For eight years, Victoria has been a steady and inspiring presence on the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (NIEDB), bringing both lived experience and a deep commitment to advancing economic reconciliation. As her term as Vice-Chair comes to a close, we celebrate not only Victoria's dedicated service, but the lasting contributions she has made to the Board’s work and to Indigenous economic development across Canada.
A proud Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation in Quebec, Victoria joined the Board in 2018 with a clear vision. Through her experience as the owner and president of Wejipeg Excavation Inc. and co-owner and president of Wejuseg Construction Inc., Victoria gained firsthand insight into both the opportunities and barriers Indigenous entrepreneurs face, particularly when it comes to procurement. When she developed her business plan in 2011, she identified the potential of federal procurement strategies to scale Indigenous businesses, yet found them difficult to access in practice. When she learned about the NIEDB, she saw an opportunity to bring her experience forward and help create more accessible pathways for others.
From the outset, Victoria brought a strong, informed voice to the Board, grounded in decades of entrepreneurial experience and complemented by her academic background, holding both a BA and an MBA from the University of New Brunswick. Over time, her focus expanded beyond procurement to shaping broader conversations about policy, access, and inclusion. Her contributions helped strengthen the Board’s influence in federal spaces, where she consistently advocated for practical, actionable change.
Reflecting on her eight years, Victoria speaks of reciprocity. While she gave generously - offering insight, energy, and leadership - she also gained invaluable knowledge. Through engagements across First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, she witnessed both the diversity and the shared resilience of Indigenous economies. Visits to places like Métis Crossing, and conversations with entrepreneurs across the country, deepened her appreciation for the innovation and determination driving community-led success.
She recalls with pride moments when the Board’s voice resonated at the highest levels. Engagements with institutions like the Bank of Canada opened doors for Indigenous perspectives to be considered within national economic frameworks. Over time, she has observed meaningful progress - greater representation, increased visibility, and tangible steps toward inclusion. While some of these changes may appear incremental, she sees them as significant strides in rebuilding and strengthening Indigenous economies.
What resonates most deeply for Victoria, however, is the next generation. As someone who once had to “kick open doors,” she now sees young Indigenous entrepreneurs confidently walking through them, bringing fresh ideas, innovation, and optimism. That, she says, is the true measure of progress.
Beyond the Board, Victoria’s commitment to community and leadership is equally evident. Bilingual and actively learning Mi’gmaq, she is a sought-after MC and the Principal of The Eloquent Hostess, using her voice to bring people together. She is also a member of a women’s hand drum group, sharing ancestral songs, and a dedicated mentor who teaches financial literacy to Indigenous youth. Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including receiving the 2024 Indspire Award in Business & Commerce, and her participation in prestigious programs such as the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, the Banff Forum, and the Harvard Program with AFOA Canada.
As she steps off the NIEDB, Victoria does so with intention—making space for new voices while continuing her advocacy through other leadership roles. Her belief in this work remains unwavering.
We thank Victoria for her vision, her generosity, and her tireless dedication. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and her voice will continue to shape the path forward.
I will genuinely miss Victoria, her impact on the Board and her contributions to the Indigenous economy of Canada. She was always prepared with solutions. She was instrumental in the creation of the National Indigenous Economic Strategy for Canada, which continues to provide a framework for government, industry and everyone in Canada to support Indigenous economic inclusion. I have no doubt that her brilliant mind and her strong voice will continue to lift others and influence positive Indigenous economic growth.
Dawn Madahbee Leach, NIEDB Chairperson