The Huu-ay-aht First Nation’s first ever craft fair was a success, according to Huu-ay-aht economic development officer Shawn Standley.
The fair was held Nov. 7 at the Italian Hall in Port Alberni.
“For the Huu-ay-aht citizens, this is this opportunity to jumpstart,” said Standley.
“Some may not have the opportunity to be entrepreneurs so the whole point for me is to try to give them that hand up.”
The fair allowed citizens to try out marketing their goods on a small scale with little capital investment needed before trying it on a bigger scale.
“For everyone here I’ve given them my card as the economic development officer. One woman sold $600 worth of knit socks!” Standley said.
“Perhaps there’s something I can do with putting together a business plan for you, perhaps there’s some funding I could get. Or maybe if I don’t have funding I could put them into connection with a financial institution where there are grants.”
If those connections can be made, then Standley is one step closer to his goal.
“My whole goal is to have every person working, paying taxes and contributing that way—that would be pure nirvana.”