Please Click Here to To Apply Applications are open to all registered members of the Tŝilhqot'in Nation community. The application Deadline is December 21st 2025, at 5pm (or until program is filled). There are only 30 spots available. After your application is received, we will contact you between December 8th & Jan 1st to provide your letter of acceptance. Full Program Details Below:    Where: In-Person , Tŝilhqot’in National Government - Lakeside Office. 1729 S Lakeside Dr, Williams Lake, BC V2G 3A9 When/Class Schedule: 10 classes, 11:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time), on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, with a Friday added on January 30th. Dates:  January 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th, 2026. What:  Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 4,000 Indigenous Canadian participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income, others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them get the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs |  Technology to enhance your business |  Polishing Your Idea |  Building Your Business Plan |  Marketing |  Financing and Tax |  Assessing Your Idea |  Market Research |  Operations Strategy |  Operating Challenges |  E-business: "How to make sales online" |  Financial Literacy |  BEST Business Technology for You |  Hiring the BEST |  Basic Bookkeeping |  Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching |  Ongoing mentoring |  Help to start and grow your business |  Canadian Indigenous guest speakers Your completed registration will be kept in strict confidence. For more information or if you require assistance completing the application, please contact: Leah Worthington : TNG Entrepreneurial Coordinator  | Office: 250 392 3918  | Email:  lworthington@tsilhqotin.ca

Jori Hunter Cree Couture Website: https://www.creecouture.com/ Jori Hunter, the creative force and owner behind the Indigenous fashion studio Cree Couture, is masterfully stitching together cultural heritage and contemporary style. Her brand specializes in upscale, handcrafted custom apparel where every thread tells a story of tradition, empowerment, and elegance. Cree Couture offers a stunning range of designs for both men and women, tailored for any occasion, from sacred ceremonies to vibrant celebrations. The studio produces an array of stylish creations including Indigenous-designed ties, ribbon shirts, skirts, vests, and pants in all sizes. Beyond apparel, Jori also crafts essential cultural items like feast kits and sacred star mats, infusing each piece with the rich artistry of Indigenous design. "Creating wearable art rooted in tradition is more than fashion—it's storytelling, empowerment, and culture," says Hunter, a quote that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of her work. Each piece is carefully sewn, joining deep cultural significance with a couture-level of quality and style. With shipping available across Canada, Jori’s evocative creations are connecting communities from coast-to-coast. A lifelong developing entrepreneur, Jori is deeply committed to honing her skills. In 2024, she graduated with honors from the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship's (CCAE) rigorous Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program. That same year, she became a member of the Native Canadian Toastmaster club, where she has already distinguished herself as one of its most dedicated members, committed to finding and refining her voice. Jori's drive and dedication are truly remarkable. A "double time entrepreneur," she balances the demands of running Cree Couture with a full-time role at EmployAbilities Alberta. In this position, she works to ensure that individuals facing barriers can find the support and guidance needed to obtain meaningful employment and enrich their workplace cultures. Through her art, her continuous learning, and her professional dedication, Jori Hunter is a powerful example of a modern Indigenous entrepreneur. With Cree Couture, she is not just designing clothes; she is crafting a narrative of resilience, beauty, and cultural pride for all to see. Of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship CCAE Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training BEST Program, Jori says,“The work completed around creating my business showed me that I needed to change my name (Cool CreeAtions) to stand out. I like the new name of my business. Cree Couture”.

These appendices are not part of the in-class CCAE training but are included for future use.

Deb Enoch iBead with Deb E Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ibeadwithdebe/home For Deb Enoch, the founder of "I Bead With Deb E," beading isn't just a craft; it's a lifelong connection to her heritage and family. With skills passed down from her mother and grandmother, Deb has been creating intricate beadwork since she was a young girl. Today, this deep-rooted tradition forms the heart of her business, where she masterfully combines beadwork and leatherwork to create stunning, culturally rich pieces. Deb's ancestry is Northern Tutchone and Upper Tanana, and she is a proud member of the White River First Nation. Her early years were spent in Snag with her adopted parents, Jimmy and Lena Enoch, before moving to Burwash Landing for elementary school. It was here, constantly surrounded by her mother, grandmother, aunts, and other women in the community sewing, that the seeds of her artistry were sown. These formative experiences instilled in her a profound appreciation for traditional crafts. Now residing in Whitehorse, Deb embraced her passion for sewing and beadwork with renewed vigor after retiring from Northwestel in 2021. This new chapter saw her join the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre sewing group, a vibrant community where she has collaborated on significant projects. Her contributions include crafting the Yukon Quest Dog Blanket, a podium banner for the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Yukon Quest patches, and, most recently, the "Northern Winter Traditions" banner. These projects not only showcase her skill but also her commitment to community and cultural expression. The decision to formalize her passion into a business came after participating in the Aboriginal Business Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, which she attended via Zoom. This training equipped her with the necessary skills to launch "I Bead With Deb E." Her business embodies the philosophy of "loving and learning traditional beading, one bead at a time." Deb’s creations beautifully merge traditional practices with modern imagery. She skillfully works with a variety of hides to craft moccasins, a testament to her diverse talents in leatherwork. Her repertoire extends to exquisite earrings and other unique items, each piece reflecting her dedication and the rich cultural narrative of her people. Through "I Bead With Deb E," Deb Enoch not only creates beautiful, wearable art but also carries forward a precious legacy. Her work is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous artistry, a bridge between generations, and an inspiring example of how lifelong passion can blossom into a meaningful entrepreneurial journey. Of the BEST program, Deb says, “Taking this program has helped me learn the steps for creating a business. Along the way, I have met wonderful people across Canada and one in Mexico! If I ever travel in their city or town I would love to go for coffee with them. Taking this program has helped me learn the steps for creating a business. Along the way, I have met wonderful people across Canada and one in Mexico! If I ever travel in their city or town I would love to go for coffee with them. The CCAE team work wonderfully together and are able to help us with our questions. I will recommend this program to family and friends who are looking to start their own business."

Please Click Here to To Apply Applications are open to all registered members of the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, their direct family and neighboring communities. The applications are open until the program is filled. There are only 25 spots available. After your application is received, we will contact you by email within 1 business days to provide your letter of acceptance.     Where: IN-PERSON at the   Nadleh Whut'en Administrative Offices. 1416 Nautley Rd, Fort Fraser, BC V0J 1S0 When: Class Schedule: For 3 weeks, over 9 classes on Wednesday Oct 1st, Thursday Oct 2nd, Friday Oct 3rd, Tuesday Oct 7th, Wednesday Oct 8th, Thursday Oct 9th, Tuesday Oct 14th, Wednesday Oct 15th, Thursday Oct 16th 11:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. October 1st - 16th 2025. (Pacific Standard Time). Your completed registration will be kept in strict confidence. For more information, please contact:  CCAE - ccaecanada@gmail.com | 226-243-5635 Or Jason Alexis - Education Manager Nadleh Whut’en First Nation |  jalexis@nadleh.ca  | (250) 690-7211 Ext. 106 What:  Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 4,000 Indigenous Canadian participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income, others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them get the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs |  Technology to enhance your business |  Polishing Your Idea |  Building Your Business Plan |  Marketing |  Financing and Tax |  Assessing Your Idea |  Market Research |  Operations Strategy |  Operating Challenges |  E-business: "How to make sales online" |  Financial Literacy |  BEST Business Technology for You |  Hiring the BEST |  Basic Bookkeeping |  Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching |  Ongoing mentoring |  Help to start and grow your business |  Canadian Indigenous guest speakers Your completed registration will be kept in strict confidence.

Please Click Here to To Apply Applications are open to all registered members of the Onion Lake Cree Nation community and their direct family. The application Deadline is September 21 2025, at 5pm (or until program is filled).  There are only 40 spots available. After you've received your application, we'll reach out to you by email within 10 business days to give you the Info & Enrollment Confirmation Session registration booking link. These Info Sessions will take place virtually via zoom on Monday September 22nd, Tuesday the 23rd & Wednesday the 24th, at 12:00 p.m. To 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time) Virtually Via Zoom. Please Note: attendance of these sessions is required to confirm your enrollment, shipping details for your curriculum martials, receive your letter of acceptance and give you the chance to meet your course instructors, to get a small taste of the program experience so you can ensure this is the best program to help you achieve your goals.  Full Program Details Below:    Where: Hybrid  Online Via Zoom and Optionally In-Person at the   Onion Lake Cree Nation Community Centre. (Address Seekaskootch I R, Onion Lake, SK S0M 2E0 ) When:   Class Schedule: For 3 weeks, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, October 20th to November 5th, 2025, 10:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.   (Mountain Time).  Your completed registration will be kept in strict confidence. For more information or if you require assistance completing the application, please contact:  Lydia Lewis - ETC Coordinator| lydia.lewis@onionlake.ca | (780) 522-9082 What:  Aboriginal BEST (Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training) is the only entrepreneurship program of its kind in Canada for over 25 years! The BEST Program has helped over 4,000 Indigenous Canadian participants start successful new businesses and achieve greater levels of professional, personal and entrepreneurial success! BEST benefits people in all stages of business development who want to turn their dreams into a reality. Some people are looking for a part-time business to increase their income, others have a big idea and need access to tools to make it work, and some are eager to write a plan that will help them get the funding they need to grow their venture. TOPICS INCLUDE: 101 Business Ideas for Indigenous Entrepreneurs |  Technology to enhance your business |  Polishing Your Idea |  Building Your Business Plan |  Marketing |  Financing and Tax |  Assessing Your Idea |  Market Research |  Operations Strategy |  Operating Challenges |  E-business: "How to make sales online" |  Financial Literacy |  BEST Business Technology for You |  Hiring the BEST |  Basic Bookkeeping |  Funding & Sales Presentations PROGRAM INCLUDES: Business coaching |  Ongoing mentoring |  Help to start and grow your business |  Canadian Indigenous guest speakers

Please Click Here to To Apply Applications are open to all Canadian First Nations, Inuit, or Métis ages 16+    Where: Online via Zoom When: Program Start October 27th! 28 weeks. IFA IndigiTECH Programs support Canadian First Nations, Inuit, or Métis learners interested in technology, Business and Marketing, mentorship, and future career pathways. CCAE Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) Program

Joseph Sagaj Artist Website: https://sites.google.com/view/joseph-sagaj-indigenous-artist From the remote community of Neskantaga to the bustling heart of Canada's largest city, Joseph Sagaj has forged a remarkable career, transforming public spaces into profound canvases for Indigenous storytelling. A distinguished artist and dedicated community pillar, this Anishinaabe Artist of the Sturgeon Clan has dedicated his life not only to sharing his heritage through internationally recognized art but also to lifting up those around him. Educated at the Ontario College of Art & Design, where he graduated in 1985, Joseph has been a powerful voice in the national artistic landscape. His talent for conveying deep cultural concepts was recognized early. In 1992, his work was chosen as the logo for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), setting the stage for decades of influential commissions, including INAC's 2005/06 "Thirteen Moons" planner and the 2017 "Seven Teachings and Seven Stages of Life" paintings for Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General. His work grew in scale and scope, as seen in his 2018 commission: a monumental 30-foot diameter floor installation at Seneca College's Centre for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, which masterfully integrates Inuit, Métis, and First Nations symbolism. On September 28, 2022, Joseph’s work reached an unprecedented level of public visibility. The City of Toronto unveiled “Rekindle”, his design for the new wraparound on the iconic Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square. Created for UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages, “Rekindle” is a vibrant declaration of how languages are vital to identity, voice, and expression. With the sign attracting up to 1.8 million visitors annually, Joseph ‘s design has been viewed by an estimated 4.5 million people to date, making him one of the most famous living Canadian Indigenous Artist in history. Yet, beyond these monumental artistic achievements lies a deep commitment to community service. Joseph is a dedicated servant to the Toronto Indigenous community. As a two-time graduate of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship (CCAE) Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) program, he has consistently given back, regularly serving as a mentor and inspiring guest speaker for new cohorts since 2020. His leadership extends further. In 2019, he became a founding member of the Native Canadian Toastmaster club and has remained one of its most dedicated members, helping others find their voice. He also regularly volunteers as an instructor for youth art programs and is an active leader in several other local community groups. Through a lifetime of dedicated and heartfelt work, Joseph Sagaj has honored his Anishinaabe ancestry on the grandest stages while simultaneously strengthening its roots at the community level. He is a master artist whose work educates millions and a tireless mentor whose guidance shapes the next generation of Indigenous leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs. Currently, Joseph is leading a donations drive for art supplies, art literature, and sports equipment to support the underserved youth of his home community Neskantaga. Joseph and the YMCA have just unveiled a new temporary installation 238 Queen Street West YMCA location, on display until September 2025. Of the BEST program, Joseph writes ”I have known the facilitator Zechariah since he started at the CCAE in 2017. During this time, I Completed two Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training (BEST) programs And I’ve been a regular participant in Toastmasters. I have also been involved in all the Indigenous Artisan Marketplace arts and crafts shows hosted by Zechariah and I’ve found him to be of strong values, having deep respect for people and for good relations in a personal level which is integral to First Nations traditions.”

