b'MEMBER TRIBUTEentrepreneurs may have. Finding a solu-A Drivingtion to this funding gap is essential for empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs to develop and expand their businesses. Force Having worked for over 40 years in Indigenous administration, Odjick has witnessed progress in the education By Bryan Hansen and development of Indigenous com-munities through organizations such as NACCA. The movement towards Paying tribute to fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and providing essential support has resulted long-serving networkin numerous successful Indigenous ven-tures, contributing to the advancement member Leonard Odjick of Indigenous economic prosperity.F or over four decades, Leonardinterests of Indigenous entrepreneursStressing the importance of financial Odjick has been a driving forceacross Canada through his involvementresponsibility, Odjick highlights the behind Indigenous entrepreneur- with NACCAs Aboriginal Entrepreneur- ongoing need for organizations to over-ship and community development,ship Program (AEP) Committee. Assee fund allocation and ensure respon-earning distinction as a prominentan Elder of his community, he inspiressible spending. This approach ensures member of the NACCA network. others to embrace their cultural identityresources effectively benefit Indigenous A proud member and respected Elderwhile thriving in the modern world,communities. Through organizations like of the Algonquin community of Kitiganhighlighting the profound connectionSOCCA, Indigenous entrepreneurs can Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA) in Quebec,to his Algonquin heritage. His com- access funds to invest in their ventures, Odjicks journey is a testament to mitment to community advancementand the success of these investments his commitment to uplifting is evident in his roles on the Board ofis evident as they continue to grow with Indigenous businesses and Directors for the First Nations Finan- every reinvestment. empowering communities.cial Management Board (FNFMB), theWe have to find ways to obtain capi-Odjick has held roles such as Chief ofNative Commercial Credit Corporation/ tal and cannot always depend on the Police of Kitigan Zibi and AmerindianSocit de crdit commercial autoch- government, Odjick says. Where relying Police, Executive Director of KZA andthone (SOCCA) and the Aboriginal Sav- solely on government funding perpetuates ings Corporation of Canada (ABSCAN). Executive Director of the AlgonquinThese engagements underscore hisa sense of dependence, he underlines the Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council, rep- determination to shape policies thatneed for Indigenous entrepreneurs to seek resenting nine Algonquin communities.bolster economic stability and financialalternative avenues to foster sovereignty, Additionally, his role as Co-Manager forsovereignty for Indigenous Peoples.such as investors, partnerships andthe Department of Indian Affairs andMy proudest accomplishment for mybusiness collaborations.Northern Development Canada (DIANDbusiness life is being chosen [to work]Odjick advocates for honouring the wis- now Crown-Indigenous Relationson a national basis, both for NACCAdom of Elders and recognizing their cru-and Northern Affairs Canada) and hisand FNFMB, says Odjick.cial role in guiding and teaching younger contributions as a board member of thegenerations, both culturally and for Native Benefits Plan have been instru- Odjick shows exceptional leadership mental in addressing critical issues andand dedication to advancing Indig- business development. By tapping into advocating for the positive develop- enous economic prosperity on athis vast reservoir of wisdom, he says, ment of Indigenous communities.nationwide scale. When asked aboutIndigenous communities strengthen the challenges he has faced acrosstheir foundation and pave the way for As the youngest in a family of sevenhis many roles, Odjick emphasizes thefuture success.children, Odjick faced unique chal- significance of education and busi- Looking ahead, Odjick remains opti-lenges, including the responsibility ofness development within Indigenousmistic about the progress made by caring for his mother, who sufferedcommunities. NACCA has been aorganizations like NACCA and FNFMB, severe burns and spent five years inleading force in stressing the impor- envisioning a brighter future for Indig-the hospital. Despite these adversities,tance of Indigenous entrepreneurs andenous communities. He encourages Odjicks determination led him on athe ongoing support necessary for theircollaboration and consultation among path of self-education, symbolizing thesuccess. Every successful IndigenousIndigenous organizations, stating the resilience ingrained in Indigenous cul- business is a feather in my bonnet,need for strong leadership to navigate ture. A steadfast advocate for his com- Odjick proudly states.challenges and seize opportunities. munitys well-being, Odjick embodiesOn challenges that still require moreOdjick continues to inspire others with the cherished Indigenous value ofattention, Odjick points to the crucialhis unyielding commitment to fostering caring for Elders. Taking care of familyissue of access to funds for Indige- sustainable and thriving Indigenous is in our culture, and thats amongstnous entrepreneurs. The restrictionseconomies. With his invaluable contri-the proudest accomplishments of myimposed by the Indian Act preventbutions and steadfast advocacy, Odjick personal life, he remarks. Indigenous individuals from mortgagingstands at the forefront of a brighter and Beyond his personal triumphs, Odjicktheir homes or accessing traditionalmore prosperous future for Indigenous plays a vital role in advancing theavenues of capital that non-Indigenouscommunities across Canada.12INDIGENOUS PROSPERITYIssue #2, 2023'