Anishinabek News

Indigenous online platform seeking Cultural Champions and Cultural Allies

Published

10 months ago

February 13, 2023

Biskane, an Indigenous online platform, is looking to sign up Cultural Champions and Cultural Allies.

By Sam Laskaris

HENVEY INLET FIRST NATION – Now that his latest venture is taking off, Chad Solomon can start focusing on another aspect of Biskane.

Solomon, a Henvey Inlet First Nation member, launched Biskane, an online platform which connects retailers and customers to authentic Indigenous work, this past November. Indigenous experiences are also offered via the platform.

Almost 100 artisans and stores have registered with the platform thus far. Solomon is now making a push to recruit both Cultural Champions and Cultural Allies for Biskane’s referral program.

“What we’re trying to do is get a broader reach for those artisans to get their products out,” Solomon said.

Both the Cultural Champions, individuals or groups who are Indigenous, and the non-Indigenous Cultural Allies, have the opportunity to earn a percentage of the sales for those that they are able to connect.

The Champions and Allies promote the authenticated Indigenous artists on their own social platforms or whatever other means they choose. They are then rewarded with a percentage of each successful sale.

Anishinabek News is supporting Solomon by writing stories on Biskane and promoting his website and the 2023 Great Lakes Pow-Wow Guide will feature a Biskane ad for additional reach.

“It’s very, very early,” Solomon said of Biskane’s referral program, which was officially introduced in late January. “But I’m expecting there will be a lot of interested people who will want to be involved.”

Solomon said there are varying reasons for those interested in becoming Cultural Champions or Cultural Allies.

“The organizations are interested in helping Indigenous artisans connect with the organization’s base,” he said, adding others are keen to make some extra money themselves. “We’ve opened it up for both the organizational level and the personal level.”

Solomon started Biskane because he noticed there was a significant problem with the authenticity of Indigenous art. He was troubled by those who were selling and buying Indigenous works that were not authenticated.

Solomon would often hear of how patents of Indigenous artists were stolen and their works were reproduced, including in overseas locations. That unauthentic art would then be sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Biskane’s referral program is open to everybody. Information is available online.

Cultural Champions will earn a seven per cent commission for sales they make up to $20,000. They will start getting a 15 per cent commission if their sales figures surpass $50,000.

Cultural Allies will start at a five per cent commission and can also earn a 15 per cent cut if they reach the $50,000 sales figure.

Solomon is confident Biskane and its referral program will continue to gather interest. About 80 per cent of the artisans who have joined the platform are from Ontario; artisans from Alberta, Quebec, and New Brunswick have also signed up.

“We are beginning to make some inroads across the country,” Solomon said, adding he expects artisans from other parts of Canada to register with Biskane soon.

Anishinabek News

Administrative Coordinator

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

Published

20 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179