Mikwam Makwa Ikwe (Ice Bear Woman): Indigenous Women in Trades

ABM is excited to announce our Without Borders series in partnership with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.

The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) is designed to address the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs across regions and across sectors. Led by Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, in collaboration with Ryerson’s Brookfield Institute for Innovation, they enhance the capacity of women entrepreneurs and the organizations who serve them by linking them to resources and best practices from across the country.

On August 25, 2020 led by Ashley Richard, Lead for Indigenous Partnership Development and Outreach, WEKH took part in a traditional pipe ceremony where the name Mikwam Makwa Ikwe was given to WEKH by Elder Margaret Lavallee of Sagkeeng First Nation.

Mikwam Makwa Ikwe is Anishinaabe for Ice Bear Woman. The polar bear is a symbol of courage. She is strength. She is a protector. Her Spirit is always within and alongside all Indigenous woman entrepreneurs throughout their journeys.

Mikwam Makwa Ikwe: Indigenous Women in Trades

For decades, trades training has been promoted to Indigenous women as a way to participate in the economic activity of their territories.

If you are an Indigenous woman interested in opening a business or scaling up in the male-dominated world of trades, firstly, we salute you! Secondly, you should attend this event!

ABM and WEKH are collaborating to bring you resources, partners, and customers to help you get started and or to generate growth. Tell us what you need and we will help you get it!