Bringing Spirit into Business through the 1st First Nations-Led Entrepreneurship Centre and Business Incubator in Canada

Backed by 15+ partners, Treaty One Development Corporation opens the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre to accelerate Indigenous business growth

May 21, 2025 – Treaty No. 1 Territory – Treaty One Development Corporation (T1DC) today launched the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre (WTEC), Canada’s first fully Indigenous-led business incubator. WTEC isn’t defined by what it offers, but by what it unlocks—a space for visioning, transformation, and self-determined growth.

Located in Wawanesa Insurance’s former executive office at 191 Broadway in Downtown Winnipeg, MB, WTEC brings together over 15 government, academic, and industry partners to offer a one-of-a-kind environment where Indigenous entrepreneurs can access the tools they need to thrive: capital, legal and financial guidance, mentorship, marketing support, and global business connections—all under one roof. Within WTEC’s 5,000+ sq. ft. space, Indigenous entrepreneurs are surrounded by a team of dedicated advisors, mentors, and experts who walk alongside them through each stage of their business journey.

 

“WTEC was created to respond to real gaps faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs and help remove the barriers that too often stop good ideas before they have a chance to grow,” said WTEC CEO Kathleen BlueSky. “We’re offering more than space and funding, we’re creating a support system grounded in trust, belonging, and long-term vision. This is about reclaiming our place in the economy with confidence and heart.”

The establishment of WTEC is a unique collaboration between T1DC and a wide range of public, private, and academic partners. This includes a $500,000 investment from the Government of Manitoba through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund, along with substantial support and investment from Red Leaf Capital. Together, these contributions underscore the Province’s and industry’s shared commitment to economic reconciliation and to supporting WTEC’s long-term operations and programming.

WTEC’s key partnerships include:

• Red Leaf Capital/Xcel Capital, Founding Investor and Strategic Advisor, providing support in program development, financial advisory, financial support, access to capital, and global networks
• Wawanesa Insurance, contributing mentorship, networking supports, programming collaboration, and financial support
• Deloitte, contributing both financial support and year-round access to consulting expertise and global business connections
• Bockstael Construction, providing annual financial support and mentorship in the construction and development sector
• Fillmore Riley LLP, contributing financial support and offering on-site legal information and educational seminars
• Canada Lands Company, providing financial, mentorship, strategic promotion, and national networking supports
• Winnipeg Airports Authority, providing financial support, co-hosting a dedicated program, and facilitating access to international networks and innovation channels
• Asper School of Business, contributing annual in-kind support through student-led business planning, mentorship, and training workshops
• West BC Polytechnic, supporting program development and providing space for up to 10 student participants through its “Idea to Market” academic certificate program
• Innovate Eastman, providing access to start-up programs, mentorship, workshops, marketing, networking supports
• ICI Properties: providing strategic real estate and development consulting, business mentorship and training support, along with financial support.
• Prolex, providing mentorships and support in marketing, sales, branding, and social media strategy

Meaning “Working Together to Succeed” in Anishinaabemowin—the name Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing speaks to a future in which Indigenous entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources and relationships needed to build lasting businesses rooted in community values.

“Indigenous businesses generate more than $100 billion in revenue each year and contribute over $30 billion to Canada’s GDP,” said WTEC Chairperson Evan Roberts. “WTEC exists to grow those numbers—giving our Indigenous entrepreneurs the space, support, and connections they need to participate fully in the national economy—on our own terms and with the tools we need to compete in today’s markets.”

With its doors now open, WTEC is positioned to become a cornerstone of Indigenous economic growth—both in Manitoba and across the country.

To learn more about WTEC, visit https://wtecentre.ca.

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nations
Email: vsavino@treaty1.ca | Cell: 204-770-0392

Quotes from Key Partners:

“The opening of the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre is a landmark moment in Indigenous-led economic development. This Centre represents a bold step toward true economic reconciliation—one where Indigenous communities lead with vision, innovation, and self-determination. Our government is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative, and we look forward to the legacy it will create for generations to come.”

