Great Lakes Wire

Across Michigan, Indigenous-owned businesses are making significant contributions by building infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and creating opportunities for their communities. Companies such as Northern Lights Family Outfitters and Jeta Corporation are not only expanding their operations but also strengthening the local economy.

Indigenous businesses and industry leaders are forming partnerships based on mutual respect and shared objectives. These collaborations ensure projects align with community values while highlighting the role of Indigenous entrepreneurs in promoting economic progress and cultural preservation.

Shannon Redding, founder of Northern Lights Family Outfitters in Levering, Michigan, focuses on safety by providing flame-resistant protective gear to energy and infrastructure workers. Her business collaborates with companies like Enbridge to supply necessary equipment at job sites across Michigan. "Enbridge truly is trying to support Michigan, and they’re trying to support local and small business, and in my case, Indigenous-owned companies," Shannon states.

These partnerships help strengthen connections between Indigenous businesses like Northern Lights and larger corporations such as Enbridge. This collaboration fosters economic growth and mutual respect while creating opportunities for both industries and communities.

Linda Grow founded Jeta Corporation with a focus on empowering women. As a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she advocates for environmentally safe projects like the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. "I support the Great Lakes Tunnel—because of their safety program because it will protect the safety of our waterways," Linda says. Her company engages in contract work for Enbridge through its Tribal supply chain program.

Linda emphasizes aligning with ethical companies concerned about nature: “I’ve educated myself on Enbridge...That’s what’s important to me.” Through her participation in major infrastructure projects, Linda demonstrates how Indigenous-owned businesses can achieve economic growth while preserving culture.

Both Shannon's and Linda's partnerships with companies like Enbridge have been crucial. Through Enbridge’s Tribal engagement program, these businesses access resources that generate local jobs and career development within Indigenous communities.

As the Great Lakes Tunnel Project progresses towards construction, collaboration between Enbridge, Indigenous businesses, and local communities offers an opportunity to build meaningful partnerships that include employing qualified Tribal citizens during construction. Tom Schwartz from Enbridge remarks: “We all have a common goal...Let’s work together.”

For Linda, Shannon, and their teams these partnerships provide more than just growth; they create real opportunities for their businesses while ensuring respect for land and people along the way.

Learn more about these initiatives through videos showcasing Northern Lights Family Outfitters' impact on their community along with Jeta Corporation's contributions toward environmental stewardship.

Article courtesy of Enbridge—a proud SBAM member—learn more at enbridge.com/michigan