As the development officer for Indigenous women entrepreneurs my role is to identify the specific needs of Indigenous women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick. By creating and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, I am available to provide advice and consultation services to Indigenous women in business in various regions of NB and/or by area of expertise. I can help create business start-up plans, facilitate individual growth plans, refer clients to appropriate financial and/or appropriate partners, determine and coordinate any training needs indigenous women in business may require. I have created and maintained a network of Indigenous business women that is built on strengthening the relationships between talented, knowledgeable, resourceful and supportive Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs though hosting monthly WBNB Online Mawiomi’s, Indigeconomics Workshops, Wabanaki Women Rising Series and through the creation of the platform Nujintuisga’tijig E’pijig.
About
Natasha Martin-Mitchell was born and raised in Listuguj First Nation and currently resides in Fredericton New Brunswick with her husband and two children. Natasha has over twenty years’ experience collaborating, engaging and consulting with Indigenous Peoples. She brings a wealth of expertise in the areas of program and service delivery, as well as project management and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and passion with Indigenous women entrepreneurs. Natasha has established and maintained lasting partnerships with national Indigenous organizations. She has liaised with all levels of government in her previous positions to ensure Indian residential schools survivors, their families and communities received funding for essential programs and services.
Goals
The DO for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs has two main goals:
- To be the direct link between Indigenous women entrepreneurs and Women in Business NB.
- To empower Indigenous women entrepreneurs in a safe, collaborative and culturally supportive environment.
Indigeconomics Workshops
In order to break down the barriers Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs face we have created a variety of grass roots workshops that address issues such as financial literacy, lack of confidence, lack of access to programs that will help them advance their businesses to the next level. By collaborating and creating partnerships and creating custom-tailored programs to enhance their skills.
Wabanaki Women Rising Series
New Brunswick is the traditional territory of the Mi’gmaq, Wolastoqey and Passamaquoddy peoples, they are three of the five nations that form the Wabanaki Confederacy. Wabanaki means the process of dawn breaking. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs face a multitude of challenges when it comes to owning their own business due to the many challenges that are placed in front of them. Wabanaki Women Rising Series was created to empower women and address issues they face and help them achieve success in the awakening of their entrepreneurial spirits.
WBNB Online Mawiomi
WBNB’s Online Mawiomi is a monthly opportunity to join an online network of Indigenous women entrepreneurs across New Brunswick. The goal of WBNB's Online Mawiomi is to connect Indigenous women entrepreneurs, encourage collaborations and improve business skills through sharing in a safe, collaborative and culturally sensitive environment. Each session is one hour and includes a welcome message, opening prayer, introductions, a facilitated discussion on recent news or trends in the business world and closing prayer.
Nujintuisga’tijig E’pijig Website
WBNB is pleased to create an online platform exclusive to Indigenous women entrepreneurs living in New Brunswick where they can promote and sell their crafts. Prior to COVID-19, these women sold their products at local powwows across the province. With the mass cancellation of these gatherings, their place of social enterprise and trade stopped. With the creation of this website they are not only selling their products in New Brunswick, but all over the country.
Contact
Natasha Martin-Mitchell
Development Officer for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs, Women in Business New Brunswick
Natasha.martin-mitchell@wbnb-fanb.ca
Phone: (506) 444-5650, Ext. 123
Thank you to Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for helping us pursue our efforts in helping Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs by creating new success stories together.