The Honourable Ian Bushie, Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures
Government of Manitoba

“Red Leaf Capital is proud to support the Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre as a strategic founding partner. We believe in the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship to drive innovation, economic sovereignty, and community prosperity, and we are honoured to stand alongside WTEC in launching this new chapter of opportunity and growth.”

Stuart Henrickson, Founding Partner
Red Leaf Capital

“We’re honoured to support this historic milestone by partnering with Treaty One Nations to open WTEC in our former executive office. To see part of this building transformed into a vibrant hub for Indigenous entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and thrive is incredibly meaningful. We look forward to the positive impact the Centre will have for generations to come.”

Gord Dowhan, SVP & Chief Financial Officer
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

“The Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre is a groundbreaking initiative that exemplifies the potential of Indigenous entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change. This Centre is poised to become a cornerstone for economic empowerment, and Deloitte is inspired by the vision and leadership that brought it to life.”

Dean Schinkel, Partner and Vice Chair
Deloitte

“Bockstael Construction is proud to support the establishment of this groundbreaking Entrepreneurship Centre. As Manitoba’s Builder, we believe deeply in fostering opportunities that strengthen communities and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to lead, innovate, and build a prosperous future for all Manitobans. We are committed to supporting WTEC’s success.”

Dan Bockstael, M.Eng., P.Eng., Co-President
Bockstael Construction

“Fillmore Riley is honoured to be a WTEC partner and a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs. We are confident that participants in the WTEC will create new, innovative businesses, and we are excited to assist them on their journey.”

Wes Burrows, Partner & Chair Business Law Practice Group
Fillmore Riley LLP

“Canada Lands Company (CLC) actively works to create partnerships with Indigenous communities across Canada, including our partnership with Treaty One Nations at Naawi-Oodena, prioritizing collaboration and mutual benefits. CLC is excited to collaborate with WTEC to help strengthen the Indigenous entrepreneurship ecosystem and to integrate Indigenous knowledge and culture into its projects.”

James Cox, Vice-President, Real Estate, Central Region
Canada Lands Company

“At Winnipeg Airports Authority, we believe that true connectivity goes beyond air routes — it’s about creating space for communities to thrive and succeed. The Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre is a powerful example of what’s possible when vision, partnership, and purpose come together. We’re honoured to support Treaty One in building a launchpad for Indigenous innovation that will benefit our region and country for generations.”

Nick Hays, President & CEO
Winnipeg Airports Authority

“The WTEC marks a significant milestone in empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs. By leveraging innovative thinking and fostering economic growth, the centre will generate new value for our community. The Asper School of Business is proud to support such a transformative initiative.”

Bruno S. Silvestre, PhD, Dean
I.H. Asper School of Business
CPA Manitoba Chair in Business Leadership

“Western British Columbia Polytechnic College is proud to stand alongside our partners in celebrating the grand opening of the Wiitahnookiinitaaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre. This milestone represents more than just a new beginning—it reflects a powerful commitment to Indigenous leadership, innovation, and economic self-determination. We are honoured to witness this historic step forward and look forward to walking alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs as they build strong, sustainable futures for their communities and for Canada.”

Perry He, Vice President
Western British Columbia Polytechnic College

“We are deeply honoured to partner with Wiitahnookiinitaw Tahshkayzing Entrepreneurship Centre (WTEC), Canada’s first First Nation-led Indigenous entrepreneur centre and business and technology incubator, established by Treaty One Development Corporation. This collaboration represents a vital step toward creating meaningful economic opportunities by empowering entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Nancy Zubriski, Program Coordinator
Innovate Eastman

“It has been our absolute pleasure to work with our partners Treaty One Development Corporation and Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company in playing a role to bring forward this important initiative. ICI Properties acknowledges Call to Action #92 and the importance of economic reconciliation and commits to being a true ally with Treaty One Development Corporation as we move forward with our economic partnership.”

Ken Jones, Vice-President
ICI Properties

“WTEC is a bold step forward for Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic independence. We’re honoured to support Treaty One in building something this impactful from the ground up.”

Alex Streltsov, Founder
Prolex Media