#BeTheDrum is an Entrepreneurial Outreach and Navigation Program developed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada designed to build the skills of Indigenous women entering the sphere of Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Since 2012, the Native Women’s Association of Canada has hosted several AWBEN conferences designed to build the skills of Indigenous women entering the sphere of Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship. One of the requests from past participants called for ongoing support in the form of Peer Mentoring and Navigation– hence, #BeTheDrum was born!

For most Indigenous People, the sound of the drum stirs up a sense of belonging, a feeling of great joy in knowing that we are all connected in a way that gives us hope and keeps us strong. The drum signifies a calling to unite us in a place of healing, strength, and momentum toward greatness.

We are contributors, inventors, craftspeople, and most importantly problem solvers. #BeTheDrum is a calling to existing and prospective entrepreneurs to come alive with determination, strengthened through the support of peer mentorship and navigation. Together we will build solutions to help bring our nation forward – to lift our communities and to break a new trail toward prosperity.

The impact of such support will increase the likelihood of business survival past the start-up phase into a full-fledged enterprise, leading to a higher presence in the Economic Landscape of Indigenous Peoples and Canada.

4 Keystones of Support

The foundation of this program is built on 4 keystones of support and offers several ways in which #BeTheDrum will work to engage and prepare existing and budding Indigenous entrepreneurs for continued success. Those who join our program will be greeted by a team of dedicated Entrepreneur Navigators and Mentors, with access to relevant workshops, networking events, peer-to-peer groups, and our live social media Q&A sessions. Learn more here!

Apply to our Program! Postulez à notre Programme!

This initiative is made possible through the financial support of the government of Canada.

This initiative is made possible through the financial support of the Government of Canada.