companies eventually teaches, Shawn relishes his stopped providing these services, which work in the rodeo industry. “The created a huge demand for this type of work.” atmosphere working at rodeos Having capitalized on this demand, Shawn is unlike anything else,” he says. approached IBC in 2012 with a plan to purchase “Everyone’s in such a good mood, it more equipment in order to acquire larger makes all the hard work worthwhile.” contracts from an increased number of rodeos.

“I think my background and experience withbull riding and saddle bronc riding is what’s given me the edge on my competition.” 37

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CLIENT PROFILETeresa Black Water “At that time there was a Superette in Standoff.Chey’s International I would go in there every day looking for work. Eventually they got so tired of me coming in, they finally hired me.”Teresa Black Water is the owner and manager With trademark perseverance, Teresa set up general renovations in the storeof Chey’s International, a food market and Chey’s International, located in the Blood Band so the business could continue toconfectionery in Standoff, Alberta. Ask her how Administration Building. In addition to being a thrive. While Teresa acknowledgeslong she has worked in the supermarket industry, small grocery store and confectionery, Chey’s managing the business can beand this member of the Kainai Nation laughs International sells an array of other products, tough, her love of the job andand replies, “All my life!” Since she was a young including Native-inspired clothing and her customers makes the hardgirl, Teresa has worked for supermarkets in and accessories, and offers daily lunch specials. work worthwhile.around the Blood Reserve. Of her beginning A few years ago, in need of financing to doin the industry, she recalls, “At that time there some work on the store, Teresa came towas a Superette in Standoff. I would go in there IBC. Recognizing her determination, IBCevery day looking for work. Eventually they go helped Teresa fund electrical repairs andso tired of me coming in, they finally hired me.” 39

CLIENT PROFILE “This venture is more than a business for me–it’s a way for me to give more to my kids and create Kim Hall better opportunities for us as a family.” Eco Vac The owner of Eco Vac, a family-run as parkades, outdoor malls, and oil40 environmental cleaning company based in sands sites, amongst others. While Fort McMurray, Kim Hall is a member of the still employed as a stock house Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, Explaining how coordinator for the City of Fort her business came about, Kim says, “I’ve lived McMurray’s landfill department, Kim in Fort McMurray for twenty-six years and is excited about her new venture’s worked in the city for the past ten. I got so tired prospects and so is IBC. of hearing others complain about how dirty our city is, so I decided to do something about it.” When Kim came to IBC seeking financing to start her business, IBC was intrigued. With help from IBC, Kim was able to purchase a Madvac truck, a litter collection vehicle capable of vacuuming up large amounts of garbage and debris more quickly than conventional garbage collection methods. Kim has only been in business for a short time, but Eco Vac’s future is promising; few other companies offer this type of large-scale cleaning service. With her Madvac truck, Kim has the capability to clean venues as diverse

CLIENT PROFILE “I’m proud of my heritage; I consider it a blessing to be the person that brings Indigenous peoplesNicole Robertson to the forefront.”Muskwa Productions Nicole Robertson, from the Mathias Colomb In 2007, Nicole approached IBC First Nation, has a diverse background in seeking financing for the purchase media, with 18 years of experience as a of equipment needed to expand reporter, producer and director. Dedicated to her thriving business. Given bringing awareness to Indigenous matters, Muskwa’s track record of success, Nicole owns and operates multimedia IBC did not hesitate to approve communications company Muskwa Nicole’s proposal, funding the Productions & Consulting. Reporting on purchase of additional office and Indigenous issues from an Indigenous video equipment. perspective, Muskwa has created a name for Since working with IBC, Muskwa itself in the industry, and is a go-to resource has become a highly visible for popular television networks such as the multimedia company in the Aboriginal People’s Television Network, CBC, Indigenous community, focused Global, CTV, and others. on public relations and event and video production. The company also offers advisory services, assisting Chiefs and Council members with publicity. 41

OUR FUTURE IS IN PARTNERSHIPS IBC is proud to now be partnered with AltaGas, one of Canada’s major Canadian midstream oil and gas companies and a diversified operator and developer of gas and power infrastructure. Investing in First Nations AltaGas has for many years recognized the importance of providing financial support to assist First Nations in promoting and achieving social and business objectives and goals. In 2014, through their First Nations Development Fund, AltaGas provided IBC with an interest free loan of $500,000. This loan has enhanced IBC’s ability to finance viable aboriginal businesses leading to the creation and growth of more sources of revenue for First Nations communities. In addition, the agreement has enabled IBC to leverage funds leading to further assistance of more entrepreneurs. A Very Promising Alliance By combining funds from AltaGas and IBC, IBC was able to leverage an added $100,000 in grant funds to help finance three new clients. In commenting on the new relationship David Cornhill, Chairman and CEO of AltaGas stated that “AltaGas is always seeking new opportunities to create sustainable social value”. IBC is equally excited about the new relationship as few Aboriginal financial institutions have secured such confidence and trust from such a recognized and successful company. This partnership demonstrates that AltaGas is a leader and social innovator in advancing opportunities for First Nations entrepreneurs.42

OUR FUTURE IS IN PARTNERSHIPS Siksika Nation/IBC Business Venture The Siksika Nation, Indian Business Corporation (IBC) along with the Province of Alberta is pleased to announce its partnership to improve and invest into Siksika Nation’s entrepreneurs, social wealth & development, business and community. The Siksika Nation is contributing 2 million dollars towards a fund that will assist Siksika members seeking to build or grow their small businesses. The Province of Alberta is contributing $700,000, making the total fund of 2.7 million dollars available for Siksika Nation members. With more than 27 years of experience, IBC is a developmental lending body that will provide its expertise in the administration of the financial resources on behalf of the Siksika Nation. IBC is owned by First Nations of Alberta, and so much of their success is as a result of their deep cultural knowledge and understanding.In 2015, IBC partnered up with theSiksika Nation and the Provinceof Alberta to create a fund thatwould go towards improvingaccess to capital for the Peopleof the Siksika Nation. 43

CONTACTRob RollingsonGeneral [email protected] K. GladueLoans [email protected] WitbeckLoans [email protected] us at indianbc.caAcknowledgementThanks to Adrienne Pritchard forhelping IBC develop this book.Calgary, AB (Head Office) Edmonton, AB Standoff, AB#56, 2333 - 18th Ave NE 11420 - 142 Street Box 264Calgary, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Standoff, AlbertaT2E 8T6 T5M 1V1 T0L 1Y0Tel: (403) 291-5151 Toll Free: 1 (800) 387-4813 Tel: (403) 737-8120Toll Free: 1 (800) 387-4813