The First Nations Identification (ID1N) team had a busy June! From the golf course fairways to the must-see KWE! Festival, we showcased the Bear brand. These opportunities also allowed us to raise public awareness about the importance of authenticity and the fight against cultural appropriation.
RBA Foundation Annual Golf Tournament — June 4
Our ID1N booth was located on the 5th hole at Golf de la Faune. This year, the FNQLEDC contributed to the RBA Foundation Golf Classic for the 15th time.
We revamped our approach this year! No more selling polos, caps, water bottles, and golf towels: instead, we decided to give ID1N members the spotlight! Through a fun game of bean bag toss, participants had a chance to win one of two gift baskets valued at $1,300 each. True to the ID1N spirit, they were filled entirely with products and gift cards from First Nations businesses.
Thanks to the participants’ bean bag tosses, a total of $3,000 was raised. All proceeds were donated to the RBA Foundation, which supports approximately twenty organizations each year in working towards ensuring the wellness of First Nations in Quebec.
The booth was also a great opportunity to raise awareness of ID1N’s mission among the approximately 150 golfers in attendance. It’s worth noting that this official brand was created by the FNQLEDC in response to a desire expressed by First Nations women entrepreneurs to protect their products and creations. The authenticity of First Nations artists, artisans and entrepreneurs is a matter that concerns us all. That’s why it’s important to look for the Bear logo when purchasing an authentic product or service. 🐻
A huge thank you to the RBA Financial Group for the invitation and visibility, and to all the participants who contributed to this successful fundraiser. We are proud to collaborate with you year after year!
KWE! Festival – June 12 to 14
Following the success of the RBA Foundation Golf Classic, we headed to the KWE! Meet with Indigenous Peoples Festival. This was our second time participating as a festival partner, and let’s just say our booth didn’t get a moment’s rest! There was a constant flow of visitors throughout the three days of the festival, and their interest was readily apparent.
New for 2026: The Bear’s Den
For the first time, the KWE! shop was transformed into the Bear’s Den, a space where all artisans and entrepreneurs who sell their products are authenticated by ID1N. Inside, we even had a secret contest where tickets to Onhwa’ Lumina could be won, a fun way to encourage visitors to learn more about ID1N.
Another big first: our mascot! The ID1N Bear logo mascot costume was a huge hit with people both young and old. Our friendly Bear strolling around the site was impossible to miss!
On the entertainment front, the Bear Rally for children was once again a resounding success: 12 paws were hidden around the site, and the young participants had to find them. As a reward, the adventurers received a temporary Bear tattoo and a well-deserved Mister Freeze. Fun fact: some children even admitted to coming to the KWE! Festival specifically to participate in the rally! 😃
Our booth featured a display of ID1N products to give visitors concrete examples and help them recognize the Bear logo when making future purchases. Pamphlets were also available to provide information on the purpose of authentication.
The KWE! Festival wraps up on June 21 with the KWE! Show! We’ll be there to promote the Bear and the fight against cultural appropriation. Come see us at our pavilion to receive an “Authentic or Nothing!” sticker.
Join the ID1N movement!
Whether you’re looking for an authentic product or service, or you’re a First Nations entrepreneur yourself, the Bear logo is your point of reference.
- Looking for an authenticated business? Check out our online directory featuring over 800 artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and businesses!
- Are you a First Nations entrepreneur who is not yet an ID1N member? Signing up takes about 5 minutes!
Together, let’s showcase the authenticity of First Nations!
