Aamjiwnaang member wins $100K on Bears' Lair

An Anishinaabe member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation has been declared the grand finale winner of a television series featuring a group of entrepreneurs.

Chelsee Pettit won the second season of the reality business competition Bears' Lair, which aired on APTN [Aboriginal Peoples Television Network] earlier this week, and was presented a cheque for $100,000.

Pettit is working to increase visibility of Indigenous language and designs through her store Aaniin Retail Inc. in Toronto. Aaniin means hello in Anishinaabemowin.

The show's producers called the store, which is located in Stackt Market on Bathurst Street, "an inspirational example of expansive growth and creating lasting social and economic impact."

Aamjiwnaang First Nation member Chelsee Pettit, owner of Aaniin Retail Inc., was declared the winner of Bears' Lair. Image courtesy of Pender PR.

"Aaniin Retail Inc. is Canada’s first department store that is 100% Indigenous-owned. It houses various Indigenous brands and businesses both in store and via their online platform," they said in a news release announcing the winner.

Pettit, who grew up in Sarnia and graduated from St. Michael Catholic School in Bright's Grove and St. Christopher's Secondary School, said during her pitch that Indigenous Peoples were original trades people and have always been entrepreneurs and people of commerce.

"I am trying to reclaim these different channels, in a colonial setting," Pettit added. "My personal mission is to reclaim the Indigenous economy through fashion and commerce.”

Aamjiwnaang First Nation member Chelsee Pettit, owner of Aaniin Retail Inc., was declared the winner of Bears' Lair. Image courtesy of Pender PR.Pettit is planning to start purchasing wholesale from vendors with the winnings.

Bears' Lair creator and executive producer Geena Jackson said it has been "a dream come true" to create a program that elevates Indigenous entrepreneurs from all over Canada.

"My biggest congratulations goes to all of the incredible entrepreneurs who showcased their talents, passions and dreams through entrepreneurship. I am so proud of everyone and wish them a lifetime of success," said Jackson. "The winner of the Bears' Lair season 2, Chelsee Pettit from Aaniin Retail Inc. exemplifies everything this program is about – supporting each other, raising each other up, giving back and making a positive impact in Indigenous lives and beyond. She is a champion in every way. Watching her grow throughout the series has been phenomenal and I am confident that her future will be bright!"

The second season of Bears' Lair can be streamed on APTN lumi.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation member Chelsee Pettit, owner of Aaniin Retail Inc., was declared the winner of Bears' Lair. Image courtesy of Pender PR.