Scoles Fine Arts & Framing (Saskatoon) – Ernie Scoles/Owner
Ernie expresses his Cree heritage and his love for nature through his artwork. Ernie encourages aboriginal people, particularly youth, to follow their dreams, “There are many tools and resources, such as those offered by SIEF, to help you along an exciting and rewarding journey into the world of business if you have the ideas, drive and tenacity”.
McKenn Contracting – Ken Atcheynum/Owner
Ken is a youth entrepreneur and member of Sweetgrass First Nation. As far back as he could remember he was always outdoors and working with the earth; as a child playing with dirt or as his first job working in landscaping and earth moving. Ken pointed out that SIEF played a critical role in start-up financing of his business dream and advisory services in planning and expansion.
Complete Mixed Martial Arts (Regina) – Anthony Scales/Owner & Head Instructor
Anthony (AJ) is a Gordon First Nation member. When asked what advice he would give to other Aboriginal youth thinking of starting up a business, he said “seek advice from other business owners, do a business plan, and take it slow and don’t rush things”. AJ searched for an Aboriginal Financial Institution to assist him with the purchase of gym equipment, renovations and a website and found SIEF.
Phoenix Dry Cleaning Inc. (Saskatoon) – Graham and Irma Murdock/Owners
Phoenix Dry Cleaning opened its doors for business on August 1, 2001. It is located on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation’s urban reserve and is 100% owned by Graham and Irma Murdock, members of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
