Collaborative Pathways: Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence (VIBE) Awards

On November 14, 2024, students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and the Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) at the Asper School of Business came together at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg to celebrate the 18th annual Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence (VIBE) Awards. The event, hosted by IBEP, coincided with the 30th anniversary of IBEP, marking three decades of fostering community, education, and Indigenous business leadership.

Continuing its tradition, 100% of the evening’s proceeds will directly support IBEP students—future Indigenous business leaders—through scholarships, bursaries, academic assistance, and educational opportunities.

Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic students with Riley Proulx (Director of IBEP) at the 2024 VIBE Awards from far left: Connor Giesbrecht (3L) [BA/2022], Jordan Wagner (3L) [BComm(Hons)/2022], Riley Proulx [BComm(Hons)/2019], Ravi Balchan (3L) [BComm (Hon)/2021], Jeremy Tran (3L) [BSc/2022], Mathew O’Connor (3L)[BA(Hons)/2018], and Emily Palmer (3L) [BA)/2019] (Moira Kennedy (3L) [BA/2021] not pictured).

Award Recipients

The event honoured renowned creatives Emilie McKinney, founder of Anishinaabe Bimishimo, and Shaun Vincent, founder of Vincent Design Inc., for their entrepreneurial excellence and contributions to Indigenous business. To celebrate their achievements, each recipient was awarded a beautiful, customized sculpture that symbolizes their unique entrepreneurial impact.

2024 VIBE Award Recipients, left to right: Emilie McKinney, and Shaun Vincent.

At just 16 years old, Emilie McKinney of Swan Lake First Nation, founded Anishinaabe Bimishimo Corporation, specializing in producing traditional jingle cones. Over time, she expanded her business internationally and broadened her offerings to include clothing and sparkle ribbons, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions while fostering economic independence. During her remarks, Emilie expressed deep gratitude for her family and community, who supported her vision and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.

Shaun Vincent, founder of Vincent Design Inc., an artist, graphic designer and entrepreneur who grew up in the Métis community of St. Laurent, began his journey in 2007 after earning an Advanced Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic. Shaun identified a need for representational design and created a branding and marketing firm focused on advancing Indigenous communities, organizations, and businesses through thoughtful storytelling rooted in tradition. Today, Vincent Design Inc. is a team of 19 renowned for its work, including the creation of the Survivors’ Flag, introduced during the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021. Shaun’s Two-Eyed Seeing approach—bridging Indigenous understanding with Western design practices—defines his work and continues to inspire others. Additionally, Vincent Design awards up to two scholarships each semester to Indigenous Youth pursuing college or university studies in graphic design and related programs in Canada.

Celebrating 30 Years of Asper’s Indigenous Business Education Partners Program

The evening was also an opportunity to celebrate IBEP’s 30th anniversary. A commemorative video shared during the event featured testimonials from alums and students who spoke about the profound impact IBEP has had on their lives. Many shared personal stories of overcoming barriers, finding belonging, and gaining the confidence to succeed.

Image from commemorative video.

Ashley Richard [BComm(Hons)/2017], an IBEP alum and 2017 graduate of the BComm (Hons) program and current Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at United College – University of Waterloo, reflected on her experience, explaining that IBEP profoundly changed her life. She shared how the program provided her with a sense of belonging and the tools to give back to others. She emphasized the value of the scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities IBEP offers, describing them as invaluable.

Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and Fostering Indigenous Entrepreneurship

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic marked a milestone of its own, celebrating 10 years of supporting entrepreneurs. In just a decade, the Clinic has provided over 10,000 pro bono hours of legal support, with a 37% BIPOC client base. Notably, the most recent monthly demographic data showed that nearly 25% of the Clinic’s client base for that month self-identified as Indigenous.

The Clinic’s work, combined with its students’ active engagement, highlights its ongoing mission to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and contribute to reconciliation through respect, recognition, and ongoing collaborations.

This commitment was exemplified at this year’s VIBE Awards, where third-year law students Emily Palmer (3L) [BA/2019] and Ravi Balchan (3L) [BComm (Hon)/2021] were chosen to represent the clinic in the Grand Entry, led by Elder Carl Stone [BA]. Emily, who has attended the VIBE Awards for three consecutive years while attending UM Law, reflected on the event’s unique impact: “It’s inspiring to see a room filled with a diverse network of supporters, funders, students, entrepreneurs, and businesses all promoting the Indigenous business community in Manitoba. Every year, I’m reminded of the power of connection and the results that come from uplifting commerce communities in our province.“

For Ravi, the experience was equally powerful: “Taking part in the Grand Entry, I could feel the optimism, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit in the room. Hearing stories of Indigenous business excellence made me incredibly proud and inspired by my community.“

A Legacy of Support and Connection

The event concluded with a prayer from Elder Norman Meade, who emphasized the importance of community. His words resonated with the evening’s theme of collective action and support.

As the 18th Annual VIBE Awards came to a close, it was clear that the legacy of IBEP and the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs like Emilie McKinney and Shaun Vincent continue to inspire.

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic strives to carry forward this inspiration by supporting and assisting Indigenous entrepreneurs in their journey. Clinic students look forward to attending the VIBE Awards gala again next year to celebrate even more stories of Indigenous business excellence; and thank the Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and Law for supporting the law students’ attendance this year during Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking Month at the University of Manitoba.

Marsii! Hiy Hiy! Miigwetch!

Story submitted by Mathew O'Connor (3L) [BA(Hons)/2018]