Annual Event Fuels Indigenous Business growth

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Tokata HR Solutions proudly contributes to the 92nd Truth and Reconciliation call to action through their 6th annual Indigenous Student and Professionals Networking Event.

Thriving businesses and motivated Indigenous students had the opportunity to foster connections and create opportunities.

“It’s all about relationship building,” said Michelle Brooks Director of Indigenous Hr Strategy for Tokata HR Solutions.

She encourages businesses to engage in the recruitment of Indigenous youth, and to familiarize themselves with their principles.

“It really is a long-term strategy that you need to focus on,” said Brooks. “We need to know that employers are supportive of our communities, and so one of the ways to do that is to bring employers together and teach them about Indigenous awareness.”

Tokata HR solutions is the recruitment division of FHQ Developments. The team strives to connect young professionals and students to employers they feel will align with their values.

Brooks believes the annual event is having an impact because there is a noticeable increase of Indigenous student participants.

“I find that once we get more role models being Indigenous business owners, then that opens the door to Indigenous youth to see themselves in that position as well,” she said.

Embodying the continuation of Indigenous business success, third-year business student at the First Nations University of Canada, Tasmin Petrowsky, sees great value in networking events such as this one.

“It’s a little more informal than a job fair, it’s a lot more interactive,” said Petrowsky. “This is an opportunity to meet people, and not feel as nervous as if it were a job interview. Sometimes it’s an introduction to businesses you didn’t know about prior.

Having already received a diploma in business administration through SIIT, Petrowsky has aimed to highlight Indigenous entrepreneurship.

“There is a need for Indigenous representation in all businesses,” she said. “It’s nice to highlight Indigenous business, because you’re growing local economies and you’re brining wealth back to communities…it’s important to have cultural diversity. When you’re going to be interacting with Indigenous communities, you want to have that representation on both sides.”

Petrowsky encourages motivated students to attend networking events such as this one to seize opportunities for an Indigenous led future.

“Just don’t be scared to put yourself out there. Challenge yourself socially or academically, or with your work.” Said Petrowsky.