Aanin, my name is Mavis Sinclair and I am from Sagkeeng First Nation. My business name is Wiisiinin Oma. In 2012 I started selling food at our local Pow Wow using only a tent and some tables. I brought a fridge, freezer, Bar-B-Q and some food warmers to cook. The next year in 2013, I did the same thing, but then moved my stand to Brokenhead Pow Wow. I started watching shows on Food Network and was inspired by the people who would sell food out of their food trucks. I thought I would love to sell bannock burgers on the Pow Wow trail.

In January 2014 I decided that I was going to get my own truck and sell food. I called Sagkeeng Economic Development where Jeff Courchene gave me a few contacts to call. I talked with someone at Southeast Development and they told me about First Peoples Economic Growth Fund (FPEGF). I called FPEGF and talked with Fabian Sanderson and he gave me a run down on how the process works. He was my main contact at FPEGF. Fabian was very patient and helpful.

The process of applying for financing through FPEGF was a long one, there was a lot of details to work through. The whole process was about 7 months and I wouldn’t have my business if FPEGF wasn’t there. If I had not received funding from FPEGF, I would have applied for a loan with a bank. FPEGF was my first choice because of the interest free loan, their willingness to help and guide me in the right direction.

My business is going on its third season. My business is doing well. It is a lot of hard work but I love it. I love travelling to Pow Wows and selling my bannock burgers. So watch out for me at the Pow Wows and come and eat some good food. Thanks to FPEGF for all the help and making my dream of owning a food truck possible. Meegwetch. See you on the Pow Wow trail.

Thanks to FPEGF for making my little dream possible!