Boozhoo, members.
The recent and gruesome Kamloops discovery has been a raw reminder of the devastating impacts of colonialism on our communities, both historically and up to the present day. It has challenged our will to celebrate anything during this Indigenous History month and we anticipate further grief ahead as a much overdue investigation of Residential School sites is properly undertaken. We at the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association hope your families and communities find ways to come together in comfort and support, and to also share hope for a better future built on our continued strength and resilience through which we have endured to this day.
The ABPA was founded on principles of advocacy, inclusion, opportunity, and growth. We know that Indigenous business and Indigenous organizations are growing and thriving, and we know that the following years are going to bring increasing opportunities in equity ownership and economic leadership in our territories. We believe this is worth celebrating, and that we aren’t the only ones looking for news about our communities that is inspirational.
We invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 22nd to hear the voices and celebrate the success of Indigenous entrepreneurs and industry leaders. At our Blueprints for Economic Empowerment, we’ll be discussing the importance of sustainable development, entrepreneurship, community ownership, and meaningful partnership that can be a blueprint for communities and organizations to model for future development and prosperity. You can read more about this event in the newsletter below, and register at www.abpa.live/p2ip2.
We wish all our members, Indigenous and ally, that your families and communities enjoy this weekend’s Niibin (Summer) Solstice.
Chi-Miigwetch,

Jason