b'Four days later, Pettit had her websiteAs an Indigenous up and running with a few designs for sale. Now, in 2023, she has approximatelyperson, were allowed 25 other Indigenous brands available through her online business. to have businesses. I would buy a t-shirt or sweater blanks and decorate them with neckWere allowed to make labels and logos and add the syllabic designs, Pettit says. Lesley Hamptonmoney and growwas the first apparel brand that I was able to bring into the store, and she has been such an inspiration. our future.One issue Pettit has faced as an Chelsee-Marie PettitIndigenous business owner is that some customers have believed that she was operating a not-for-profit business.If you looked at the neighbourhood [in Toronto that] I was in, you would not ask many of the other businesses if they were just donating all of their money somewhere, Pettit says. As an Indigenous person, were allowed to have businesses. Were allowed to make money and grow our future.Pettit closed her storefront location in Toronto at the end of 2022, but she First Nations plans to continue her online business Entrepreneurs and Businesses on the Rise Were standing our ground to protectour planet.Our commitment to protecting the land for future generations remains steadfast.Were on track to be net zero by 2025.ey.com/caI ssue2 2022/23C hIefs ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazIne l 39'