Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference

Chief Clarence Louie

In December 1984 Chief Clarence Louie was elected as the Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, part of the Okanagan Nation in south-central British Columbia. Chief Clarence Louie has consistently emphasized economic development as a means to improve his people’s standard of living. Under his direction (30+ years) the Band has become a multi-faceted corporation that owns and manages nine businesses and employs hundreds of people. The Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation’s initiatives are to manage and provide strategic direction to the existing businesses.

Chief Clarence Louie believes that Aboriginal people and government must make economic development a priority. He conveys that self-sustaining job creation and business growth are an everyday priority. A real decent-paying job that provides real opportunity is the very best social program on any Rez! The Osoyoos Indian Band’s corporate motto is “In Business To Preserve Our Past By Strengthening Our Future”. Chief Clarence Louie has spoken at Native government and industry conferences around the world. He is in high demand across Canada as a leader, consultant, educator, advocate, and businessman.

Chana Trudel

Owner/Operator of Truly Creative Marketing

Chana Trudel is the proud Métis founder and CEO of Truly Creative Marketing (TCM), a grassroots digital marketing agency based in Slave Lake, Alberta. A dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and community leader, over the past two years, her passion for culture, entrepreneurship, and community has earned her recognition across Canada. She has been nominated for six major awards provincially and nationally, including being a finalist for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs: 2024 Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award, featured with a 3-page article in Indigenous SME Business Magazine, and most recently nominated for the Canadian Small Business Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Her clients range from New York to Kelowna; however, the majority of clients are within the Northern Alberta region. Last year she was featured on CBC’s Still Standing as a key speaker in the Slave Lake episode with Jonny Harris.

Through TCM, Chana supports small businesses with branding, websites, social media, and digital strategy, ensuring that each client feels more than just a number. She is also the Program Manager of the Learning Indigenous Financial Teachings (LIFT) program with Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region, where she travels to rural Indigenous communities to deliver financial empowerment workshops. Alongside this, she teaches traditional Métis arts such as beadwork, dot-art painting, and more - helping preserve and share cultural practices. Chana also serves her community as a District Councillor for the Lesser Slave Lake Métis District, advocating for Indigenous voices in her District.

Passionate about walking alongside others, Chana reflects her belief that - just as in culture - business is stronger when we work, learn, and grow together.