Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners

SIEF chose two companies to win the annual Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for 2021.

The two winners – Anytime Fitness and 3R Innovative Imaging – are First Nation entities that exemplify forward movement and involvement to create sustainable economic development for First Nations of Saskatchewan.

The winners were presented an award and recognized at the SIEF’s Annual General Meeting on Nov. 19, 2021 at the Dakota Dunes Resort.

About 3R Innovative Imaging

3R Innovative Imaging is part of the Indigenous Youth in Business Initiative at the Almightyvoice Education Centre at One Arrow First Nation. The business has been selling culturally significant artwork created by students since 2019. Joe Taylor is the coordinator who works with the 15 students from grade five to grade 10 who participate in the business.

Two types of art work are produced. The first uses cabinet doors as a base upon which laser engraved designs are mounted. Students add their own touch with paint and contribute to the laser engraved designs that are produced. The second is rearview mirror hangings.

The pandemic forced the students and Taylor to seek out and secure new opportunities, such as forming relationships with retail locations across Saskatchewan to sell the artwork. Safe ways for the students to continue to produce the work also needed to be figured out while the school was closed. That plan had to be approved by the chief and council of One Arrow First Nation, which funds the Indigenous Youth in Business Initiative and Taylor’s position.

Through this business, the students are learning the basics of business, including expenses and profits, marketing, sales skills and more. It is also creating opportunities for the students to interact with a broader range of professionals, learn skills and gain knowledge they can rely on later in life.

The business is growing as it is recognized by national institutions, including Pow Wow Pitch, a competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs of all ages and types across Turtle Island and Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Virtual Art Market organized by members of the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre.