SASKATOON — Trent Billette is passionate about helping Indigenous entrepreneurs avail themselves of the needed exposure to make their businesses known and develop them for their economic benefit and their respective communities. This is why he founded Indigpreneur, a company that could help make Indigenous entrepreneurs like him succeed in their chosen fields.
Billette told SaskToday that one of his goals is to promote ecotourism in Northern Saskatchewan. This industry has the potential to grow, and Billette wants to improve basic infrastructure for business development, such as reliable internet connections. This would attract adventurers, nature lovers, and thrill seekers.
“I recognized a critical gap in support for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northern communities, particularly in the ecotourism sector. Our mission is to empower Indigenous business owners who have historically faced limited resources and opportunities in these remote regions,” said Billette, who is from the Buffalo River Dene Nation.
“Our vision is unique because we're seeking to break away from traditional funding models that often don't serve our communities effectively. Within Treaty 10 Territory, we've witnessed how conventional approaches and systemic corruption have hindered genuine Indigenous-led development.”
He added it is time for a new approach that puts control directly in the hands of Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities like the Buffalo River Dene Nation.
“Our community [Buffalo River Dene Nation] has incredible potential, with our territory spanning 8,259.70 hectares of pristine boreal forest, freshwater rivers and rich cultural heritage. We're developing authentic ecotourism experiences that showcase our Denesuline traditions. Still, we need supporters and funders who understand and respect our vision of doing things our way, by us and for us,” said Billette.
They are currently looking for partners to help fund their projects. Still, supporters must understand the importance of their Indigenous-led initiatives, be willing to support their vision without imposing colonial structures, recognize the value of building from within their communities, and share their commitment to transparency and ethical development.
“I'm reaching out to those who want to be part of positive change in Northern Saskatchewan. If you believe in supporting genuine Indigenous-led economic development and want to help create sustainable opportunities that benefit our communities directly, I encourage you to connect with me. Together, we can create a new model of Indigenous tourism that truly serves our people while responsibly sharing our culture and lands,” said Billette.
“This isn't just about tourism; it's about creating lasting change and showing that there's a better way to support Indigenous entrepreneurship. We need people and organizations willing to stand with us as we build something new that represents our values and vision for the future. Please reach out if you're interested in supporting this mission or learning more about how you can help. It's time for real change, and that change starts with having the right people at the table who understand and support our vision.”
