WE CREATE TO EXIST!

This sentence has strong meaning linked to the image of the Bear created by Algonquin artist Frank Polson. The Bear is a new official brand to identify and authenticate Indigenous products and services. This brand has three objectives: consumer protection, affirmation of First Nations, and visibility of Indigenous entrepreneurship.

The Bear is an official brand that promotes the movement focused on the affirmation of Indigenous identity. Since December 2021, it has supported artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and communities by certifying that their products and services come from First Nations.

How did the idea of creating the Bear come about?

The idea came from the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC), which works closely with community and urban entrepreneurs, community economic development officers, local governments, and the Group of Elected Women of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL). For the past 20 years, they have all had the same discourse concerning recurring problems of:

• Cultural appropriation;
• Lack of visibility of the economic contributions of First Nations.

Many entrepreneurs encounter at different times situations where Indigenous identity is usurped by non-Indigenous competitors. Moreover, there have been numerous reports broadcast in recent years of tourism businesses that sell items in the image of First Nations that are not produced by them. Non-Indigenous people making money off First Nations identity is something that needs to stop.

The strong voices of women who participate in berry picking activities were also heard on these issues. They raised with conviction the issues of protection and identification. Indeed, their practices and products come from long-standing traditions. Therefore, sharing the results of their work with the general public is not a simple matter. They had no desire to give to everyone without the assurance of being respected in return. A process has therefore begun with them in order to reflect on the different types of protection that would make it possible to meet the needs of the First Nations. The objective was to set up a tool that could be used by as many people as possible. Subsequently, the Group of Elected Women of the AFNQL unanimously decided to support the development of this project, which made it possible to call upon the support of the Chiefs of the AFNQL.

Be part of the movement

The Bear is a logo that informs us about Indigenous identification and authenticity. It is available to all First Nations and Inuit, whether they are artisans, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. Indigenous businesses and individuals are invited to take part in the development and next steps of this identification by registering on the Bear website.

As for non-Indigenous people, they are encouraged to look for the Bear on the products they buy in order to support this movement focused on affirming First Nations identity.

To learn more about the Bear, you can watch the Video manifesto and visit the Bear website.

To peruse other business portraits, please visit our blog.

Follow the Bear’s Facebook page!