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 a proud Métis entrepreneur, mom, and founder of Truly Creative Marketing, a grassroots digital marketing agency based in Slave Lake, Alberta. She empowers women and small business owners through creative, culturally grounded marketing that builds confidence and balance. Her current passion is serving as a contracted Program Manager for the LIFT Program (or Learning Indigenous Financial Teachings). Chana is bringing the LIFT Program into our Indigenous Northern Alberta rural communities to help women and 2Spirited peoples strengthen their financial wellness, decolonize their money mindset, create personal budgets, and equip them with tools and resources to impact their lives and our communities. 

Keynote Summary

In her keynote, “Don’t Walk the Journey Alone: Build Your Business the Indigenous Way,” Chana explores how Indigenous teachings and modern business practices can walk hand in hand to create sustainable, authentic success. Through storytelling, reflection, and cultural insight, she invites entrepreneurs to decolonize their approach to business and embrace community, balance, investment, and self-trust. Attendees will leave inspired to lead with heart, honour their roots, and walk their entrepreneurial path — carefully, purposefully, and never alone.