Giving a voice and power to Indigenous Youth
Evelyn Seltier of Trade Forum asked 25-year-old Justin Langan, Small Business Champion Winner of 2024 and founder of Canadian-based platform O’KANATA, what motivates him to support Indigenous Youth in their economic endeavours, about his upcoming projects, and why trade matters.
A: Indeed, O’KANATA is more than just a marketing platform; it’s an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through cultural and economic initiatives.
At its core, O’KANATA stands for fostering resilience, innovation, and community prosperity among Indigenous Peoples. The word O’KANATA reflects the discourse surrounding Indigenous people in Canadian society and comes from the Iroquoian word “kanata”, meaning “village.
As the founder and Executive Director, my role is to lead the strategic direction of O’KANATA, ensuring that our programmes, such as cultural education, youth mentorship, and economic empowerment, are effectively reaching and benefiting our community.
We’re committed to creating platforms that elevate Indigenous voices and ensure their active participation in various sectors, including trade and technology.
A: Growing up in Swan River, Manitoba as an Indigenous youth, I was immersed in my community's rich cultural heritage and resilience. What I appreciate most is the deep connection to our land and traditions, and the sense of belonging that comes from our community’s shared experiences.
Manitoba’s diverse environment, with its mix of urban and rural settings, offered me unique opportunities to engage with both traditional practices and modern initiatives. My inspiration comes from witnessing the challenges faced by Indigenous youth, including systemic barriers, lack of opportunities, and underrepresentation in key sectors.
Indigenous communities continue to face systemic challenges, including racism, lacking access to education and healthcare, and economic marginalization. These ongoing disparities are a direct result of historical injustices and colonial policies that have long affected Indigenous rights.
I want to create positive change and ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and included in decision-making processes. You could say that my personal experience with discrimination and marginalization has fuelled my passion for advocacy and leadership.
A: We plan to expand O’KANATA’s initiatives focusing on youth leadership development, economic sustainability, and mental health advocacy. We are also seeking partnerships to broaden our impact and reach.
Our vision is to build a network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders across Canada (and potentially beyond) who can collaborate, share resources, and advocate for policy changes that benefit Indigenous communities. We aim to become a hub for innovation and cultural preservation, ensuring that future generations have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Currently, our ‘Dreamweavers’ project is designed to empower Indigenous youth by connecting them with mentors in various fields, such as business, technology, and the arts. The project provides hands-on experience, training, and access to a network of professionals who can help these young leaders develop the skills they need to pursue their dreams. It's about weaving together the strengths, stories, and aspirations of Indigenous youth to create a brighter future.
Other projects include community-based workshops on eco-literacy, digital storytelling, and cultural preservation. We are also collaborating with local organizations to host events that promote Indigenous entrepreneurship, as well as trying to build international networks and exploring opportunities for global partnerships.
A: Trade by Indigenous Peoples is crucial because it promotes economic independence and sustainability, and it allows Indigenous communities to leverage their unique resources, knowledge, and cultural products in global markets.
It helps in preserving traditional practices while fostering innovation and economic growth. Supporting Indigenous trade also aligns with the principles of self-determination and sovereignty, allowing communities to manage their own economic destinies.
O’KANATA was one of the two winners of the Small Business Champions Initiative 2024, an annual competition hosted by the World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and this year with the support of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
