IndigiMall.net is the First Indigenous Virtual Mall Rising Against Economic Exclusion in Canada
Toronto, ON – After the recent allegations concerning Instagram racially targeting Indigenous artists by deleting their business accounts without an explanation, Indigenous people are distraught. According to Maka Monture, it is the continuation of contemporary digital erasure of Indigenous people is unjust and needs to stop.
IndigiMall is a virtual mall that allows anyone to shop authentic Indigenous-owned businesses online. It’s a place where entrepreneurs are granted equal access to open a FREE online store, can integrate their store with Shopify or Woo-commerce and more. IndigiMall is a one-stop-shop for buying exclusive Indigenous-made art, fashion, beadwork, moccasins and accessories to promote economic reconciliation, worldwide.
“We are so proud to announce the launch of IndigiMall.net on January 21, 2021, as it comes during a time where we must stick together as a collective to overcome racial injustice.” Michele Young-Crook, Founder of IndigiMall says. “IndigiMall was created to be an inclusive and user-friendly e-commerce space for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs to display their products and services without borders.”
The goal of this platform is to provide a space for allyship, business inclusion and opportunities for Indigenous people to pursue their passion while being able to expand their offerings through e-commerce. Indigenous economic reconciliation is not a one-sided benefit. For Indigenous communities and individuals, it means the opportunity to take their place in the national economy, provide for themselves and their family, and the coming generations. Equitable economic opportunities and inclusion are vital to the livelihood of Indigenous people and their communities. The following determines why:
- The NEDB estimates that closing the productivity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians would lead to an increase of $27.7 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. This figure is the sum of the estimated increases in employment income earned by Indigenous peoples across all provinces and territories. Additionally, there is an estimated $8 billion “opportunity dividend” to gain each year from reduced poverty and lower healthcare, social and other associated costs
- Recent Statistics Canada studies highlight the extent to which First Nations, Inuit and Métis people may be more vulnerable to the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-existing economic vulnerabilities include a higher prevalence of poverty and food security, and a lower ability to cover unexpected expenses
- Corporate Knights highlight total federal procurement spend with Indigenous businesses is just $63 million per year (0.3% of the total $20 billion federal procurement budget) as compared to $1 billion of procurement from Indigenous businesses by just three energy companies
- Cheekbone beauty, Inuk 360, Ay Lelum The Good House of Design, & Satya Organics are the first Indigenous-owned and operated businesses to join the IndigiMall community
About: IndigiMall.net, a new online shopping mall experience to discover trendy, authentic, and ethical Indigenous brands. Develop unity as you contribute to Economic Reconciliation when you buy Indigenous. Learn more by visiting our website, www.indigimall.net.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Pineda, CCO IndigiMall
647-785-5579
sarah@Indigimall.net
