I am the Owner of Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co. I am a First Nation woman and a member of the Alqonquins of Pikwakanagan. I am raising two beauiful young ladies that have been raised as members of Alderville First Nation. My children have been blessed to be a part of and learn from both of our families communities.

I have worked many years on and off reserve providing services to our people in education, employment and finance. I grew up in Lakefield, ON raised on a farm, involved in 4H and my
parents owing a butchershop. I worked both on the farm and in the shop all through highschool.

Before starting Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co. I attended University at the University of Manitoba taking Agriculture. After university I attended Red River College and completed the Business program. Upon my return to Ontario I worked at the Metis Nation of Ontario in Toronto for many years. Trent University in an administrative capacity for the Indigenous Studies Department for 9 years. When my children were born I took at position on reserve for Alderville First Nation as the Learning Centre Coordinator, which allowed my children to be in the community daycare and closer to me at work, which meant more time for my family.

Through perseverance and hard work, I became involved with my partner in building our farm business. My daughters medical conditions required us to really focus on growing food for her and the importance of using the land, our techniques and processes to grow meat that she could eat. Our Farm Shades of Gray Rabbitry, was started back in 2012 just for our family. In a few years it had grown to support local chefs, grocery stores, butcher shops and our families.

I began making pet treats for my poodles, which led to family and friends wanting my treats. So I did research, took courses such as becoming a Certified Raw Nutrition Specialist. I tested the market at local events, dog shows etc. Folks were interested and loved how we farmed, and of course the quality of the Treats. In 2019, Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats Co. was registered and we are growing at a steady rate. Keeping ourselves grounded to what’s important. The wellness of our family, which includes our pets. What sets us apart if our Quality, Federal Inspection of our meat and absolutely No Antibiotics. Our treats are balanced as nature intended for our pets.

I am a firm believer in the value of education and empowerment for Aboriginal people, women and youth. Teaching my daughters that through struggles such as food allergies we can deliver wellness through our food and the land on which we live.

Over the years I educated and used the knowledge I gained from past work experiences such as belonging to a number of organizations and committees, including the Education Committee for Alderville First Nation, Career Professional of Canada, Community Employment Resource Partnership (CERP) committee, and many more. While at Trent University I also sat on the Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) which taught me so much about our culture, our people and future of our youth and the importance of our elders in these processes.

I am a strong advocate for collaborative projects, establishing industry networks and building effective partnerships.

The Canadian Council Aboriginal Business has certified my company to use there Logo to let people know we are a business, owned and operated 100% by an Aboriginal person.

What’s required to become a Certified Aboriginal Business?
1. CCAB Membership
2. 51% or more Aboriginal ownership and control
3. Proof of Aboriginal heritage of owner(s), acceptable documents include:

• Indian Status Card, or:
Valid identification provided by the following:
• Métis National Council Governing Membership
• Inuit Beneficiary Card
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) Affiliate Membership
• Northwest Territories Land Claim Settlement Beneficiaries
• Confirmed Alberta Métis Settlement Members
• Northwest Territory Métis Nation Membership
• Membership in a historic Métis community recognized as independent and rights-bearing
by a provincial or Canadian federal government.

4. Applicants must also provide:
• Proof of ownership and control documents listed (based on the Ownership Structure Type) on our online application form.

Our business focus is to support the communities, youth, education and employment opportunities to sustain and empower our people to be all that they can be, use the knowledge
they have been given and take care of our land for future use. Encourage farming and eco friendly sustainable practices.