Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

I was born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where I developed a deep connection to my roots and community as a member of Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Naton. After my career in social work came to a close, I moved to Vancouver, seeking new opportunities. I transitioned into supporting new start-up businesses in the oil and gas industry, where I gained invaluable experience and learned the tools necessary to become a successful Indigenous entrepreneur. In August 2021, I founded Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial with nothing more than a mop bucket and a broom. My motivation was simple but powerful: to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous peoples that have historically faced barriers to employment and economic development. The pandemic had further exacerbated these challenges, leading to widespread job losses. I wanted to be part of the solution. Our mission, "Building capacity and strength within our Indigenous communities through employment and training," is the driving force behind everything we do at Cedar Brush. We are dedicated to creating lasting positive change by offering employment opportunities, skill development, and a commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions and values. What started as a small venture has grown into a thriving business that has generated over $1 million in revenue since its inception. More importantly, it has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for Indigenous individuals seeking meaningful, living-wage employment. Every job we create, every skill we help develop, and every project we complete is a step towards building a stronger, more resilient community. I am passionate about this work because I see the direct impact it has on people's lives. I believe in the potential of our Indigenous communities, and I am committed to helping unlock that potential through Cedar Brush. This business is not just about providing services—it's about making a difference, one job and one opportunity at a time. I have lived in West Vancouver since 2016 with my wife and we have 3 children and 1 grandchild

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting Indigenous communities and other vulnerable populations throughout Metro Vancouver. Our impact extends beyond our core business operations, as we actively engage in community-focused initiatives designed to foster well-being, empowerment, and sustainability. Community Support Initiatives: Employment and Training Programs: Since our founding in August 2021, we have created over 50 jobs for Indigenous individuals, many of whom faced barriers to employment due to lack of experience or education. Through our training programs, we provide these individuals with the skills and confidence needed to succeed, leading to a 70% retention rate and improved economic stability for their families. Support for Vulnerable Populations: We work closely with vulnerable populations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, providing services that ensure their safety and dignity. In addition, our collaboration with families involved with child and family services and elders’ lodges has positively impacted over 200 households, ensuring that they have clean, safe environments to live in. Community Clean-Up and Environmental Stewardship: Through our Site Services division, since our inception we have removed over 500 tons of junk/recyclables from community spaces, contributing to cleaner, safer environments. Our community junk removal initiatives have not only improved living conditions for our clients but have also garnered recognition and appreciation from local community organizations, further strengthening our ties within the community. Cultural and Social Responsibility: Cedar Brush actively supports cultural initiatives and events within the Indigenous community, including sponsoring local gatherings, educational programs, and cultural preservation efforts. Our involvement has helped raise awareness of Indigenous culture and fostered a sense of pride among community members. Community’s Response: The community has shown its support in return by embracing our services, referring us to other organizations, and participating in our initiatives. We have seen a 100% year-over-year increase in client referrals, a testament to the trust and respect we have earned. Additionally, the partnerships we’ve formed with local Indigenous organizations and other community groups have strengthened our impact and enabled us to expand our reach and effectiveness.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial exemplifies what it means to make a positive, lasting impact in both the business world and the broader community. Here’s why: Empowering Indigenous Communities: As a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated business, Cedar Brush is more than just a service provider; it is a beacon of empowerment for Indigenous communities. The company's mission, born out of the challenges of the pandemic, is to create meaningful employment and training opportunities for those who need it most. By providing living-wage jobs, Cedar Brush is actively addressing unemployment and helping to uplift Indigenous individuals and families. Comprehensive and Culturally Sensitive Services: Cedar Brush delivers a wide range of services through its four specialized divisions, all of which are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities, organizations, and clients in the industrial and commercial sectors. Whether through the Indigenous Clean Team, Site Services, Indigenous Staffing, or Indigenous Home Care, Cedar Brush combines professionalism with cultural sensitivity, ensuring that every service respects and honors the traditions and values of the communities they serve. Commitment to Vulnerable Populations: Beyond providing employment and services, Cedar Brush takes an active role in supporting some of the most vulnerable populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. By working with families involved with child and family services, elders' lodges, and those who require extra support, Cedar Brush demonstrates a deep commitment to community well-being. Their efforts extend to environmental stewardship as well, with community junk removal initiatives ensuring that both clients' spaces and the broader environment remain clean and safe. Environmental and Social Responsibility: Cedar Brush's dedication to keeping homes, organizations, and the environment clean and safe reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The company's holistic approach to service provision ensures that the impact of their work extends far beyond immediate clients, benefiting the entire community and future generations. In summary, Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial deserves this award because it is not just a business, but a force for positive change, dedicated to uplifting Indigenous communities, supporting vulnerable populations, and maintaining the well-being of the

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial, our culture is deeply rooted in the values of community, respect, and sustainability, all of which are guided by our Four Directions (Spiritual/Mental/Physical/Emotional) . Our mission is not only to provide high-quality services but also to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. Here’s how we foster a sustainable and healthy workplace and demonstrate leadership in our interactions: Creating a Sustainable and Healthy Workplace Cultural Respect and Inclusivity: We honor and integrate Indigenous values into every aspect of our business. This means fostering an environment where cultural traditions are respected, and employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. By providing cultural sensitivity training, we ensure that all team members understand and respect the cultural backgrounds of their colleagues and clients. Focus on Employee Well-being: Our approach to employee well-being is holistic, addressing Four Directions of Wellness. We offer flexible work schedules, access to mental health resources, and opportunities for professional development. Our commitment to providing living-wage employment helps to reduce financial stress, contributing to a healthier and more engaged workforce. Opportunities for Growth and Training: We believe in empowering our employees through education and training. By offering on-the-job training and professional development opportunities, we ensure that even those with little prior experience can grow and advance within our company. This not only benefits our employees but also strengthens our business by fostering a skilled and motivated workforce. Examples of Leadership in Interactions Client-Centered Service: Our leadership shines in the way we interact with clients. We take the time to understand their specific needs, especially when working with Indigenous organizations and communities. By offering culturally sensitive services and maintaining open lines of communication, we build trust and long-lasting relationships with our clients. Collaborative Relationships with Vendors and Contractors: We treat our vendors and contractors as partners, fostering relationships built on mutual respect and shared goals. We prioritize working with other Indigenous-owned businesses whenever possible, creating a network of support that benefits the broader Indigenous economy.