b'BUSINESS FUTUREAs co-founders, Pitura and Bernard areBy telling the stories behind each committed to normalizing Indigenousdesign and ensuring that Indigenous design and fostering a deeper appre- voices are properly represented and ciation for Indigenous culture throughrespected, MINI TIPI is reclaiming space fashion. The inception of MINI TIPI wasfor Indigenous fashion in the mainstream not a conventional one but arose from amarket. Authenticity is key. People want keen sense of opportunity, Pitura reflects.to know who theyre buying from and We wanted to normalize Indigenouswhether theyre properly supporting design and provide people with thethe culture, Pitura explains. Protecting opportunity to buy [something] whileIndigenous intellectual property rights appreciating culture with confidence. is an important part of this.At the heart of MINI TIPIs mission is theAs MINI TIPI continues to grow and concept of circular giving, where eachexpand its reach, Pitura remains focused purchase made at the company supportson the companys core values of cultural Indigenous artists and community initia- appreciation,communityinvolve-ment and environmental sustainability. tives. Circular giving is more than justThrough her leadership, she is not only financial currency; its about creatingredefiningIndigenousfashionbut social currency and meaningful connec- inspiring a new generation of entrepre-tions, Pitura explains.neurs to prioritize Indigenous values in their business endeavours. With MINI TIPIVictoria LaBillois: a Migmaq entrepreneur who has By collaborating with Indigenous artistsleading the way, the future of Indigenoussucceeded in a male-dominated fieldand artisans, MINI TIPI ensures that theirfashion looks bright and promises a more designs are not only beautiful but alsoinclusive and culturally vibrant industrytraditionallymale-dominatedfield. culturally significant, creating productsfor years to come. Her innovative approach to entrepre-that people can connect with on a deeperneurship has also earned her recogni-level. Pitura emphasizes the importanceVICTORIA LABILLOIStion as a trailblazer in the Indigenous of adopting Indigenous business prac- Collaborative defiance in business landscape.tices and values as well. By prioritizingIndigenous entrepreneurshipcommunity involvement, sustainabilityVictoria LaBillois, a Mikmaq entrepre- What is most amazing about LaBillois and cultural authenticity, MINI TIPI sets aneur from Quebec, has emerged asis that she has succeeded in building positive example for the fashion industrya symbol of success in the provincestwo successful companies while also as a whole, inspiring other companies toconstruction industry. As the owner offocusing on empowering Indigenous follow suit. We need to move forwardWejipeg Excavation and co-owner ofcommunities and fostering collabo-for all companies to adopt IndigenousWejuseg Construction, LaBillois hasration on a broader scale. It has not values in business practice, particularlysucceeded not only as an astute busi- just been about maximizing her own generosity, Pitura says.ness owner but also as a woman in abusiness profits. In her view, there is Highway 11 & Vye Road Overpass Design-Build Project, Abbotsford BC building a safe road homewww.bablacktop.com Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT 119'