SIEF would like to congratulate two of its clients for being recognized as top Indigenous businesses in Canada at the Indigenous Prosperity Forum Gala in Gatineau, Quebec on May 4, 2022.

Both Jacob Sinclair and Jennifer Dubois are members of George Gordon First Nation, which is about 115 km north of Regina. Both operate their businesses in Regina.

Jacob Sinclair, owner and operator of Anytime Fitness, was awarded the COVID-19 Business Resiliency Award. This one-time award was designed to recognize an Indigenous business that has demonstrated a high level of resilience and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Running two gyms during a pandemic – especially ones open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week – meant coping with shutdowns and restrictions and finding ways to navigate through the financial difficulties that resulted. Each time, he has found ways to deal with what he faced. By marketing the business, pursuing options recommended by SIEF and advocating for the business with provincial health officials, the gyms in southeast and northwest Regina have done more than survive. Membership sales have increased by 20 per cent since the beginning of the pandemic.

Jennifer Dubois, founder of Miyosiwin Salon Spa, was honoured with the Indigenous Woman Entrepreneur Award of Excellence. This award recognizes an Indigenous woman entrepreneur who is substantially involved in the day-to-day management and operations of an Indigenous-owned company that has been in business for at least two years. Jennifer has a reputation for integrity and a high level of customer service. The culture of the business reflects that it emphasizes Indigenous wealth creation and community values. Jennifer has an excellent relationship with employees and the wider business and Indigenous community while the business continues to achieve solid employment and profitability as it demonstrates excellence in its field.

Dubois has had her share of adversity running her business. On April 4, 2018, the business next door to hers caught fire, which caused water and smoke damage to her salon. Exactly one year later, the salon held a grand re-opening after renovations were completed to the building it occupies at 434 Broad Street.

Sinclair and Dubois each received a commemorative trophy, a paid trip to the award presentation and $5,000. The event was hosted by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), which is the umbrella organization for a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) across Canada. The Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation (SIEF) is one of those AFIs.

Contact information:

Jacob Sinclair (306) 529-6141

Jennifer Dubois (306) 949-4990

About the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. (SIEF)

SIEF was one of the first Aboriginal financial institutions in Canada to offer developmental lending to First Nation businesses in Saskatchewan.

SIEF offers commercial and agriculture lending and business consulting services and administers lending programs and services. The SIEF office is located in Saskatoon on the Asimakaniseekan Askiy Reserve.

SIEF is owned by the 74 First Nations of Saskatchewan and affiliated with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). SIEF partnered with the TD Bank to create the First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC). SIEF has expanded its existing investment portfolio to generate profit and employment for First Nations people.

SIEF’s goal is to continue to assist in creating jobs and to foster economic growth for First Nations people, because a strong Indigenous business community means financial independence for all First Nations people. SIEF is committed to developing a strong economic base among First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Contact information for SIEF:

Terry Brodziak

General Manager

(306) 955 – 4550

tbrodziak@sief.sk.ca

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