An Indigenous Entrepreneurship Story at Raven Rising Chocolates | EP. 2
What do you get when you combine important Indigenous entrepreneurship work with Sudbury’s very own Willy Wonka? You get Raven Rising Chocolates, an artisanal chocolate brand that blends cultural heritage, innovative flavors, and a mission to uplift Indigenous communities.
Led by Chef Tammy Maki, Raven Rising has become a platform for storytelling, sustainability, and social impact. And sweet treats, of course. The company is also a cornerstone example of Canada’s Indigenous entrepreneurship and one we can all learn from.
So, whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast or a conscious consumer looking to make a positive impact, keep reading. Raven Rising is changing the way we think about chocolate—and how we can all play a part in supporting meaningful, lasting change.
What Does Indigenous Entrepreneurship Even Mean?
Indigenous entrepreneurship includes businesses owned and led by Indigenous individuals or groups. These businesses are typically centered around making a difference in their communities, preserving cultural traditions, and setting an example for future Indigenous generations.
While businesses are about making a profit at the end of the day, Indigenous entrepreneurs focus their ‘why’ on making an economic impact and creating meaningful change for their communities. Here’s what makes Indigenous entrepreneurship unique:
- Indigenous entrepreneurs often infuse their products or services with traditional practices, stories, and symbols, celebrating and sharing their heritage with the world.
- These businesses often prioritize collective benefits, using profits to support local economies, address social challenges, and uplift their communities.
- Environmental stewardship is a common theme, with Indigenous entrepreneurs prioritizing sustainable resource use and practices that honor their connection to the land.
- Indigenous entrepreneurship creates jobs, fosters economic independence, and inspires the next generation to embrace their culture and pursue their ambitions.
The Roots of Raven Rising Indigenous Chocolates
A Certified Red Seal Journeyman Pastry Chef and Baker, Chef Tammy’s journey to create Raven Rising is as compelling as the chocolates themselves. As a Sixties Scoop survivor adopted into a Finnish family in Ontario, she often describes herself with a touch of humor as “Finndigenous.”
Raven Rising is a mission-driven brand. Chef Tammy is committed to honoring Indigenous traditions, giving back to her community, and educating through flavor. Raven Rising donates proceeds from sales to help Indigenous baking students and organizations aiding Sixties Scoop survivors, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), and Residential School survivors.
The chocolates are all made with care, infusing fascinating flavors and ingredients. Indigenous culinary traditions inspire their use of wild berries, maple, and sweetgrass. And their packaging displays art that tells cultural stories from Canada’s history.
Want to learn more about Chef Tammy and the work she has put into Raven Rising? Take a look at my podcast episode where I was lucky enough to sit down with her and chat through how she started her business and where she’s going.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing in Chocolate
The global chocolate industry continues to face scrutiny for sustainable practices and exploitative labor conditions. But Chef Tammy and her team work hard to rewrite that narrative.
Raven Rising partners with suppliers who adhere to fair trade principles, ensuring fair wages and respectful environmental practices. They also incorporate Indigenous ingredients and flavors that connect consumers to the land and traditions behind their products.
Examples include:
- Cedar-infused chocolate bars: Highlighting the sacred and practical uses of cedar in Indigenous cultures.
- Sweetgrass and sage truffles: Blending traditional ingredients with contemporary techniques to create one-of-a-kind flavors.
- Wildberry collections: Celebrating the natural bounty of Indigenous lands while supporting local farmers and biodiversity.
Why Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Canada Matters
Indigenous entrepreneurship is about reclaiming identity, keeping traditions alive, and building stronger and more independent communities. Chef Tammy Maki is an example of how entrepreneurs are merging heritage and innovation, demonstrating that Indigenous culture and knowledge are thriving in the modern world.
By infusing storytelling into their brand and products, Indigenous entrepreneurs are creating economic opportunities, shining a light on important social issues, and contributing to reconciliation efforts. Indigenous voices are being amplified, stereotypes are being challenged, and the next generation of leaders are being inspired to dream big and make a difference.
The best part? Indigenous-owned businesses in Canada are growing faster than almost any other sector. So it’s becoming easier to support these businesses, meaning each of us can make a difference with the entrepreneurs. And I don’t know about you, but that feels like a pretty good way to spend my hard-earned money.
How Supporting Indigenous Businesses Makes a Difference
Every time you support an Indigenous business, you’re contributing to something bigger than the purchase you’re making.
Here’s how your choice makes a real impact:
- Boosting Local Economies: Indigenous businesses often reinvest their profits into community programs, education, and infrastructure, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for many.
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: From traditional art to Indigenous ingredients, these businesses help keep cultural practices alive and pass them on to future generations.
- Promoting Ethical Practices: Many Indigenous entrepreneurs prioritize fair trade, sustainable sourcing, and ethical labor conditions, making your purchase one that aligns with responsible consumerism.
Supporting Social Change: Indigenous businesses frequently champion important causes, from advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG2S) to helping Sixties Scoop survivors and funding education initiatives.
Other Canadian Indigenous Entrepreneurs I Love Supporting
In the podcast, Chef Tammy mentions supporting Indigenous suppliers and weeding out the ‘pretendians’. If you’re on a mission to support more Indigenous companies, here’s a good list to start with.
Cheekbone Beauty
Founded by Jenn Harper, this sustainable cosmetics brand is known for its eco-friendly packaging and stunning products. Cheekbone Beauty celebrates Indigenous culture while supporting initiatives for Indigenous youth, making it a go-to for anyone who loves beauty with a purpose.
Indigenous Box
This subscription box, created by Mallory Yawnghwe from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, curates products from Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada. It’s a fun way to discover new brands while directly supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs.
SheNative
Devon Fiddler’s SheNative is a brand that combines fashion with empowerment. Specializing in handbags and accessories, SheNative is on a mission to inspire Indigenous women and girls through its products and community impact.
Manitobah Mukluks
This iconic footwear brand blends traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with modern design. From cozy moccasins to durable mukluks, Manitobah Mukluks works closely with Indigenous artisans and gives back through community programs.
More about Winnipeg: 20+ Things To Do In Winnipeg On A Weekeknd Getaway
Birch Bark Coffee
Mark Marsolais-Nahwegahbow, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur, started Birch Bark Coffee to tackle water quality issues in Indigenous communities. With every bag of organic, fair-trade coffee sold, funds are raised to provide water purification systems for families in need.
Wanuskewin Heriitage Park
Wanuskewin Heritage Park plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan. Its gift shop acts as a platform for local Indigenous artists and artisans to showcase and sell their handcrafted creations, which range from traditional beadwork and paintings to contemporary jewellery and clothing.
More about this amazing place in Wanuskewin: A Visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon | EP. 4
Closing Thoughts
Along with delicious sweet treats, Raven Rising tells a story through every bar and truffle.The company’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous traditions is evident in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing ingredients to crafting unique chocolate creations.
By supporting businesses that focus on social responsibility, cultural preservation, and community well-being, we can use our buying power to help create a fairer and more equal world.
Ready to taste the difference and make an impact? Visit Raven Rising Chocolates to explore their incredible creations and learn more about their inspiring journey.
