Indigenous social network launched with focus on economic development

A new social network dedicated to global Indigenous business and economic development has launched recently, thanks to a First Nations student at Western University and her husband. The Barberstocks created the Okwaho Network to connect Indigenous businesspeople with each other and with non-Indigenous people who want to work with Indigenous communities and businesses. Members of the site can share best practices, review businesses, and explore career opportunities while promoting their own business or community. The overall goals of the site are to generate economic opportunities and remove barriers for small businesses. “One thing that is neat to me is the original peoples of this land always had an entrepreneurial spirit, always found a way to trade and do commerce together. It’s in our blood to be able to go into business,” said Rye Barberstock. Shyra Barberstock added, “we did it because we want to see things improve for Indigenous communities and people. That’s where our heart is on this.” The site’s outreach includes Indigenous individuals and businesses not only in Canada, but across North America and globally. WesternU News | Okwaho Network