After years in First Nations education, Alice Guss turned her passion for sharing Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture, teachings, and artwork into a full-time calling. Today, through Tsawaysia Spukwus, she delivers speaking engagements, workshops, drum-making, beading, wool weaving, and more.
Tsain-Ko Native Gifts features a diverse collection carefully curated First Nations products, including art from renowned and emerging Coast Salish artists, jewellery, clothing, books, wellness products, and more.
For Angela Baker, cleaning has never been a chore. Growing up, she would watch and learn as her mother cleaned apartments in between new tenants, and in 2018 – after years of working for a larger cleaning company – Angela launched her own business.
A natural in the craft, Patsy learned quickly how to work with different beads, leather, fabrics, feathers, and threads. Today, Patsy not only makes regalia and jewellery, but medallions, pins, barrettes, hairbands, and more.
Allan Natrall started cleaning cars at a West Vancouver shop at the age of 15, and about eight years ago, family and friends talked him into launching his own detailing business.
A carver since high school, Simon Spence has studied under accomplished Northwest Coast and Coast Salish carvers. He now works with precious metals instead of wood, etching stunning designs into one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Telhkem Contracting is an established business in the Squamish Valley, with services including renovations; window, deck, and fence installation; concrete placing and finishing; flooring, drywall and mud work; cabinet installation; and more.
For Sx̱wálhkin Pete Natrall, lacrosse is a natural extension of who he is as a Squamish Person. He enjoyed playing for more than 25 years, and about eight years ago, decided to turn his passion into a business.
James launched his Squamish-based business, Grizzly Bear Contracting, around 2010. Since then, he’s bought and sold two logging trucks and pivoted from the forestry industry into dump trucking.
Bianca (Whitney) Joseph has always been passionate about planning parties. Since her teenage years, she’s been the ‘go-to’ person among friends and family for birthdays, baby showers, and other special occasions.
Kwakwee Baker comes by his work as an international multimedia artist honestly. He was born from seven generations of artists–carvers, weavers, painters, architects, and more.
The Squamish Nation’s Siobhan Joseph has been an artist for as long as she can remember. In her commissions, Siobhan honours her Nation, her community, and her ancestors.
After years of working in construction for other people, in 2010, the Squamish Nation’s Michael Chandler made the bold decision to become his own boss.
Ashley Paull is the owner of 4 Directions Cleaning Services. A proud Sḵwx̱wú7mesh entrepreneur, she shares valuable insight on the benefits of starting your own Indigenous business.
Santana Walker is an accomplished Sḵwx̱wú7mesh entrepreneur who weaves contemporary Coast Salish art into her nail designs at Revive ‘Wa áynexwi7’ Day Spa on the Squamish Nation’s Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) Reserve.
