Indigenous trade show makes connections for entrepreneurs

By Ry Clarke on September 27, 2022.

Herald photo by RY CLARKE Indigenous Entrepreneur's sell their products at the Trade Show and Powwow Saturday at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition.

Saamis Employment and Training Association (SETA) held an Indigenous entrepreneurial trade show and pow wow on Saturday at the Lethbridge and District Exhibition Centre, looking to showcase the work they do with those they train and provide an opportunity for their clients to sell their wares.

“This trade show event is a result of one of our training programs. For many years we did arts and entrepreneurial training programs. For three years in row, we have trained individuals in the traditional Blackfoot arts, jewelry making, ribbon skirts sewing, all these kinds of things. And that’s the stuff you are going to see on display today,” said Anita Wagar, executive director for SETA.

Knowing First Nations and Metis people have a pride in their heritage, SETA looks to have equal opportunity for them to pursue their goals, hopes, and dreams by instilling effective skills to help them excel in the job market.

“The Indigenous population is a key component of the Canadian landscape. For many years they have been marginalized in the labour market. It is very important to bring training and employment opportunities to the Indigenous population,” said Wagar.

With offices in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, SETA hopes to achieve employment and self-sufficiency by working in collaboration with community and external partners to facilitate quality career and employment opportunities.

“Our regular day-to-day is job search support for employment, training programs, assisting with resume development and job search skills. As well as having a free job board available for both employers and job seekers,” said Wagar. “We recently finished a heavy equipment operator program, and we are currently recruiting for an office administrator program for clients to train and go out in the labour market to apply for those positions.”

Saturday’s trade show helped showcase the work SETA does with those they teach, along with giving those in the community a chance to spread more awareness for their business and trade.

“This is a good thing with the entrepreneurs. Teaching them to come out and actually do work, start their own businesses. We host a lot of different conjunctions with colleges and we host workshops and training programs for teaching people the different trades. Trying to find them job placements to succeed,” said Ed Lundberg, chairman for SETA.