The Bears’ Lair aims to launch Indigenous entrepreneurs

garretschoenbergSeptember 16, 2022

Indigenous entrepreneurs’ business ideas originate from ancestral traditions.

June Anthony Reeves, owner of Lorkin’s Aboriginal business, Up the Hill, and contestant on Bear’s Lair. Photo: APTN. Photo by Owen Imaging /owen imaging

Indigenous entrepreneur and Secwepemc member of the Nesconlis First Nations community, June Anthony-Reeves was spotted on television before a panel of judges, selling her traditional healing lotions, salves and spiritual wellness products. I never dreamed that I would introduce

But that’s exactly what she did recently while filming an episode of Bears’ Lair, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s new TV show modeled after Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank.

“The most memorable moment is walking onto the set and seeing all the smiling faces of the Indigenous judges in front of you, talking about the Indigenous way of life and knowledge and not having to explain what it is. ” said Anthony – Reeves, who opened the pitch in the Secwepemc language, which he taught himself to honor his mother.

“When I speak in traditional language, it calms me down and helps me calm down,” said Anthony Reeves.

Bears' Lair judge Dave Tuccaro participates in a coaching session with Up the Hill at Loakin owner and contestant June Anthony-Reeves. Photo: APTN. — Bears’ Lair judge Dave Tuccaro participates in a coaching session with Up the Hill at Loakin owner and contestant June Anthony-Reeves. Photo: APTN. Photo by Marissa Becker /jpg

The 18 emerging and established Indigenous business owners featured in the show will receive a share of the $180,000 prize pool and prominent Indigenous business magnates such as Sishal (Seshelt) member and show creator Gina Jackson. Ongoing mentoring and coaching opportunities from First Nation and former Chief of the West Bank First Nation, Robert Louie.

Anthony Reeves can’t reveal if her pitch was a success, a secret until the show airs this Sunday on APTN.

For Anthony-Reeves, she was there not only to showcase her company, Up the Hill at Loakin Botanicals, but also to celebrate what Indigenous entrepreneurs have to offer.

“Indigenous people are doing good things and being successful business leaders. ” said Anthony Reeves.

A gift box created by Up the Hill of Loakin Botanics, a small business owned by Bears' Lair contestant June Anthony-Reeves. Photo: APTN. — A gift box created by Up the Hill of Loakin Botanics, a small business owned by Bears’ Lair contestant June Anthony-Reeves. Photo: APTN. Photo by Marissa Becker /jpg

She started her business 12 years ago to share traditional Indigenous knowledge and culture with the world. Although she has studied Western herbalism, she first learned about traditional healing medicines while harvesting sweetgrass, sage, and devil’s club with her mother, who learned with her grandmother. I learned about

“My mother used to take me and my brothers and sisters outside in early spring. ”

Anthony-Reeves said she felt a kinship with the other contestants, and a set coach who helped her improve her presentation and message, and who wasn’t there just to judge her pitch. Thanks to the “Bears”. and her product is to guide and encourage.

Anthony Reeves said, “It’s shows like Bear’s Rare that help others recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge and culture.”

dryan@postmedia.com