There’s a brand new directory highlighting Indigenous owned businesses in Victoria

Greater Victoria has a new Indigenous business directory which will help people more easily find Indigenous operated options. 

Various regional partners including the City of Victoria, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority are involved and have collaborated with First Nations from all across southern Vancouver Island. 

The directory features over 50 Indigenous businesses who offer a wide variety of goods and services. The website was even built by one such business, Animikii, a local software firm. 

From a reconciliation standpoint, the directory will allow those seeking to spend money with Indigenous businesses, and will have a readily available resource to locate one that may be able to help them. 

“Indigenous entrepreneurship is thriving in lək̓ʷəŋən Territory and I am excited to celebrate the launch of the South Island Indigenous Business Directory,” said Jeff Ward, CEO of Animikii. 

“This milestone is a testament to our shared vision of fostering new connections, cultivating partnerships, and connecting Indigenous businesses with each other and new customers,” he exclaimed. 

The list of businesses contains artists, engineering firms, cannabis companies, a golf training business, catering companies and many other types of businesses.

“Songhees Events & Catering is proud to be represented in the Indigenous Business Directory and to have the opportunity to reach a broader client base within Greater Victoria,” said Catherine Davies, the company’s sales and events manager. 

“Victoria has always been a supportive community – seeing us through hard times – and their continued support has helped us to come back stronger than ever.”

The directory has no limitations on how many businesses can be included, the only requirement is that the business is in-part Indigenous-owned. Registration is free. 

See the full South Island Indigenous Business Directory online, here.