Chrystal Tabobandung RAISE Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Competency Training Website: https://www.raise-indigenous-cultural-training.com/ Chrystal Tabobandung is confronting history head-on. As the founder of the award-winning Indigenous business, RAISE (Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Competency Training), she is creating vital spaces for dialogue, education, and understanding, driven by a powerful blend of academic knowledge and profound lived experience. A proud Anishnabekwe of the Ojibway tribe from Wasauksing First Nation, Chrystal’s path has been one of dedicated learning and advocacy. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in First Nations Studies and holds an Associate Arts Degree in Indigenous Government Studies from the Institute of Indigenous Government. This formal education, combined with her personal journey and volunteer work in First Nations communities, has empowered her to be a thoughtful and effective advocate for her people. The inspiration for RAISE came after she graduated from university and had an overwhelming realization: most people were only encountering Indigenous history and culture at a post-secondary level, if at all. As she connected with various businesses and organizations, she saw a significant and growing need for authentic cultural awareness training. "Organizations are becoming aware that they are on Indigenous territory," she notes, "and feel that it is imperative to educate their workers about the land they occupy." RAISE was born from this need, offering workshops designed to help companies and individuals increase their knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen the skills of those working with Indigenous peoples. Chrystal is clear that her training is unique. "What you'll get in my workshops is my personal lived experience of how colonialism and genocide affected me, my people, and my community," she explains. "As an Indigenous woman (Anishnabe kwe of the Ojibway tribe), I am greatly impacted by all of the issues that I am sharing with you." Her workshops courageously delve into the historical effects of colonization, focusing on critical topics like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit individuals (MMIWGT2S), assimilation, and decolonization. Chrystal knows she is dealing with uncomfortable topics, but she firmly believes it is a truth that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people must confront together. Chrystal Tabobandung's work with RAISE is a powerful act of truth-telling. She understands that Indigenous peoples have lived in the shadows for far too long. With courage and conviction, she is stepping into the light, ensuring that this generation and the next have the strength to do the same. “It’s now time that we tell our story from our perspective,” she asserts, “so that it gives the next generation that same ability, strength, and courage to do the same.” Of the Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Entrepreneurship CCAE Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training BEST Program, Chrystal says “CCAE’s instructor Zechariah is a highly astute business and marketing consultant; the vast knowledge he has and brings to the table is a benefit to anyone looking for a public speaker, business and/or marketing consultant. I would absolutely recommend Zechariah.”

Essence Wandering Spirit The Essence of Spirit Visit Website Website: https://theessenceofspirit.ca Essence Wandering Spirit, owner of The Essence of Spirit, is dedicated to healing, empowerment, and self-love. Drawing from her Indigenous Cree-Dene and Latina heritage, she offers a unique, trauma-informed, and holistic approach. As a social work student, she blends ancestral wisdom, feminine embodiment, and self-worth coaching to guide women towards their most radiant and abundant selves. Deeply rooted in the traditions of her ancestors, Wandering Spirit creates safe and nurturing spaces for women to reconnect with their spirit, embrace their softness, and release limiting patterns. Her upcoming offerings include "Returning to Ourselves: An Inner Child Healing Journey Workshop," an Indigenous feminist workshop focused on intergenerational healing and cultural reclamation. She also provides personalized one-on-one self-love coaching, designed to empower women to embody deep self-worth and confidence. These sessions incorporate mindset work, feminine energy embodiment, and ancestral spiritual connection, providing practical tools and rituals for daily life. Additionally, Wandering Spirit offers one-hour tarot card readings, tapping into her ancestors and spirit guides to provide intuitive guidance on matters of love, career, and personal growth, creating a sacred space for clarity and healing. As an Indigenous youth in the CCAE Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training  (BEST) program, Essence writes “The BEST program has been a truly transformative experience for me as an entrepreneur. It didn’t just provide business knowledge—it gave me the confidence, tools, and support to bring my vision for The Essence of Spirit to life. Through the program, I gained invaluable insights into financial planning, business development, and the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. But beyond that, it reinforced the importance of leading with purpose, cultural connection, and integrity. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the mentorship I received from Zechariah. Through one-on-one coaching, he helped me refine my ideas, strategize my next steps, and even supported me in building my website. His guidance made me feel like my dreams were not only possible but fully within reach. Before BEST, I had always wanted to create something deeply rooted in healing, empowerment, and self-love—but I didn’t know where to start. This program provided the direction, encouragement, and skills I needed to make it a reality. BEST didn’t just teach me how to build a business—it helped me build something that aligns with my values and allows me to uplift others. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, the community, and the opportunities this program has provided.”