Top row from left: L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic Students Emily Trottier (2L), Travis Dech (3L), Gilad Stitz (3L), and David Jung (3L). Bottom row: Cole Hutchison (2L), Jessie Canard (3L), and Vanessa Smith (3L)
Celebrating Indigenous Entrepreneurs
L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic students attend VIBE Awards
On November 6, 2025, law students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba attended the 19th Visionary Indigenous Business Excellence (VIBE) Awards, hosted by the Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) at the Asper School of Business. Held at the Fort Garry Hotel, the VIBE Awards annually celebrates the remarkable achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs, celebrating leaders whose work strengthens communities and inspires future generations.
Celebrating Indigenous Business Achievement
This year’s banquet brought together a record 305 innovators, elders, students, and business leaders, as well as a record number of corporate sponsors, to recognize the two award recipients who embody resilience, creativity, and cultural pride in their enterprise. 100% of the proceeds from the VIBE Awards banquet directly benefit IBEP students through scholarships, bursaries, academic support, and educational opportunities.
“The VIBE Awards are about celebrating inspiring community leaders, and I think that is what resonates with people and why our fundraiser continually breaks revenue and attendance records each year,” said Riley Proulx [BComm(Hon)/19], Director of IBEP.
Award Recipients
Oliver Owen grew up in Pauingassi, experiencing the transportation obstacles that remote northern communities face first-hand. His vision led to the creation of Amik Aviation in 2008, an Aboriginal-owned and operated airline that now provides essential passenger and cargo services to First Nations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Cody Gonsalves started Purposeful Movements Ltd. based on the idea that movement is medicine. Through personalized coaching, fitness programs, and community workshops, Gonsalves helps individuals transform their lifestyles by building sustainable habits and fostering resilience. Of Cree Ancestry from Red Pheasant First Nation, Gonsalves utilized IBEP supports when he was an Asper student.
Advancing Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Dedicated and committed to Reconciliation, the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic continues to foster collaborative relationships and provides supports to start-ups and entrepreneurs, including Indigenous entrepreneurs. Since Fall 2023, the Clinic has provided over 10,000 pro bono hours of legal assistance; 50% of its client-base are women entrepreneurs, 37% percent of its client-base are from rural and Northern Manitoba communities, and 18% of the Clinic’s client-base self-identify as Indigenous.
Jessie Canard (3L), a proud Anishinaabe third-year law student at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic had the honour to take part in the Grand Entry at the VIBE Awards, and reflected on the event, saying, “I had the honour of talking with Elder Norman Meade at the VIBE Awards 2025. He shared with me how the event made his heart feel full because when he was younger, he couldn’t imagine events celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and business taking place. His sharing what he’s noticed over time made my heart feel full because I care about the relationship between Canadian and Indigenous peoples. I think celebrating each other can be very healing.”
“The VIBE Awards was an incredible evening of learning with inspiring speakers and great conversation with community leaders,” said Cole Hutchison [BComm(Hon)/23], a second-year law student.
Law students also had the opportunity to meet and speak to with Diane Roussin [BSW/96], Vice Chair of the University of Manitoba Board of Governors, an Anishinaabe community leader, current Project Director of The Winnipeg Boldness Project, and incoming Chair of The Winnipeg Foundation.
Pathway to Reconciliation is a journey that we must all walk together
As the 19th Annual VIBE Awards came to a close, it was clear that the legacy of IBEP and the achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs like E. Oliver Owen and Cody Gonsalves continue to inspire.
“When we look at who Cody and Oliver are and what they’ve accomplished, it is clear that they care deeply about their communities – something they have in common with all prior recipients. We are very excited to formally announce our revised award categories and call for nominations for the 20th VIBE Awards this coming Winter season,” said Riley Proulx.
By attending the VIBE Awards, law students with the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic left better informed, more aware, and inspired to support and assist Indigenous entrepreneurs in their mutual journeys towards success. Clinic students look forward to attending the VIBE Awards again next year to celebrate and continue to learn even more stories of Indigenous business excellence.
Miigwech!