WATCH ABOVE: A Saskatchewan entrepreneur has started a business that aims to empower aboriginal women and girls. As Amber Rockliffe reports, Devon Fiddler started ‘SheNative, providing employment for women and highlighting the beauty in First Nations culture.
SASKATOON – A woman from a northern Saskatchewan First Nation has started a business that aims to empower aboriginal women and girls. Devon Fiddler started ‘SheNative’ to provide employment for women and highlight the beauty in First Nations culture.
“SheNative is a platform for indigenous women to celebrate ‘herstory,’ and we do this through handbags and accessories,” explained Fiddler .
Fiddler grew up in the Waterhen Lake First Nation and saw firsthand how important it is for aboriginal women to feel a sense of cultural pride. She said there’s a positive message behind everything she makes, from t-shirts to handbags.
Last Monday, Fiddler launched a crowd-funding campaign to establish a production site in Saskatoon.
She said the support has already been overwhelming. Fiddler has raised over $3,000 in the past five days.
“Right now we’ve reached 22 per cent of our goal so far, which is really good. Our initial goal is $15,000 and our dream goal is $100,000.”
Fiddler’s products are all made in Canada, and her dream is to create more jobs in Saskatchewan. She plans to use the campaign’s funds to employ an aboriginal pattern-maker, sewer and designer in Saskatoon. Fiddler hopes to create a brand for men, ‘HeNative,’ in the near future.
The SheNative Indiegogo Campaign runs until Dec. 21.
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